WANDERLUST NEWS
Festival celebrating 200 years of the modern railway to launch across County Durham and Tees Valley this March Festival celebrating 200 years of the modern railway to launch across County Durham and Tees Valley this March
While the first steam-powered locomotive dates back to 1804, it took until 1825 for the first passenger railway to launch: The Stockton & Darlington Railway.
And this year, County Durham and the Tees Valley will be marking what is considered to be the birth of the modern railway with a nine-month festival running from March to November – SD&R200.
Kicking off on 29 March, Bishop Auckland’s Kynren will play host to All Change, a show bringing to life 200 years of railway history from the Industrial Revolution up to the modern day through projections, a drone display, and 100 live performers.
Setting the scene for the rest of the events over the course of SD&R200, the show has been inspired by local historians and features projection mapping, large-scale set pieces and original music as well as performers from the local community.
Wondering what else to expect? Here’s our guide to SD&R200…
SD&R200 exhibitions
Railway Firsts
Where: Locomotion, Shildon, County Durham
When? Until 31 December
Shildon’s railway museum Locomotion will be putting the spotlight on ‘firsts’ in railway history, both famous and unexpected. Visit over the half-term holidays for a series of family activities as part of the exhibition.
More information: locomotion.org.uk
S&DR200 Presents Railway Pioneers
Where: Hopetown Darlington
When: 4 April-22 June
Putting the spotlight on George Stephenson, who built the Stockton & Darlington Railway and is considered the ‘father of railways’, this exhibition will look at the various engineering innovations that lead to the line’s opening. One for railfans, three iconic locomotives will be going on display: Pen-y-Darren from 1804, Steam Elephant from 1815, and Locomotion No. 1, which was designed and driven by George Stephenson on the first S&DR journey in 1825.
More information: hopetowndarlington.co.uk
All Change!: The Social Impact of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in the 200 years after 1825
Where? The Story, Durham
When? 25 May 2025-26 January 2026
The impact the invention of the modern railway cannot be understated, and this exhibition at The Story in Durham will examine just that. Focusing on Durham itself, the exhibition will feature letters, diaries and court papers that show the socio-economic impact the opening had, and its effect on daily life for those living nearby.
More information: thestorydurham.org
Fuelling the Railway Revolution
Where: Mining Art Gallery, Bishop Auckland
When: 27 June-December
Exploring the link between coal mining and the railways, Fuelling the Railway Revolution is centred around the Great Northern Coalfield. Works from artists alive at the time, including Thomas H. Hair, will go on display alongside those who have drawn inspiration from the Industrial Revolution since.
More information: aucklandproject.org
STEAM to the future
Where: Hopetown Darlington
When: 11 July–5 October
Bringing us back to the modern day, STEAM to the future will focus on green technologies being developed in Teesside. An immersive installation, you’ll get to create your own 22nd century train using virtual reality.
More information: hopetowndarlington.co.uk
S&DR200 presents: Tracks of Change
Where: Preston Park Museum, Stockton-on-Tees
When: Summer and autumn 2025
Preston Park Museum will open its new exhibition space this summer (exact dates TBC) with Tracks of Change. There, visitors will get to explore Corridors, a new installation from Rebecca Louise Law made from hundreds of locally grown flowers suspended from the ceiling, as well as All Aboard, an interactive exhibition for children where little ones can play in a replica train.
Dressed for Departure: Fashion in the Age of Rail
Where: Bowes Museum, County Durham
When: 25 September 2025 – 26 January 2026
A lot has changed since the introduction of the modern railway 200 years ago, not least of all the way we dress. This exhibition at the Bowes Museum will explore historic fashion, toys and artworks, with highlights including the world’s first toy train set and garments worn at key moments in railway history.
More information: thebowesmuseum.org.uk
SD&R200 events
S&DR200 Fringe
Where? Various locations across County Durham and the Tees Valley
When? August-November
Community organisations, local businesses and heritage partners will be coming together to create a series of events for the S&DR200 Fringe. These include a series of walks and events along the S&DR Discovery Trail (more on that in a moment).
Ghost Train
Where: Darlington town centre and Stockton Riverside
When: 20 September and 28 September
Darlington town centre and Stockton Riverside are set to experience a one-day festival over two successive weekends this September. Featuring live music and large-scale art installations, there will be shows to tell the story of the SD&R’s invention and its impact.
S&DR Anniversary Journey 1825
Where: Shildon, Darlington and Stockton
When: 26-28 September
The Stockton & Darlington Railway made its maiden journey on 27 September 1825, and to mark the occasion, a replica of Locomotion No. 1 and the passenger carriage ‘Experiment’ will travel along parts of the original line.
S&DR200 Presents WOW North East
Where: Gala Theatre, Durham
When: 17-18 October
Durham’s Gala Theatre will host the first-ever Women of the World Festival in the North East of England this October as part of celebrations. Featuring talks, commissions and performances, 26 women who have shaped the region will be highlighted.
SD&R200 Discovery Trail
The original 26-mile route of the Stockton & Darlington Railway, which stopped operating in 1863, is set to be transformed into a new public walking and cycling path. Opening in June, the trail runs between Witton Park and Stockton, with signposted heritage sites such as Heighington and Aycliffe Railway Station, the world’s first train platform, and Skerne Bridge, the oldest railway bridge in continuous use, along the way.
More information: sdr200.co.uk
Read next:
The 22 best new rail routes for 2025
