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Trains & Railways

Locomotion

πŸ“ Shildon, North West

β˜…4.7(4,554 Google reviews)πŸ’°FreeπŸ‘ΆAll ages

National Railway Museum outpost in Shildon with free entry, covering horse-drawn to electrified engines, passenger carriages, freight wagons, snow ploughs, and a Royal carriage. Pram-friendly throughout with knowledgeable volunteer guides.

βœ“ Free admissionβœ“ Extensive locomotive collectionβœ“ Knowledgeable volunteersβœ“ Toddler-friendlyβœ“ Historic buildings on-site
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β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…β˜…Featured review by M M

Absolutely brilliant attraction. Friendly staff on arrival, no problem with filming and photography for my social media content, spoke to Dave who was volunteer wandering around and gave me lots of knowledge about the displays, cafe staff very polite… overall a very enjoyable visit. Well worth a visit with free admission but donate if possible. Two large buildings with lots of locomotives on display with a vast range of mixed diesel’s, steam and some unusual stock like snow ploughs and an airport shuttle. Go and enjoy

πŸ† Family Action Verdict

Best for families with train-loving children, especially toddlers and primary-age kids who'll be captivated by the sheer scale of the locomotives. Free admission makes it an easy choice for a half-day visit.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

πŸ’‘Free entry β€” donations are welcomed at the entrance
⏰Volunteer guides roam the site freely β€” ask them about specific locomotives for detailed stories
🎟️Photography and filming are allowed throughout
πŸš—Allow extra time to explore the adjacent historic buildings if you want a full half-day

πŸ’¬ What Families Are Saying

View all reviews β†’
4.7
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4,554 Google reviews

Free entry β€” outstanding value40%
Impressive and varied collection30%
Knowledgeable volunteer guides20%
Accessible and pram-friendly10%
M

M M

4 months ago

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β€œAbsolutely brilliant attraction. Friendly staff on arrival, no problem with filming and photography for my social media content, spoke to Dave who was volunteer wandering around and gave me lots of knowledge about the displays, cafe staff very polite… overall a very enjoyable visit. Well worth a visit with free admission but donate if possible. Two large buildings with lots of locomotives on display with a vast range of mixed diesel’s, steam and some unusual stock like snow ploughs and an airport shuttle. Go and enjoy”

D

David Herron

a month ago

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β€œFantastic day out with our 2 year old who was in awe at all the trains! Free entry is a big plus! Fantastic selection of both passenger trains/carriages, working trains/carriages and even some railway snow ploughs! Really easily accessible through out. Loads to see and learn about the history of the railways, even kept our 2 year old engaged! Lovely cafe with a decent selection. We will be definitely returning!”

S

Simon Rolph

4 months ago

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β€œA really good day out, brilliant exhibits with great information boards not long winded like other museums but tell you everything you need to know. For a free day out donations are welcomed it really is a great day out. We didn’t have time to see the historic buildings but we will definitely revisit and take them in next time. Not as vast as there sister museum in York but it is a great museum.”

R

Rik

a month ago

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β€œLovely few hours today at Locomotion: the National Railway Museum at Shildon today with Dad. Travelling through time from hand powered and horse drawn to electrified engines, beautiful carriages and even Royal carriage. A huge range of working vehicles too, from cranes to snow ploughs and tank carriers Highly recommend if you're in the area”

Reviews from Google

Overview

Locomotion at Shildon is the National Railway Museum's northern collection β€” a large indoor and outdoor site tracing railway history from horse-drawn wagons through to electrified engines. Highlights include working vehicles, snow ploughs, tank cars, and a Royal carriage. Volunteer guides wander the site and share detailed knowledge about individual exhibits.

πŸ• Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Tuesday10:00 – 17:00
Wednesday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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