Head of Steam, Darlington Railway Museum
Head of Steam is the principal railway museum of Darlington, set in the historic North Road station on the original Stockton & Darlington Railway alignment. North Road was opened in 1842 and is the oldest surviving substantial railway station building in the world still associated with the line for which it was built.
The museum tells the story of the world's first public passenger railway and its lasting impact on Darlington and the wider world. Star exhibits include the original Locomotion No. 1, the engine which famously hauled the inaugural train from Shildon to Darlington in 1825, and Derwent, an 1845 0-6-0 representative of the line's early heavy freight engines.
History
The museum was first opened at North Road in 1975 to mark the 150th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, and was substantially redeveloped and rebranded as Head of Steam in 2008. The museum is operated by Darlington Borough Council.
Original line history
The Stockton & Darlington Railway opened on 27 September 1825 as the world's first public passenger railway, with George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 hauling the inaugural train. The line connected the Durham coalfield to the Tees at Stockton, transforming the area's economy and inspiring railway developments worldwide. North Road station was added in 1842 to handle the growing passenger traffic.
Stations and infrastructure
The museum occupies the entire 1842 North Road station building, including the original platforms, booking office and goods shed. Display galleries cover the early history of the S&DR, Darlington locomotive works and the wider railway story of the North East.
Route and stations
Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors
Special events and operations
Special exhibitions, talks, family events and visiting locomotives are programmed throughout the year. The 2025 bicentenary of the S&DR has seen an extensive programme of events centred on the museum.
Visitor information
The museum is on Station Road, a short walk from Darlington National Rail station. Standard entry charge applies; combined tickets with Locomotion at Shildon are sometimes available.