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.

For a snapshot of museum highlights, download our Must See booklet.

All events, exhibitions, activities and galleries

A steam locomotive drives through the countryside

Young Railway Photographer of the Year

Exhibition

8 June – end of September 2022

See a selection of images from the 2022 competition on the theme of 'the Railway Seen'.

Summer Spectacular

Special event

25 July – 4 September 2022

Join us each week of the summer holidays to explore science and technology through exciting hands-on activities.

Classic Bus Rally 2022

Event

Sunday 21 August 2022

See a selection of colourful classic buses on display, with mystery tours available.

Kilburn's Warehouse Open Day

Event

10 and 11 September 2022

Take a look inside Kilburn's Warehouse—one of the oldest industrial buildings remaining in Shildon—for Heritage Open Days 2022.

Lates: Makers' Skills

Lates

Saturday 17 September

Join us for a special late event, co-ordinated by our Youth Team, as part of Heritage Open Days 2022.

Outdoor play area

Museum space

Coming soon

Our brand-new play area is under construction.

Coming soon

Locos in the collection building at Locomotion

Main Hall

Permanent gallery

Open

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

Shildon Rail Trails

Walk

Railway history is all around us—take a walk to find out more.

Children holding flags during an activity

Little Locos

Event

Selected dates

A special session for our visitors aged 5 and under.

Early Birds

Accessible event

Selected dates

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

A waterfall from a Teesdale railway poster

Talks with the Friends

Talk

Taking a break

Our monthly talks hosted by the Friends of the National Railway Museum's North East branch will resume in September.

View the exhibition

Railway Heroes

A collection of interviews with railway workers who have helped get key workers to and from their jobs and given back to their communities—and country—during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Talk at the National Science and Media Museum

Climate Talks

Online event

Available online now

Join us for Climate Talks, a series of panel discussions, Q&As and events exploring the problems caused by climate change.

Open Talk

Online event

Available online now

Explore issues around diversity and inclusion in STEM in Open Talk, a new series of online talks sharing the untold stories of science.

All events, exhibitions, activities and galleries

Young Railway Photographer of the Year

Summer Spectacular

Classic Bus Rally 2022

Kilburn's Warehouse Open Day

Lates: Makers' Skills

Outdoor play area

Main Hall

Shildon Rail Trails

Little Locos

Early Birds

Talks with the Friends

Railway Heroes

Climate Talks

Open Talk

Part of the Science Museum Group