The Stockton & Darlington Railway (S&DR) Discovery Trail connects key heritage sites between Witton Park in County Durham and Stockton in Tees Valley, including Shildon, Darlington, Heighington, and Eaglescliffe. Interpretation panels, lineside signs, and public artworks, including nine murals, guide visitors along the route, revealing the rich history of the railway that changed the world.
It is a key part of the legacy of S&DR200 – a nine-month festival delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton Festival to celebrate the 200th anniversary of S&DR.
The Trail of Discovery app, voiced by broadcaster Steph McGovern, uses augmented reality to bring the route to life. The interactive game allows visitors to unlock stories, podcasts, and digital experiences at key locations, building their own virtual cavalcade and deepening their understanding of the S&DR’s legacy.
The Trail of Discovery links directly to key museums, including Locomotion, Hopetown and Preston Park Museum & Grounds.
Completed sections of the Trail of Discovery can be accessed on foot, by bike and by train. Stations along the original route include Shildon, Newton Aycliffe, Heighington, North Road, Dinsdale and Eaglescliffe. Visitors can use the Northern service on the Bishop Line which runs from Bishop Auckland to Saltburn, to start their journey by train.
Visit our destinations page to see a map of all the stations on the Bishop Line, or to check train times and book tickets visit the Northern website.
For more information about the S&DR Trail of Discovery, visit www.sdr200.co.uk/discovery-trail.
