Hopetown Darlington

Hopetown Darlington is a railway heritage quarter on the 1825 route of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, sharing its site with North Road railway station. Owned by Darlington Borough Council, it reopened in July 2024 as a visitor attraction and community hub for events and festivals, succeeding the Head of Steam Railway Museum. The site includes the 1842 North Road Station Museum, the 1853 Carriage Works with its exhibition hall and "The Stores" collection display, the 1833 Goods Shed (entrance, shop and cafe), the new Darlington Locomotive Works of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust, and the 1825 Skerne Bridge. Spaces offered for hire include the Exhibition Hall for medium to large events such as awards ceremonies, meetings and exhibitions; the Goods Shed cafe for exclusive evening use, group meet-ups and intimate gigs; the Goods Yard and the large Foundry Green outdoors for events, live music and marquees; The Stores for workshops (non-exclusive); and the Stephenson Room and Pease Room inside North Road Station Museum for meetings and training. Charges are bespoke, with a discount for charities and on-site partners. Party and corporate hire enquiries via the online forms or on 01325 405060.