Hopetown Darlington awarded Visit England quality assured marque
Hopetown Darlington has been awarded 94% in a recent inspection by VisitEngland’s quality assured visitor attraction scheme.
The visitor attraction quality assurance scheme is a recognised accreditation covering visitor attractions, museums, art galleries, safari parks, gardens, historic houses and theme parks.
Having opened its door a little under a month ago, Hopetown Darlington is the north of England’s newest visitor attraction and celebrates Darlington’s 200-year pioneering railway heritage.
The assessor praised the interpretation in North Road Station Museum, saying “the range of content was superb with the story of the railways and Darlington's role in this significant time in history retold in creative and imaginative ways to appeal to a wide range of ages and levels of interest.”
The assessor also complemented the redevelopment, saying “The historic buildings have been lovingly restored to a very high standard and brought back into use while retaining many original features such as the Booking Office and Toilets. New additions such as the tower leading to the Locomotive Works and the Experiment have bold, modern designs to complement the railway heritage. Having only been open 3 weeks the standards of decor were excellent throughout.”
Due to the high scores achieved, Hopetown Darlington will be nominated for three of prestigious VisitEngland accolades; 'Welcome', 'Best Told Story' and 'Gold'. Winners will be announced later in the year.
Libby McCollom, cabinet member for local services, said: “The feedback from visitors has been incredibly positive in our first few weeks of operation. I am delighted that the high quality of experience, and the work of everyone involved, is being recognised by VisitEngland and hope that more people will visit and enjoy Hopetown Darlington as we build towards our 2025 celebrations”
Visitors can plan their visit by heading to Hopetown Darlington’s website https://www.hopetowndarlington.co.uk/.
Site admission is free. Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge. Pre-booking is recommended to avoid disappointment.
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INFORMATION FOR EDITORS
Hopetown Darlington opened on Tuesday 16 July and has been made possible with funding from Darlington Borough Council, Tees Valley Combined Authority, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England, Historic England, the Railway Heritage Trust and Art Fund.
Within the Carriage Works, the Exhibition Hall is sponsored by Darlington Building Society and The Stores is sponsored by Bussey & Armstrong. Wagon Woods is sponsored by Homes by Esh.
Hopetown Darlington is home to a number of onsite partners including A1 Steam Locomotive Trust who occupy the Darlington Locomotive Works, Darlington Railway Preservation Society and North Eastern Locomotive Preservation Group who occupy North Road Locomotive Works (formerly the 1861 Shed).