Hopetown Darlington

19/06/2026

Adults only Wagon Woods went down a storm for tonights first ever Party On The Platform 😎 photos and clips to follow 🤟

19/06/2026

🧡 Join us tomorrow for a drop-in creative workshop celebrating courage, creativity and community.

Contribute to a large collaborative artwork, try simple screen printing and stencil techniques, and create your own A3 print to take home.

The workshop is open to all ages and abilities with no experience needed, just drop in anytime between 10am and 4pm and stay as long as you like. No booking required.

ℹ https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/stories/connected-communities-refugee-week/

19/06/2026

🚂 Celebrating 150 years of a true railway pioneer.

Discover the innovation and elegance of Sir Nigel Gresley in this fascinating film from the Sir Nigel Gresley Society, exploring the man behind some of the most iconic locomotive designs in history. With many of his locomotives built right here in Darlington, his story is deeply connected to our town’s proud railway heritage.

Watch the video and explore his lasting legacy. It's 40 minutes, so grab a cuppa before you settle in.

Find out more at: https://gresley.org/gresley150/

18/06/2026

🚧 To ensure everyone’s safety during the procession of the 2026 Darlington Community Carnival, there will be temporary road closures along the parade route between 11:00am – 12:30pm on Saturday 27 June. The affected streets are:

- Elmfield Terrace
- North Lodge Terrace
- Thornton Street
- Corporation Road (between Thornton Street and Bartlett Street)
- Bartlett Street (between Corporation Road and Widdowfield Street)
- Mildred Street
- Drury Street
- Pendower Street
- Widdowfield Street (between Bartlett Street and Station Road)
- Station Road (between High Northgate and Hopetown Darlington)
- Arthur Street
- McNay Street

No vehicle movement will be permitted during this time. Roads will reopen as soon as it is safe to do so once the Carnival procession has passed.

Find out more at www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/roadclosures

Thank you for your cooperation in helping to deliver a safe and enjoyable event.

18/06/2026

Great news for summer play at Hopetown 🚂

The government has announced a temporary reduction in VAT to support families during the Summer months. From 25th June to 1st September the 5% VAT rate has been applied to Wagon Woods, making it even more affordable so little ones can enjoy big adventures this summer for less.

☀ Great British Summer Savings pricing:
£4.30 per child [usual price £5 per child]
£3 per child [usual price £3.50 per child]

Plus the children's Loco lunch is included in the summer sale which reduces the price of the lunchbox, making family days out even better value.

More play, more fun, and more reasons to visit this summer. Book your cheaper play 👇
https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/plan-your-visit/wagon-woods/

17/06/2026

⚽🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Then. Now. Next... Let The Games Begin!

More than 130 years ago, Arthur Wharton helped shaped the future of football in England.

In an hour, the Three Lions take their first steps on another World Cup adventure. As we cheer on England (we've been cheering on Scotland, too!) we're also celebrating a pioneer who helped make the beautiful game what it is today.

🤞

17/06/2026

Did you know that Darlington railway preservation society official have a new page!

Go and give the crew a follow to keep up to date with all the goings on up at the 1861 Shed and on the new Heritage Line 🚂

Welcome to the Darlington Railway Preservation Society's page.
This page is run and updated by DRPS members, to bring you up-to-date news and info on what is going on.
Please like and share to spread the word.

17/06/2026

🚂👏 Great to collaborate with the next generation of tourism professionals.

We were delighted to recently work in partnership with Darlington College’s Level 2 Travel & Tourism students who explored what makes a great visitor experience here at Hopetown.

The students developed and presented their own youth-inspired group itinerary for the attraction, bringing fresh thinking and creative souvenir ideas to the Hopetown team - including a train magnet and snow globe - and picked up some knowledge of the Stockton & Darlington Railway and Hopetown’s mission during their studies.

A fantastic project and a brilliant showcase of creativity and insight.

16/06/2026

A lovely celebration of railway history at Hopetown 🚂

On George Stephenson’s birthday (9 June), we were delighted to welcome Year 2 pupils from St Bede's RC Primary School, who brought his story to life in front of proud parents, grandparents and families.

Through narration, a lively hot seat, a fun quiz and brilliant song adaptations to favourites like Sweet Caroline and Let’s Go Fly a Kite, the children celebrated Stephenson’s lasting impact on Darlington and the railways.

A brilliant afternoon and a joy to see young storytellers taking centre stage 👏

16/06/2026

🔎🚂 Step into 1925 for an immersive murder mystery evening like no other.

Secrets linger in the shadows of the station. Tensions simmer among passengers and staff. And tonight… a crime will shatter the calm of the railway. Explore the museum after hours, question suspicious characters and uncover clues as a shocking crime unfolds around you in real time… Your task is to piece together the truth before it’s too late.

✨ Expect:
🔍 Immersive storytelling across the museum
🎭 Live actors & suspect interrogations
🍸 Drinks & canapés included
🎩 1920s glamour & intrigue

Dress to impress in your finest 1920s attire, gather your fellow detectives, and prepare for an evening of suspense, scandal and vintage railway drama.

🎟️ Tickets are limited – book now before they disappear into the night 👇
https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/whats-on/Revenge-on-the-Railways-A-Murder-Mystery-Evening

🔞 18+ event only.
📆 Friday 14th August, 5.45pm