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We are open seven days a week. See the Visit page for more info.

Schools and groups can book free tickets here.

Please note New Hall will be closed to visitors from 28–30 April.

Visit

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.

Visiting as a group (15 or more people)? Find out more about group visits.

We're proud winners of the Heritage Railway Association's 2025 Manisty Award for Excellence.

Opening times

Please note New Hall will be closed to visitors from 28 – 30 April.

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).

Summer hours commence from Monday 31 March.

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.

Visit Guidelines