Flying Scotsman Returns To Shildon For Summer Rides At Locomotion

Flying Scotsman will return to Locomotion in Shildon this summer, giving visitors the chance to ride behind one of the world’s best-known steam locomotives for as little as £5.

The locomotive will be at the railway museum from Sunday 2 August until Tuesday 25 August, with tickets available for passenger rides as well as individual footplate experiences. The footplate option gives visitors the chance to travel in the cab alongside the driver.

Flying Scotsman first entered service in 1923 and went on to become one of the most celebrated locomotives in railway history. In 1934, it became the first steam locomotive to officially reach an authenticated speed of 100mph.

The locomotive later set another world record during a 1989 tour of Australia, completing the longest non-stop run by a steam locomotive after travelling 422 miles across South-East Australia.

Its visit will form the centrepiece of Locomotion’s free Summer Festival, a six-week programme of activities, displays and family attractions at the Shildon museum. The festival will include workshops, exhibitions and the return of the popular pop-up beach.

Flying Scotsman will not be the only major steam attraction on offer. Visitors will also be able to ride behind Locomotion’s replica of Stephenson’s Rocket, the pioneering locomotive that helped usher in a new era of railway innovation.

A programme of workshops and displays will invite visitors to “Think like an Engineer”, with activities led by LEGO bricks entertainer Bricks McGee, the North East Meccano Society, artist Dawn Belshaw and other contributors. The workshops will be free to attend and suitable for families.

The return of Flying Scotsman follows a hugely popular appearance at Locomotion in summer 2025, when more than 5,000 people rode behind the locomotive. Tickets for that visit sold out within weeks.

That appearance formed part of celebrations for S&DR200, marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway. The line helped launch the modern railway era when the world’s first passenger railway journey took place on the route in 1825.

This year also marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Sir Nigel Gresley, one of Britain’s most famous steam locomotive engineers and the designer of Flying Scotsman.

As part of the anniversary programme, Locomotion will host a “Meet the Engineers” display featuring Sir Nigel Gresley and eleven other engineers from the past and present.

The museum expects demand for Flying Scotsman rides to be especially high during the anniversary year and is encouraging visitors to book in advance before tickets sell out.

Sarah Price, Head of Locomotion, said:

“We believe that everyone who wants to experience that unique thrill of riding behind an authentic steam locomotive should not be prohibited by a high-cost barrier if possible, so we’re delighted to be able to offer affordable rides behind the iconic Flying Scotsman as part of our amazing summer offer this year.”

Image: Locomotion