Welcome to Locomotion in Shildon, where you can have a fun family day out in the birthplace of the railways.
Museum admission is free. There's no need to pre-book an admission ticket, except for selected events and activities.
We're a charity and you may be asked to consider making a voluntary donation when visiting. Find out how your support helps us.
We're proud winners of a Tripadvisor Travellers' Choice Award (2021).
Visiting as a group (15 or more people)? Find out more about group visits.
Opening times
We are open seven days a week all year round, except 24–26 December.
Our opening hours are 10.00–17.00 (summer), 10.00–16.00 (winter).
A typical visit takes two hours.
Planning your travel to the museum? Head to the travel information page to find out more.
Food and drink
Café Number One is open daily from 10.00 until 1600 (15.30 during winter opening).
In our café—complete with Eurostar seating—we offer a range of hot and cold food and drinks, including a breakfast range, children’s lunch boxes, sandwiches, snacks and hot food for lunch. Download our current menu here.
If you would like to speak to the team about menus or special dietary requirements, or have any other questions, please call 033 0058 0058 and we will be happy to help.
Museum shop
Browse an extensive range of railway gifts, models, books, posters, clothing and more in our shop near the Main Hall exit. Alongside highlights such as our Flying Scotsman range, you’ll find classic train sets from Hornby and locomotive and carriage models from Bachmann.
You can also buy beautifully detailed models in our online model shop.
Useful info
Dogs are permitted on the museum’s outdoor footpaths, but must not be left unattended at any time. Dogs are not permitted in the children’s play area or in any museum building, except for assistance dogs. Other animals are not permitted.
Download our admissions guidelines for information about photography, restricted items and our full conditions of entry.
