Tucked away in the quiet town of Shildon, County Durham, lies one of Britain’s hidden treasures for history enthusiasts and railway lovers alike — Locomotion Museum, part of the National Railway Museum family. While York often takes centre stage when people think of rail history, Shildon has a powerful claim to fame: it was here that the modern railway was born. Known as the world’s first railway town, Shildon played a pivotal role in the development of steam locomotion and the spread of the railway network that transformed Britain and, ultimately, the world.
Today, Locomotion tells that story through its impressive collection of engines, rolling stock, and exhibitions that bring the industrial age vividly to life. Visiting the museum is not just about admiring gleaming locomotives — it’s about stepping into the social and technological history of the 19th and 20th centuries, understanding how trains shaped communities, and appreciating the heritage that continues to influence transport today.
A Town Built on Steam
To understand why the museum sits in Shildon, you need to know its history. The town’s railway story begins with the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR), opened in 1825, the world’s first public railway to carry both goods and passengers. George Stephenson, the legendary engineer, designed the line, and Shildon was chosen as a key hub because of its proximity to local collieries.
At that time, coal was king, and moving it efficiently to ports was essential for industrial growth. The S&DR proved revolutionary, not just in its engineering but in its social impact — it made railways a viable model for the future. Shildon became home to railway workshops, sidings, and housing for workers, and in doing so became the prototype for railway towns across Britain.
This deep connection to railway history is why Locomotion exists in Shildon — it’s not just a museum site, it’s a place where railway heritage was lived and breathed.
The Museum Itself
Locomotion opened its doors in 2004 as a partnership between the National Railway Museum and Durham County Council, with support from the Heritage Lottery Fund. Its aim was simple but ambitious: to create a museum that both preserves the story of Shildon and connects it to the wider history of Britain’s railways.
The museum sits on part of the original S&DR route, with the grounds including historic buildings such as the Soho Shed and the Goods Shed, which date back to the 19th century. The modern exhibition hall is a striking, glass-fronted building that allows natural light to flood over the collection, giving visitors a sense of space and scale.
Entry is free, making it accessible to families, schools, and tourists alike, and it forms a key part of the region’s heritage tourism alongside attractions like Beamish and the Durham Cathedral World Heritage Site.
The Collection – Giants of Steam and More
At the heart of Locomotion is its collection of locomotives and rolling stock. Because it is part of the Science Museum Group, Locomotion shares one of the world’s finest collections of railway heritage with the National Railway Museum in York. While York houses the famous icons such as the Mallard and the Flying Scotsman, Shildon’s collection is equally impressive, offering rare and fascinating pieces that reveal the breadth of Britain’s railway story.
Some highlights include:
- Locomotion No. 1 – The star of the show, this was the first steam locomotive to haul a passenger train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825. Though the engine on display is a replica, its presence is a powerful reminder of Shildon’s pioneering role.
- Sans Pareil – Built in 1829 by Timothy Hackworth, another railway pioneer closely tied to Shildon, this locomotive competed in the famous Rainhill Trials. Though it lost to Stephenson’s Rocket, Sans Pareil is a remarkable survivor from the dawn of railway engineering.
- Diesels and Electrics – The museum doesn’t stop at steam. It also houses examples from the diesel and electric eras, showing how railway technology advanced through the 20th century.
- Carriages and Freight Wagons – From elegant Victorian passenger coaches to the humble coal wagons that powered the Industrial Revolution, these exhibits bring home the variety of railway life.
Together, the collection paints a broad picture — not just of glamorous express trains, but of the workaday engines and wagons that built Britain’s prosperity.
Interactive Exhibits and Experiences
Locomotion is more than just static displays. The museum has worked hard to make railway history engaging for all ages. Visitors can enjoy:
- Hands-on exhibits explaining how steam engines work, perfect for children and curious adults alike.
- Guided tours from knowledgeable staff and volunteers, many of whom have a personal or family connection to the railways.
- Restoration workshops, where visitors can sometimes see engines and vehicles being repaired and preserved.
- Outdoor exhibits, including historic buildings, sidings, and demonstration tracks that bring the site to life.
The museum also runs a calendar of special events, from steam galas and classic car rallies to family activity days. These events are particularly popular with enthusiasts, as they sometimes involve visiting locomotives or the chance to ride behind historic engines.
Locomotion and the Community
What sets Locomotion apart from some larger museums is its strong sense of community. Many of the museum’s staff and volunteers are from Shildon and the surrounding area, and there is a real pride in telling the story of their town. The museum has become a cultural hub for the region, offering education programmes for schools, heritage trails, and partnerships with local groups.
Shildon itself embraces its railway identity. Streets are named after engineers like Stephenson and Hackworth, and murals around town reflect its heritage. For locals, Locomotion is both a reminder of their past and a bridge to the wider world, attracting visitors from across the UK and beyond.
The Future of Locomotion
Locomotion is part of an evolving story. In recent years, investment has been announced for expansion, with new storage buildings planned to house and display even more of the Science Museum Group’s collection. This means Shildon will increasingly become a national centre for railway preservation, ensuring that fragile and rare pieces are kept safe for generations to come.
There is also an ongoing focus on sustainability, as the museum looks for ways to engage with contemporary debates around transport, energy, and climate change. By looking at how railways shaped the past, Locomotion also prompts reflection on how they can shape the future.
Visiting Locomotion
For those planning a trip:
- Opening Times: Generally open daily, though it’s best to check the official website for seasonal hours and event days.
- Admission: Free, though donations are encouraged.
- Getting There: Shildon has its own railway station, just a short walk from the museum. By car, it’s a straightforward drive from Durham, Darlington, or Bishop Auckland.
- Facilities: The site includes a café, shop, picnic areas, and accessible facilities, making it family-friendly.
A visit typically takes between two and four hours, though enthusiasts could easily spend a full day exploring the collection and the surrounding historic railway town.
Why Locomotion Matters
Locomotion is not just a museum about trains — it’s a museum about how railways changed the world. In Shildon, you see the origins of a revolution that transformed economies, reshaped landscapes, and altered how people lived and travelled. Standing beside an engine like Sans Pareil, you are reminded that the railway age was built by innovators and workers who dared to push the boundaries of what was possible.
For families, it’s a fun and educational day out. For railway enthusiasts, it’s a pilgrimage site. For historians, it’s a vital piece of the puzzle of industrial Britain. And for Shildon, it is a proud reminder that this quiet town was once at the very heart of global change.
Conclusion
The Locomotion Museum in Shildon is a place where history comes alive. It’s where you can trace the story of the world’s first railway town, admire engines that changed the course of industry, and connect with the community that grew around them. Free to enter and endlessly fascinating, it is one of the jewels of Britain’s heritage landscape.
Whether you’re a lifelong railway buff or simply curious about how steam and steel shaped our world, Locomotion is well worth the journey. In its engines, exhibits, and very location, it tells a story that is as much about people as it is about machines — a story that continues to inspire, almost 200 years after the first train puffed its way down the line.
