An "incredible" Darlington museum is celebrating after winning a highly prestigious award. 

Hopetown Darlington has won the North East Culture Award for Best Museum or Cultural Venue.

The award recognised the impact Hopetown Darlington has had in both Darlington and the wider region.

The North East Culture Awards are an annual celebration of the thriving arts and cultural scene in the North East of England. 

(Image: SARAH CALDECOTT) Other nominees in the Best Museum or Cultural Venue category included Beamish the Living Museum of the North, Laurels, and The Story.

This award follows on from Hopetown’s recently awarded Visitor Attraction Quality Assurance Scheme accolade and the Welcome accolade, both awarded by VisitEngland.

Leona White-Hannant, Hopetown Darlington’s Development Director, said: “I am delighted that Hopetown Darlington has won the North East Culture Award for Best Museum 2024.

(Image: Northern Echo)

"It is fantastic that our new visitor attraction, which only opened in July of this year, has been acknowledged by the panel as the best museum in the region.

"It is a testament to all the hard work from the whole team to not only give visitors the best experience, but to help celebrate and promote our railway heritage."

Councillor Libby McCollom, our cabinet member for Local Services, said: “I am incredibly proud of this fantastic achievement for Hopetown Darlington.

"This award shows that Hopetown is excelling in its mission to tell Darlington’s pioneering railway heritage to all generations through playful and innovative ways.

"Hopetown Darlington is a special jewel in the crown for tourism in Darlington and the wider region.”

Visitors can plan their visit to Hopetown Darlington by visiting their website. Admission is free. Some exhibitions, events and activities carry a separate charge. Pre-booking online is recommended.