# Locomotion, Shildon — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Explore centuries of railway heritage at this Shildon museum, featuring historic locomotives and hands-on exhibits. Kids can enjoy the outdoor play area while families discover the fascinating story of Britain's railway pioneers. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/shildon/attractions/locomotion (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Museum # Locomotion The National Railway Museum at Shildon [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=3892859399170354395&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Locomotion](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/103015279768057470267) **In short:** Locomotion is a museum in Shildon, rated 4.7 out of 5 from 4,786 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Locomotion Explore centuries of railway heritage at this Shildon museum, featuring historic locomotives and hands-on exhibits. Kids can enjoy the outdoor play area while families discover the fascinating story of Britain's railway pioneers. ## What's nearby - Eden Grange Fishery 500m away - Perfect Home & Garden 500m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Parking - ✓Free car park - ✓Free street ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet - ✓Accessible seating ### Payment - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Tuesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Wednesday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Thursday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Friday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Saturday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM **Sunday** 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [KEVIN EMERY](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/114777353656415496137/reviews) ★★★★★ Birthday day out. Brilliant place. Trains trains and more trains. Not to be missed. Not the crowds of York NRM. Great staff. Informative well laid out sheds. Free parking. Free entry but please make a donation as this place doesnt run on fresh air. · via Google [Marcin Paszek](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103640697161478781812/reviews) ★★★★★ Had an absolutely fantastic time at the during the Festival of Steam! The atmosphere was incredible—full of energy, history, and excitement for all ages. Seeing the beautifully preserved locomotives up close and watching them come to life was something special. The event was really well organised, with plenty to see and do throughout the day. Staff and volunteers were friendly, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about what they do, which made the experience even better. One thing I’d highly recommend: pay the extra for the train ride. It’s 100% worth it! Riding behind a steam locomotive adds a whole new level to the visit and makes it truly unforgettable. A special mention has to go to the wagon with the sensor-activated mooing cow—honestly one of the funniest things for children (and adults too!). Little touches like that really make the visit memorable. Adding even more interactive elements for kids would make it even better. The only other small improvement I’d suggest is the restaurant—while the food was decent, a wider variety of meal options would make the experience even better. If you’re even slightly interested in trains, history, or just a great day out—this is a must-visit. Already looking forward to going again in two weeks time for Magnificent models weekend!!! · via Google [Mary Finney](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103527802288705462502/reviews) ★★★★★ Fantastic Museum. Not dog Friendly though. I would suggest if you are walking the Amazing Historic S&DR Heritage Trail with the family and dogs. The Only refreshments on the Trail between Shildon and Toft hill is Broom Mill Farm which shows as a Green Bench. Fantastic food and great VFM plenty of outdoor benches on the terrace and a covered area as well. Honestly fantastic place. I stop here 2 or 3 times a week. Farm shop is great too · via Google [Famwood123](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100108078013034428498/reviews) ★★★★★ A really lovely day out! Free entry, but you can donate. The cafe is lovely, and the Victoria sponge was great. Loads of really interesting exhibits from all eras of British railways. ☆☆☆☆☆ · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487e831a6ab2fa05:0x360636ff9016ecdb!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Visitors say this railway museum offers a vast collection of historic locomotives and rolling stock, with many interactive exhibits and activities for children. They also highlight the free entry and ample parking, making it a great value day out for families. Others mention the friendly and knowledgeable staff, as well as the clean and well-maintained facilities. Summary via Google ## At a glance **Address** Dale Road Industrial Estate, Shildon, DL4 2RE [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.6242653%2C-1.6309604) **Category** Museums & Galleries **Guest rating** 4.7 / 5 (4,786 reviews) **Suitable for** All Ages **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Shildon [More attractions in Shildon](https://staycation.co.uk/shildon/attractions) ★ 4.7 (4,786 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.nrm.org.uk/PlanaVisit/VisitShildon?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [01388 771444](tel:01388771444) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Shildon **Postcode** DL4 2RE **Payment** Contactless **Plus Code** 9C6WJ9F9+PJ [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487e831a6ab2fa05:0x360636ff9016ecdb!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487e831a6ab2fa05:0x360636ff9016ecdb!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487e831a6ab2fa05:0x360636ff9016ecdb!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Shildon Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DShildon%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/shildon/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/shildon/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Locomotion? Locomotion is open Mon–Sun 10am–5pm (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Locomotion any good? Locomotion is rated 4.7 out of 5 from 4,786 Google reviews. ### Is Locomotion good for children? Yes, Locomotion is listed as good for children. ### Is Locomotion indoors or outdoors? Locomotion has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Locomotion suitable for? Locomotion suits all ages. ### Is Locomotion wheelchair accessible? Locomotion has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### Is there parking at Locomotion? Yes: free car park and free street parking. ### How do I contact Locomotion? Call Locomotion on +44 330 058 0058. ## Stay near Locomotion [Holiday cottages nearby 141](https://staycation.co.uk/near/locomotion/cottages) [Campsites nearby 21](https://staycation.co.uk/near/locomotion/camping) ## More near Locomotion ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Redworth Hall Hotel ★ 4.2 · 1.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newton-aycliffe/hotels/redworth-hall-hotel) - [Premier Inn Bishop Auckland ★ 4.4 · 2.5 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels/premier-inn-bishop-auckland) - [Park Head Hotel & Restaurant ★ 4.2 · 3.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/hotels/park-head-hotel-restaurant) - [Premier Inn Durham Newton Aycliffe ★ 4.2 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newton-aycliffe/hotels/premier-inn-durham-newton-aycliffe) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [Freville Cottage 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/freville-cottage-ukc60) - [Peartree Cottage 1.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/peartree-cottage-uk13435) - [27 West Green 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/cottages/27-west-green-syk1196010) - [Applegarth House 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/cottages/applegarth-house-uk10061) ### Campsites nearby - [Eden Grange Glamping ★ 4.6 · 0.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/shildon/camping/eden-grange-glamping-shildon) - [Middridge Meadows Livery Certificated Location 1.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/middridge-meadows-livery-certificated-location) - [Countryview Caravan and Camping Site ★ 4.4 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/darlington/camping/countryview-caravan-and-camping-site) - [The Countryman & Countryview Campsite ★ 4.4 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/the-countryman-countryview-campsite) ### Things to do nearby - [Newton Aycliffe Leisure Centre ★ 4.3 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newton-aycliffe/attractions/newton-aycliffe-leisure-centre) - [Planet Leisure ★ 4.3 · 3.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newton-aycliffe/attractions/planet-leisure) - [Ruff N Tumble Adventure World ★ 4.3 · 3.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/newton-aycliffe/attractions/ruff-n-tumble-adventure-world) - [Kynren ★ 4.8 · 3.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/bishop-auckland/attractions/kynren)