This month we are looking at the latest S&DR visitor attraction to entice people from near and far – that is Hopetown in Darlington. This major visitor attraction is centred on an internationally significant collection of S&DR railway buildings. This podcast will explore these buildings and the new attraction that is the result of £35 million worth of funding.

In stars of the S&DR we will also learn a little about George Stephenson. No, not the world renowned engineer George Stephenson, but a different one! Listen to find out more.

Discover the fascinating stories and events from the past month and find out about upcoming events (even more of them now that 2025 looms near) and the latest news on the conservation, interpretation and commemoration of the S&DR.

So, plug in your headphones and enjoy a journey through railway history, heritage, and the vibrant community efforts leading up to the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 2025.

Many thanks to Archie Mackay for editing this while on holiday and to Niall Hammond for covering for Archie while Archie had Covid. Thanks also to Lee Morris for being George Stephenson and to Dave Reynolds for our theme music. A special thank you to Janet Preshous of the A1 Steam Locomotive Trust and Richard Snowden of the Darlington Railway Preservation Society for joining us at Hopetown.