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Steam rides return at Locomotion as half term programme announced

Steam rides return as part of a packed half-term programme of activities.

From Saturday 22 to Sunday 30 October, the Shildon museum will be open every day offering families the opportunity to enjoy a great day out, with free activities based around the theme of ‘Leaves on the Line’.

Visitors will be able to ride on the museum’s replica of Stephenson’s Rocket between 11.00-15.00 on Saturday 22 to Wednesday 26 October. Tickets will be available from the Welcome Desk and will cost £3 per person, with under-5s travelling for free.

Alongside steam rides, the museum will be running free, hands-on activities aimed at younger visitors. On Monday 24 and Friday 28, make an air-dry clay nature plaque, get involved with forest school activities on Tuesday 25 and Wednesday 26, and try your hand at cyanotype printing on Thursday 27 October.

Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said: “We’re delighted that we can once again offer steam rides for our visitors. Our steam rides were always a very popular part of our museum offer and it’s great to have them back.

“We’re really looking forward to welcoming visitors throughout the October half term period. We want to offer a fun-filled family day out that can be open to all through our free entry and activities, and we believe there is something for everyone here at Locomotion.

Throughout the week, visitors can also learn why leaves on the line are a real autumnal issue and how it’s solved, and get involved in the daily self-led activity.

Locomotion’s refreshed outdoor play area has recently opened, offering children of different ages and abilities the opportunity to blow off steam in a fun and accessible space.

All the activities during half term are free unless stated otherwise but some require a ticket which can be obtained at the Welcome Desk on the day of your visit. For more information, visit www.locomotion.org.uk.

For more information please contact:

Josh Chapman, Communication Officer, 01904 929515

joshua.chapman@railwaymuseum.org.uk

Simon Baylis, PR & Press Manager, 01904 686 299

simon.baylis@railwaymuseum.org.uk

About Locomotion

  • Locomotion offers visitors the chance to see highlights of the national collection of railway vehicles in Shildon - the world’s first railway town
  • Locomotion forms part of the Science Museum Group, along with the Science Museum in London, the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester, the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford and the National Railway Museum in York
  • Locomotion is a partnership between the Science Museum Group and Durham County Council, which is a major funder of the museum
  • Admission to Locomotion is free – visit www.locomotion.org.uk/home for more information