Locomotion’s Summer Celebration returns to Shildon from 19 July – 31 August, bringing train rides, railway legends and beach vibes to Shildon, the birthplace of the modern railway.
The free to enter museum is offering visitors the chance to step back in time with a ride behind a replica of Stephenson’s Rocket or the iconic Flying Scotsman, travelling along a section of the original Stockton and Darlington Railway, where the world’s first steam hauled, fare-paying passenger rail journey took place 200 years ago.
Just added to the programme is a rare chance to see the Class 67 locomotive that will haul the Royal Train until it is decommissioned in 2027, recently repainted in a brand new King Charles III livery – on display from 22-30 July.
Also on offer is:
Stephenson’s Rocket replica rides: Ride along a section of the original Stockton & Darlington Railway, hauled by a replica of the seminal North East built locomotive: 19-22 and 25-28 July and 1-3 and 29-31 August.
Flying Scotsman rides: The world’s most famous locomotive will be offering rides on: 5-10, 13-19 and 22-26 August.
Flying Scotsman Ultimate Footplate Experiences are also now on sale on selected days. Climb onto Flying Scotsman’s footplate while it’s in full steam to experience the sights, sounds and smells of serious steam power. Chat to the driver and fireman for a 30 minute run up and down a section of the historic Stockton and Darlington Railway line.
Seaside vibes: Kick back and entertain the kids on our pop-up sandy beach while all the family relax with an ice cream, a stick of Locomotion rock, or Dutch pancakes.
A rolling programme of hands-on, boredom-busting activities is also on offer including the chance to build a LEGO railway, design an engine as a lino print or jigsaw, engineer with Meccano, or help create a giant railway artwork.
The six-week event returns after last year’s debut that attracted almost 50,000 visitors and promises to be a popular draw as the region celebrates its pivotal role in the creation of the modern railway.
The opening day train on the Stockton and Darlington Railway started its journey from Shildon on 27 September 1825, with a recreation of that journey hauled by a rehauled replica of Locomotion No.1 set to depart from Locomotion on Friday 26 September 2025.
Locomotion is home to 100 vehicles — the largest undercover collection of historic locomotives in Europe.
Highlights include Locomotion No.1, the 1955 prototype diesel-electric Deltic, and a wide range of historic vehicles built at the legendary, now defunct, Shildon Works.
An iconic 8ft statue of rail pioneer Robert Stephenson was recently installed at the museum, standing proudly alongside the world’s first iron railway bridge, designed by his father, George Stephenson — a striking tribute to the North East’s railway trailblazers.
Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said: “This summer, Locomotion is your number one destination to experience 200 years of railway history.
“Encounter legends of the track, take a ride along the line where it all began, and soak up seaside summer vibes — all in the birthplace of the modern railway.
“We can’t wait to see you there!”
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
