View our Head of Steam leaflet - includes map and prices [pdf document, 1.2mb]
Important Announcement
Cancellation of Lecture: Due to unforeseen circumstances the late lecture entitled 'The Tornado Story'... and now what? by David Elliot of the A1 Steam Trust scheduled for Thursday 2nd September at 7.15pm has been cancelled. Another lecture will take its place on the evening for those who still wish to attend.
"Our Head of Steam museum is a little gem. On the site of the original 1825 Stockton and Darlington Railway, it tells the tale of how a few determined individuals built the first public steam railway in the world. Nowadays, we take for granted the railways, but the museum helps us to understand why building that first railway was such a remarkable achievement.
As well as being the birthplace of the railways, the railways were an important part of Darlington for decades and the museum also recalls that part of our history.
Come and visit, and I hope you have an enjoyable time."
Councillor Stephen Harker B.Sc. (Hons.)
Cabinet member with the Health and Leisure Portfolio
Darlington Borough Council
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Friends Guided Tours
The Friends of Darlington Railway Museum are pleased to assist Head of Steam staff by offering guided tours in the museum throughout the summer. If you're interested in coming along for a tour, please click on the link below for further information.
Museum Guided Tours [PDF document]
Museum Information
Following a £1.7m refurbishment Darlington Railway Centre and Museum re-launched on 5th April 2008 with a new name and a new look and re-branded as “Head of Steam”.
The newly refurbished museum offers a unique experience to visitors through interactive displays and audio visual equipment, telling the story of the history of Darlington and the impact of railways. Many of the highly popular old exhibits still feature, such as the locomotives in the main area of the museum and these are complimented and enhanced with new exhibitions and interactive displays for people of all ages. This Includes the use of audio, visual and sensory information, as well as other activities such as handling objects, puzzles for children and much, much more.
A new and improved cafe facility provides quality drinks, snacks and light bites, and in the summer months, this extends to include an al fresco seating on the platform outside. There is also a temporary exhibition room with a scheduled programme providing a variety of exhibits catering for different audiences. This new space will include exhibitions from the museums own collection, touring exhibitions from other museums and exhibitions of art and objects from community and school groups.
Other new facilities include The Northern Rail Activity Room – used for a wide variety of activities from craft activities in school holidays, to school visits, to talks and meetings. There is also a children’s play room for our younger visitors. The museum has a conference facility which can be booked through the Council's Occasions team on 01325 388410.
The Head of Steam - Darlington Railway Museum redevelopment has been funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Heritage Lottery Fund, English Heritage, Northern Rock Foundation, Railway Heritage Trust, Museums and Libraries Archives North East and Darlington Borough Council.
