Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum is a great place to bring your family and we hope the information below will help to make your visit even more fun and relaxed.
Access and Parking
We have parking at and near the museum, with level access for buggies. We have hearing loops at reception, and assistance dogs are welcome in the museum.
Buggies and Bags
We have limited space to store buggies and bags, but please ask our friendly staff and they will try to help.
Baby changing and feeding
We have a separate baby changing room in our toilets. Mums are welcome to breastfeed in the museum, wherever they are comfortable. If you would like somewhere more private, you could use the baby changing room.
Activities
We have lots of extra things to help you to explore the museum!
- Backpacks – our museum backpacks are a great way to help younger children get more out of their visit. They are available from reception for a £5 returnable deposit. They have been kindly provided by the Family Learning team from the North East Regional Museums Hub.
- Animal Hunt – get a sheet from reception and find the animals around the museum.
- Look out for our family art and craft activities in school holidays and on event days.
- There’s lots to see, do and touch in the museum!
Playroom
We have a small playroom near reception where younger visitors and their families can play. We have books, railway toys, dressing up clothes, puzzles and other games.
Food and Drink
Coopers Café has a range of delicious homemade food and welcomes families. They have a special menu for the under 12s, and have highchairs available.
If you want to bring your own food we have an outdoor picnic area with tables at the front of the museum, and you are welcome to eat indoors in the glass corridor if it is wet. Please don’t eat or drink in the museum itself.
Shop
Our shop has a wide range of souvenirs, toys and books to suit all ages and pockets.
First Aid and Lost Children
Staff at reception will be able to help.
Responsibility for younger visitors
Children are the responsibility of parents and carers at all times. Please be aware that the museum is in an old railway station which includes platforms and a footbridge. There are lost of things we encourage you to touch, or go into, but if there is something that is too old and fragile it will either have a sign on it or will be behind a barrier – this is for its safety and yours.