What’s on

From steam spectaculars to exciting learning activities, Locomotion has something for everyone.

Keep an eye on this page and our social media channels for more information.

Looking for the National Railway Museum? Find out what's on here.

Events and exhibitions

Passengers look out the window of a steam-hauled train

One Billion Journeys

19 October 2019 – 17 March 2020

Step into a black-and-white world of life on China’s railways, seen through the lens of acclaimed photographer Wang Fuchun.

Forces: Future Engineers

Half term

15–23 February 2020

Investigate the effects of forces on your everyday lives and learn how engineers conquer them in fun hands-on activities and opportunities to meet real engineers.

Half term

O-Gauge Gatherings

Demonstration

One Saturday every month

Join the Locomotion O Gauge Group to see live demos of locomotives and rolling stock on their test track.

The Hetton locomotive outside Locomotion

The Hetton Locomotive Investigation

Event

Dates vary

Watch world-leading locomotive investigation specialists as they try to determine the true history of an engine.

DLPG restoration sessions

Drop-in session

Selected dates each month

Watch the Durham Locomotive Preservation Group at work restoring Norwood in our Conservation Workshop and talk to the team about their efforts.

Available throughout the year

Collection Building

Permanent gallery

Open daily

Get up close to dozens of legendary locomotives from throughout railway history.

Jason Brown applies a coat of paint to the wheels of locomotive Dominion of Canada in the workshop at Locomotion.

Conservation workshop

Permanent gallery

Open daily

Get a great view of Locomotion's rail restoration projects from the workshop viewing platform.

Early Birds

Accessible event

Dates vary

A special early-morning session for visitors with sensory needs who wish to explore the museum in a quieter environment.

Children holding flags during an activity

Little Locos

Event

Dates vary

A special session for our visitors aged 5 and under.

Cab access

Activity

Daily

Get a driver’s-eye view from the cabs of some of our spectacular locomotives.

Vintage luggage next to a railway carriage

Guided tours

Tour

Every weekday

Join one of our volunteers for a tour exploring the fascinating stories and rich histories of objects from the National Collection.

Tours and demonstrations

A rail carriage being restored in the workshop at Locomotion, 2018.

Workshop tours

Tour

Dates vary

Go behind the scenes of our workshop and find out how we take care of our historic locomotives.

Shunting demo

Demonstration

Dates and times vary

We do all our own shunts: see our incredible locomotives in action on the museum's sidings.

Visitors to Locomotion take a ride behind steam locomotive Furness 20

Train Rides

Activity

Dates and times vary

Journey back in time for a ride behind one of our operating locomotives.

Events and exhibitions

One Billion Journeys

Forces: Future Engineers

O-Gauge Gatherings

The Hetton Locomotive Investigation

DLPG restoration sessions

Available throughout the year

Collection Building

Conservation workshop

Early Birds

Little Locos

Cab access

Guided tours

Tours and demonstrations

Workshop tours

Shunting demo

Train Rides

Part of the Science Museum Group