The S&DR Discovery Trail

A new public walk and cycling path, tracing the original 26-mile-route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway between Witton Park and Stockton. Along the marked path, users will find:

• Important heritage buildings, including Heighington and Aycliffe Railway Station, the world's first train platform, and Skerne Bridge, the oldest railway bridge in continuous use

• A series of new murals and artworks* (see next entry titled ‘public art commissions’)

• A new interactive accessible treasure hunt game, created by Teesside University company Tucan and voiced by Steph McGovern, which enables players both on the trail and digitally to collect knowledge about the 26-mile route, the trains that travelled on them and the areas of beauty they sit in. This game will include live podcasts, augmented reality where you can see elements of the line and how they worked, and the ability to collect tokens to build locomotives and create a digital cavalcade. This game is accessible to all and will also tie in some of the physical murals and public art along the way

*Curated by David Sinclair, S&DR200 has commissioned a series of murals along the route as part of the S&DR Discovery Trail, created by both international and local artists. These artworks celebrate the significance of the S&DR200 anniversary, focusing on themes of momentum, the community - past and present - and the rich history of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.

Thanks to the support of partners, including the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Historic England, and Railway Heritage Trust, these murals not only mark the route but also actively engage the communities surrounding this historic track and will do so for years beyond 2025. The murals will also feature prominently in the accompanying game and trail, enriching the experience for participants.