The Bluebell’s magnificently restored London & South Western Railway brake third No. 1520 has gone on a 6-month loan to Hopetown Darlington, to enable them to offer train rides within the museum site.
Darlington’s North Road Station Museum was opened in 1975 by the late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh as part of celebrations for the 150th anniversary of the Stockton & Darlington Railway. The museum was refurbished in 2007, and reopened in 2008 as the Head of Steam – Darlington Railway Museum.
After securing £35 million of funding, between 2022 and 2024 the museum, and surrounding heritage buildings, were transformed into a brand new visitor attraction, Hopetown Darlington. The name takes inspiration from the old Hopetown foundry works associated with the railways.
The classic features from the museum are joined by ground-breaking new attractions spread over a 7.5 acre site and incorporating other heritage railway buildings showcasing Darlington’s innovative history.
Details of the train rides being offered at Darlington are available here.
