This weekend marks a once-in-a-lifetime chance to step back into railway history — the 200th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway’s first passenger journey. From Friday 26 September to Sunday 28 September 2025, a beautifully restored replica of Locomotion No.1 together with the historic carriage Experiment will travel sections of the original S&DR route, giving people the opportunity to see and celebrate the trailblazing spirit that helped spark the railway age.
What’s it all about?
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The Stockton & Darlington Railway (1825) is often called the world’s first modern public railway to use steam locomotives for passenger as well as freight service. It changed how people travelled and goods moved, setting the stage for the industrial revolution and modern transport.
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Locomotion No.1 is an icon in railway history; even as a replica it stands as a tangible link to that era.
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This event, part of the S&DR200 celebrations, includes performances, art installations, local community events, and spectacle in addition to the steam journeys — so it’s not just for railfans but for families, history-lovers, and local community alike.
When & Where to See Locomotion No.1
Here are the key viewing times and locations across the three-day event. Bear in mind some spots require advance ticketing, others are free, some parking is limited, and many places are expected to be very busy.
| Date | Location | Time | Ticketed? / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Friday 26 Sept | Locomotion Museum, Shildon | 9:00 am ‒ 11:45 am | Ticketed. Must book in advance. Parking onsite. |
| Spout Lane Viewing Area, Eldon, Shildon | ~10:30 am ‒ 11:45 am | Also ticketed. No vehicle access; walk in. | |
| Preston Road, Newton Aycliffe | ~12:20 pm ‒ 12:25 pm | Free (not ticketed). Limited parking. | |
| Saturday 27 Sept | Skerne Bridge, Darlington (Car Park – daytime) | various times (event includes daytime & evening) | Ticketed; some times already sold out. |
| Darlington Market Place | 11:00 am ‒ 4:30 pm | Not ticketed. Live entertainment and giant screen. | |
| Sunday 28 Sept | Dinsdale Station / Middleton St George, Darlington | very early (2:00 am-6:00 am) | Not ticketed. For keen enthusiasts. |
| A67 (Airport to Urlay Nook), Stockton on Tees | ~6:00 am ‒ 6:20 am | Not ticketed. Elevated, unobstructed views. | |
| Stockton Station | ~10:30 am ‒ 1:00 pm | Ticketed, now sold out. | |
| Rochester Road, Roseworth, Stockton | ~11:00 am ‒ 12:10 pm | Not ticketed. Elevated view; roughly 40 minutes on site. |
Highlights & Other Events
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Ghost Train: The Arrival at Stockton Riverside: closing spectacle on 28 September with performance, illuminated carriages, music & interactive story-telling.
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Southpaw “STEAM” performances (dance, narrative & visuals) in Shildon (Hackworth Park) and Stockton High Street.
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Big Picnic in Hackworth Park, family-friendly railway exhibition, local bands, etc. Stockton and Darlington Railway
Tips if You Go
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Book tickets in advance for ticketed viewing points, especially at iconic sites like Locomotion Museum or Stockton Station.
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Arrive early. Many sites have limited parking, vehicle access restrictions, or are walk-in only.
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Expect traffic & congestion. You likely won’t be able to follow the train between locations. Best to choose one viewing location and stay there.
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Check the weather, bring appropriate outdoor gear, and consider combining with local festivities (picnic, art, performances) to make a fuller day of it.