Celebrating its 200th anniversary in 2025, the heritage railway received over £3million National Lottery funding.  

The project has supported the development of a new visitor attraction called Hopetown on the former Head of Steam Museum site in Darlington.  

The Museum, Goods Shed and Carriage Works buildings have been refurbished and now house a new exhibition space, archive and open store. A new café and improved access across the site have further improved the visitor experience. 

A digital animation using virtual and augmented reality of the entire site has been created, as well as a bespoke children's play area designed to link with the site's heritage.  

The award will firmly place Darlington on the map as a centre for amazing railway heritage.

Mike Crawshaw, Head of Culture & Heritage at Darlington Borough Council

The project is also empowering communities along the railway line's 26 miles to organise their own activities through a programme of smaller grants. These include:

• S&DR Music – exploring the sounds of the Stockton and Darlington railway
• IN2 Journeys – working with school children on an art project to explore the impact of the railways on geographical and social mobility
• Fighting Cocks – creating a mural on the the former Fighting Cocks station house
• Write on Track – developing a creative writing competition to celebrate the railway bicentenary  
• Young Engineers – working with school children to produce a miniature replica of Locomotion #1 

Mike Crawshaw, Head of Culture & Heritage at Darlington Borough Council, said: “The award will firmly place Darlington on the map as a centre for amazing railway heritage, enable us to display our heritage for the enjoyment of all our visitors, and help us to inspire future generations through imagination and exploration.”