Access Information

By Road

Hopetown Darlington is just a stone’s throw away from major national road connections.

From the North

• A1(M): Exit at junction 59 towards Darlington and follow the A167.
• A68: Take the A68 to Darlington Town Centre then follow the road signs for Hopetown Darlington.

From the East

• A66: Follow the signs for the SOUTH. Exit the second roundabout onto the B6279 to Darlington Town Centre then follow the road signs for the Hopetown Darlington.
• A67: Take the A67 and Yarm Road to Darlington Town Centre then follow the road signs for Hopetown Darlington.

From the South

• A1(M): Exit at junction 57 and join the A66(M) towards Darlington, then follow the A167.

From the West

• A66: Join the A1(M) NORTH at Scotch Corner. Exit at junction 57 and join the A66(M) towards Darlington, then follow the A167.
• B6279/A67/A68: Follow the road signs for Hopetown Darlington once you reach Darlington Town Centre.

By Rail

We share a site with North Road (Darlington) railway station. The station is served hourly, in each direction, by Northern Trains on the Saltburn to Bishop Auckland railway line. From here you can connect to the main Darlington Railway Station (Bank Top) which benefits from mainline connections to the rest of Britain.

Darlington Station is 1.5 miles or a 30 minute walk to the museum.

By Bus

We’re directly served by frequent bus services from Darlington town centre:

• Arriva North East routes 5, 7, 8, X66
• Hodgson’s route 16

Please depart the bus at the Hopetown bus stop located just after the BP garage on High Northgate.

Walking and Cycling

We are a 20 minute walk from Darlington town centre. We are conveniently located on a number of local cycle routes, so getting to us by bike is easy. Bicycle parking is available free of charge. Bikes are left at the owner’s risk. Please bring your own bike lock.

Parking is located in Skerne Bridge Car Park on John Street. Sat Nav users please use DL1 1LG

• Parking spaces (including limited accessible parking spaces): 202 bays
• Electric charging points: 10 bays
• Additional accessible parking is located on McNay Street, DL3 6SW

The car park is operated and managed by Darlington Borough Council. Parking is available 24/7. Parking charges are £1 per hour or £4 for a day ticket. Charges apply daily between 8am-6pm.

Once you are parked, please follow the signs to Hopetown Darlington. The short-walk between the car park and the main entrance involves using traffic-light crossing across a busy road.

Please respect our neighbours and refrain from parking in the residential streets around Hopetown Darlington.

The main entrance to Hopetown Darlington sits upon a bank. There is a ramp leading up to the entrance from the street below.

If you require an essential companion or carer, they can visit the paid-for elements at Hopetown Darlington free of charge. Choose ‘essential companion’ from the drop-down menu when booking your tickets.

Level Access

Where there are stairs there is also a level access ramp or a lift for wheelchair users or those who use mobility scooters.

Places to Sit

There are benches inside North Road Station Museum. There are seated picnic areas located outside of Wagon Woods. There are accessible picnic benches in the Goods Yard. The café in the Goods Shed has plenty of seating.

Accessible toilets are located within the Goods Shed, North Road Station Museum, the Carriage Works and near to The Kiosk.

Changing Places Toilet

There is a Changing Places toilet located within North Road Station Museum.

Hopetown Darlington is part of the BfN Breastfeeding Friendly scheme. You are welcome to breastfeed anywhere on site. There is a baby feeding room located within North Road Station Museum if you wish to breastfeed in private. Baby bottles can be heated in the Clocktower Café.

Guide and assistance dogs – including assistance dogs in training – are welcome everywhere at Hopetown Darlington. Water bowls for dogs are available in the café and on Foundry Green.

Hearing loops are fitted at the Goods Shed entrance and the reception desk in the Carriage Works.

Our dedicated relaxed sessions are on hold at the moment, but the site is quieter after 3pm. However, this is not a dedicated relaxed session and we cannot guarantee the low level of visitors.

If you need a quiet space during your visit please speak to a member of staff who will try and find you somewhere.

Tours can be arranged in advance for groups. Please inform us on booking if an interpreter or audio description is needed, or of any other requirements.

Hopetown Darlington can provide information in other formats on request. Please speak to a member of the on-site team or get in touch with us.

There are seated picnic areas located outside of Wagon Woods. There are accessible picnic benches in the Goods Yard.