History & Heritage - Railway

The success of the Tees Valley hinged on a major piece of engineering history that took place in the region. The birth of Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825 set in motion a chain of events that changed the way people lived their lives and lead to the world being covered in tracks.

The development of the Tees Valley into the thriving region it is today can be traced back to the birth of the railways. Before that, Middlesbrough was just a hamlet and Saltburn barely existed.

As the home of the world's first ever passenger railway, it is no surprise that there are several attractions in the Tees Valley and Durham to commemorate this historic achievement. Follow our train trail, which takes you round eight uniquely different attractions. Experience what life was like here in the 19th and 20th Century at Beamish Open Air Museum or wander down a Victorian Street at Preston Hall Museum. See George Stephenson's Locomotion No1 at Darlington Railway Museum or visit the world of trains at Locomotion in Shildon. Experience authentic rail travel for yourself and take a ride on a steam train at Weardale, Tanfield or Shildon.

For more information visit traintrail.com