Locomotion No.1: Where and when to see S&DR200 journey in Stockton

Stockton will take centre stage for the recreation of Locomotion No.1’s first journey, to celebrate Stockton and Darlington Railway’s 200th anniversary (S&DR200), on Sunday, September 28.

The original journey, which took place on September 27, 1825, covered a 26-mile route between Shildon and Stockton via Darlington.

Testing Locomotion No.1 on the Weardale Railway, in preparation for the 200th anniversary of the first train journey, from Darlington to Stockton. (Image: Graeme Rowatt Photography)Where does it start?

The journey will start at Locomotion, Shildon on September 26, passing stations in Darlington on September 27, and will arrive at Stockton Station on September 28. 

There will be official viewing points along the 26-mile route where visitors can see Locomotion No. 1, including Locomotion, Shildon and Hopetown, Darlington, before arriving in Stockton.

Where can I view Locomotion No.1 on Sunday, September 28?

Locomotion No.1 will arrive at Stockton Station at 11am. 

Public access to Stockton Station is limited to 300 free tickets.

Tickets are available for spectators to access the station and view the train for approximately half an hour.

Demand for tickets is expected to be high. 

Find out more information and book here.

A photo of the Locomotion No.1 (Image: Graeme Rowatt Photography) In Stockton, the official public viewing location is Rochester Road, from 11.30am until about 12.10pm.

No tickets are required for this area.

Visitors are advised to plan their journeys and arrive early as the site is expected to be extremely busy.

Rochester Road can be accessed on foot. There will also be limited free car parking close by.

Where else can I view it?

The Locomotion No.1 can also be viewed on the move from the Hartburn and Moorhouse Estate from about 10.30am.

There are no car parking facilities.

A carriage from Locomotion No.1, in preparation for the S&D200 (Image: Graeme Rowatt Photography) Read more:

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What is there to do after the anniversary journey?

After the 26 miles anniversary journey, food, drink, live music will be provided in Stockton town centre, alongside a large-scale outdoor production from Southpaw Dance Company and Ghost Train: The Arrival.

The festival team is working with Network Rail on the delivery of the event. 

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Councillor Nigel Cooke, Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's cabinet member for health, leisure and culture, said: “Not only is the recreation of the inaugural journey of Locomotion No.1, the highlight of the S&DR200 Festival, it is a highly ambitious project which festival organisers and partners have worked on together for five years to bring it to fruition.”  

S&DR200 director Niccy Hallifax said: “Two hundred years ago, the North East witnessed one of history’s most exciting developments, with progress on an unprecedented scale; from democratising travel, day trips, communication, newspapers, and time - the list is extensive."

She added: “Two centuries later, we invite the world to return for the 200th anniversary week of celebrations across County Durham and Tees Valley.

“We would like visitors to enjoy a gathering of community, local, and international artists, performers, and creative talents, all drawn together to celebrate the S&DR’s immense legacy and its inspiration for the next generation.”

A full list of the S&DR200 programme listings is linked here and online: www.sdr200.co.uk