Locomotion visual story

Before you arrive

Opening times and ticket booking

The museum is open Wednesday–Sunday, 10.00–17.00 (last entry 16.40).  

During school holidays the museum is open Monday–Sunday, 10.00–17.00 (last entry 16.40).

You do not need to book a ticket before coming.

Quiet times

The museum tends to be quieter on weekdays and at the end of the day.

There are tannoy announcements through the day, giving visitors information on different activities taking place.

Our workshop is located in the back corner of the museum—it can sometimes be noisier in this area.

Getting here

Key transport routes

By car

If you're using a satnav, enter DL4 2RE for the main car park. Follow the access road—the car park is the last turn on the left. The museum has a large car park, where you can park free of charge. To reach the museum entrance from the car park, follow the road then turn right to the entrance door.

By train

The museum is a three-minute walk from Shildon railway station, served by Northern Rail trains from Darlington and Bishop Auckland.

By bus

There are regular bus services to Shildon from Bishop Auckland and Darlington. Arriva bus number 1 (from Darlington) and number 5 (from Bishop Auckland) stop on Dale Road, just outside Locomotion.

By bicycle

If you cycle to Locomotion, there are cycle racks outside the museum building.

When you arrive

Museum entrance(s)

This is the entrance to the museum building. There may be a small queue outside.

If you can't wait in the queue, speak to a member of staff and they will be able to support you.

Welcome Desk

There is a Welcome Desk by the entrance door. A member of staff will be able to help answer any questions.

Around the museum

Key resources

At the Welcome Desk, you can borrow:

Wheelchairs

Walk-rest seats

Sensory packs, including ear defenders

Explorer backpacks

You can also pick up:

Site map

Must-see guide

Activity trails

Key exhibits

There are lots of rail vehicles on display in the museum—you can find out more information in the Must See guide.

Learning areas

There are areas for object handling and craft activities set up around the museum building.

Play areas

The museum has indoor and outdoor play areas.

Taking a break

Bathrooms

Bathrooms for visitors are now available by the café, and near the office at the rear of Main Hall.

This sign shows where the toilets are.

This sign shows which is the accessible toilet.

Quiet space

If you need to take a break or would like a quiet space in the museum building, please ask a member of staff to help you.

Café

You can buy food and drinks at the café, located near the entrance door.

Picnic areas

If you prefer to bring your own food and drinks, there are indoor and outdoor picnic areas for you to use. 

Outdoor areas

The museum site is partially open-air and there are outdoor paths up to 1km in length to reach the historic buildings.

Shop

You can buy gifts and souvenirs from the shop, located near the exit door.

When you're ready to leave

Exit

The museum exit is located near the entrance. If you need a quieter route out of the museum, please ask a member of staff.

In an emergency

Announcement

In an emergency, there may be an announcement saying: "Ladies and Gentlemen, may I have your attention please. It has become necessary to evacuate the building."

This means we need to leave the building quickly and calmly through one of the fire exits. A member of staff will direct you.

We wait next to the green sign on the fence opposite the museum entrance. Do not go back inside until a member of staff tells you that it is safe to do so.

First aid

If you need any first aid, please ask a member of staff and they will help you. We also have a defibrillator.