Locomotion

Locomotion

Locomotion is situated in the world’s first railway town, Shildon which is around a 20-minute drive from Durham City. There’s a massive free, car park a short walk away from the main building and the building and grounds are very wheelchair and pushchair-friendly.

What is there to do at Locomotion?

Locomotion is home to more than 70 rail vehicles from the national collection, including favourites such as Sans Pareil, APT-E and Deltic prototype. Visitors can get up close to the trains, peer inside the carriages and even take a short journey on a train on certain dates during the year. The museum itself filled with an array of over 1,000 items from the last 300 years of railway history including real locomotives, art work and railway memorabilia.

On some dates throughout the year visitors can take a short journey on a train ( there is an additional cost for this) along the railway line. The gift shop at Locomotion is always stocked with fab train-related goodies. You can buy Hornby and locomotive and carriage models from Bachmann, wooden Brio for young railway enthusiasts.

Locomotion is always a fun way to spend a few hours even on a rainy day. It always seems very child focused and there are often activities in place for children around the museum there’s a small area with soft play blocks for younger children and usually a trail to follow for older ones. Outdoors, there is a small wooden play area in the shape of a train and some swings.

Locomotion is like a smaller, more intimate version of The National railway museum in York and a lovely way to spend an afternoon. If you can visit during warmer weather, you could probably make a day of it.

Further Information

Is there food and drink available?

The Platform 7 cafe is within the main building and serves a small range of food such as soup and a bun and sandwiches. There are also picnic tables and a grassed area for picnics outside.

What are the main things to do?

Children’s outdoor play area, picnic area, regular demonstrations and exhibitions, small preschool play area inside, occasional train rides ( extra cost), railway sidewalk. There are toilets and a cafe.