The S&DR Bicentenary Celebrations
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
The Stockton & Darlington Bicentenary is dedicated to safeguarding the legacy of the iconic railway history of the North East and Cumbria regions. Through engaging events and educational initiatives, we aim to inspire a deep appreciation for our heritage.
Events
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- Mon – Sun
- Closed
Steam Gala
Come join us at Kirkby Stephen when we host a collection of visiting steam locomotives and historic rolling stock
Photographic
Exhibition
Learn about the captivating history of the S&DR in Cumbria
Steam Gala
23rd - 25th August 2025
Join us for a landmark celebration marking 200 years of the Stockton and Darlington Railway, the world’s first passenger railway. This extraordinary event will bring railway history to life with multiple visiting steam locomotives, offering regular rides throughout the gala. Explore an impressive display of historic rolling stock, featuring pieces linked to the Stockton and Darlington Railway and Kirkby Stephen East, showcasing the legacy of this revolutionary era.
We are delighted to announce the first visiting vehicle for our Gala will be the "Old Gentleman's Saloon". It is believed this is the last operable vehicle built by the Stockton & Darlington Railway, specifically for the Stainmore route. We are most grateful to the owner, Chris Lawson, and the K&WVR for making the vehicle available to us.
We hope to make further announcements over the next few months...
Travelling Photographic Exhibition
April - December throughout 2025
This will be touring the North of England throughout 2025, showcasing a collection of captivating photographs from Stainmore Railway's rich history.
Current dates (subject to slight changes for logistical reasons):
- Appleby Tourist Information Centre: 19–30 April
- Penrith Library: 6–30 May
- Cockermouth Kirkgate Centre: 2–15 June
- Stockton Library: 18–28 June
- Darlington Library: 14–21 July
- Ravenstonedale High Chapel / Newbiggin Public Hall: 1–10 August
- Tebay Methodist Church / Hall: 11–20 August
- Kirkby Stephen Methodist Hall & ‘The Club’: 21–27 August
- Barnard Castle (The Witham): 14–20 September
- Locomotion Shildon: 6–24 October
- Cumbrian Railways Association Meeting, Penrith: 8 November
- Ex-S&DR Loco Shed, Darlington: 21–27 November
- Richmond Station: 4 December 2025–14 January 2026
Experience the magic of the past with S&D Bicentenary
Be part of the upcoming celebrations and Join us in honoring the legacy of the Stockton & Darlington Railway.
©Copyright. All rights reserved.
A big thank you to the North Eastern Railway Association, JW Armstrong Railway Photographic Trust and the
Cumbrian Railways Association for kindly allowing us to reproduce some of their photos.
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