Explore Shildon
Known for
Locomotion (the National Railway Museum's outpost, housing an extraordinary locomotive collection), the Shildon Works heritage (where the Stockton and Darlington Railway locomotives were built), and a County Durham town at the very birth of the railway age
A little history
Timothy Hackworth's Soho Works at Shildon built locomotives for the Stockton and Darlington Railway — the world's first steam railway. Locomotion: The National Railway Museum Shildon houses an extraordinary collection of historic locomotives and is free to visit.
Locomotion is genuinely outstanding and free — the locomotive collection is world-class. The Shildon railway heritage trail. The town's pride in its railway birthplace.
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Food & drink in Shildon
The town has local cafes and food. Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland are close for wider food choice.
Restaurants & cafes
Roam surfaces the Shildon food spots locals actually love.
Bars & nightlife
Independent bars and evening spots across Shildon.
Independent shops
Local butchers, delis and food shops worth exploring in Shildon.
For businesses in Shildon
Locomotion drives significant heritage tourism. Independent businesses serve the local community.
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Frequently asked questions
Shildon is a place in County Durham known for locomotion (the National Railway Museum's outpost, housing an extraordinary locomotive collection), the Shildon Works heritage (where the Stockton and Darlington Railway locomotives were built), and a County Durham town at the very birth of the railway age. Timothy Hackworth's Soho Works at Shildon built locomotives for the Stockton and Darlington Railway — the world's first steam railway. The population is around 10,000.
The town has local cafes and food. Newton Aycliffe and Bishop Auckland are close for wider food choice.
Yes. Roam is a free local discovery app live in Shildon and across County Durham. It is available on iOS and Android.
Local Shildon businesses can list on Roam for free in around 90 seconds. Add your business name, address, opening hours and a few photos via the Roam website, and your listing goes live in Roam's discovery feed for users browsing Shildon and the wider County Durham area. There is no subscription fee.
Roam covers Shildon and the surrounding area in County Durham, including Newton Aycliffe, Bishop Auckland, Ferryhill, Coundon, Spennymoor, Tudhoe, Chilton and Rushyford.
