Full steam ahead for Trail of Discovery

A landmark heritage and tourism project in the North East has unveiled a new walking and cycling route tracing the birthplace of the modern railway, complete with an interactive digital experience designed to bring history to life.

The S&DR200 Festival has officially opened its Trail of Discovery, a public route following sections of the original 26-mile Stockton & Darlington Railway line between Witton Park in County Durham and Stockton-on-Tees. 

The trail links key locations including Shildon, Darlington, Heighington and Eaglescliffe, with interpretation panels, lineside signage and nine large-scale murals guiding visitors through the story of the railway that transformed global transport.

Developed as part of the nine-month S&DR200 Festival marking the 200th anniversary of the railway, the project is being delivered by Darlington Borough Council, Durham County Council and Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council.

It is funded by the three local authorities, alongside major support from Arts Council England, Tees Valley Combined Authority, North East Combined Authority and The National Heritage Lottery Fund. 

Sponsors include LNER, Hitachi, Amazon UK, Caswell’s and Hampton Hilton.

Festival director Niccy Hallifax said: “The Trail of Discovery is a cornerstone of the S&DR200 celebrations. 

“It’s not just a route – it’s a journey through time, innovation, and community. 

“The web app adds a new layer of engagement, making history accessible and immersive for all. 

“Created by TUCan, which is part of the University of Teesside, it’s a live project that can be followed on the route itself or remotely and will benefit our communities for generations to come.”

A dedicated web app and interactive game, created by Teesside University’s TUCan Studio and voiced by broadcaster Steph McGovern, uses augmented reality to unlock stories, podcasts and digital experiences at points along the route. 

Visitors can build their own virtual cavalcade while exploring the railway’s historic impact.

Steph added: “As someone who grew up in the North East, and started my career in engineering, I am incredibly proud of the part our region played in the development of the modern railway. 

“It was a real treat to voice the Trail of Discovery game, which I hope will encourage even more people to connect with our fascinating heritage.”

The trail also incorporates the S&DR Active Travel Route, developed by Durham County Council with Levelling Up Fund support, encouraging sustainable travel while connecting significant sites such as the Etherley Incline and Masons Arms Crossing. 

A new bridge over the River Gaunless, built in the location of the original S&DR structure, is due to open later this year.

From 2018 to 2023, the Stockton & Darlington Railway formed part of Historic England’s Heritage Action Zone programme, aimed at restoring the line’s historic environment and unlocking its potential for economic growth, social regeneration and environmental benefits.

The Trail of Discovery links directly to major attractions including Locomotion in Shildon, Hopetown in Darlington and Preston Park in Stockton-on-Tees, strengthening the region’s cultural offer and reinforcing its status as the cradle of the railway age.

Reuben Kench, chair of the Stockton and Darlington Railway Heritage Partnership, added: “The Trail of Discovery and web app are fantastic examples of heritage, technology, and storytelling coming together to create a lasting legacy for the region.

“They really epitomise what S& DR200 is all about; drawing inspiration from our rich history of innovation to create new opportunities and enriching experiences.”

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