
Access Information
Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum
We welcome all visitors to Tees Valley Museums and aim to do everything we can to make access easy for everybody.
The museum is on the outskirts of Middlesbrough Town Centre. It is housed in a 100 year old building alongside Albert Park.
The closest train station to the museum is Middlesbrough Station, a twenty five minute walk along Linthorpe Road.
A number of busses stop just outside the museum, these are 29, 29A, 63, 11, 12, 13, 17, 17A
There are two accessible parking bays at the front of the museum just off Linthorpe Road, along from the cenotaph.
There is a small carpark to the side of the museum, however please note that this is via a pathway with a small step up from the car park and another three steps to the main entrance. There is also on street parking along Park Road South, running along the side of the museum. This is restricted to 2 hours on the side nearest the park.
The area in front of the museum is pedestrianised and the museum is reached via a gently sloping block paved ramp.
The main entrance has two sets of double doors. As you approach, the left-hand set is automatic and open towards you. The same door opens via a push button to exit.
Immediately inside the entrance is the Foyer where the tourist information leaflets are displayed, to the right is the café. Straight on leads to the shop and reception desk.
Admission to the museum is free but there are charges for some of the touring exhibitions and events held at the site. Carers go free and the person with a disability pays a concessionary rate. Under 5s are free also.
There is no fast track entrance system, but if you need assistance when queueing please ask a member of staff
The museum has two floors with lift access.
All floors have level access with a gentle ramp between the Linthorpe and Christopher Dresser galleries. Please be aware that the ground floor has parquet flooring in several galleries with floor set grills for the under floor heating system.
The lift has Braille indicators.
Seating is available throughout the museum.
There are two accessible toilets within the museum, one on the ground floor at the back of the museum and the other within the learning space on the first floor.
The facilities in the ground floor toilet include an alarm pull switch and baby change station. It is not RADAR key operated.
The facilities in the accessible toilet on the first floor include an alarm pull switch. It is not RADAR key operated. This toilet is only available when the room is open to the public.
There is currently no Changing Place facility on site, the closest facility is:
Please see Changing Places for further information about this facility.
The baby change facility is within the accessible toilet on the ground floor.
We will do all we can to help mothers who wish to breastfeed in the building. There are a number of seating areas and although we don’t currently have a dedicated breastfeeding room, staff will do their best to find a suitable private area if requested.
Assistance dogs are welcome. A water bowl is available on request.
There is a hearing loop available in the cinema and in the learning space.
A wheelchair and walker are available to borrow during your visit. Please speak to a member of staff.
The museum does not currently offer relaxed openings
If you need a quiet space during your visit please speak to a member of staff who will try and find you somewhere.
These can be booked in advance and usually last between 45 minutes and an hour. Please let us know of any requirements in advance and we will do our best to accommodate you.
Dresser’s Tea Room is through the entrance doors and on the right. They serve hot and cold drinks, light meals and cakes. It is a waited service, pick your table and a member of the café staff will be along to take your order.
There are no facilities for picnics, however the museum is next to Albert Park where there are many areas for picnics.
Head of Steam Darlington Railway Museum
Preston Park Museum and Grounds