The Flying Scotsman, possibly the most famous Locomotive in Britain visits the birthplace of steam rail travel for Christmas. Whether an avid rail enthusiast, keen fan of the Scotsman or not, visiting “the most famous steam engine ever” and climbing the steps into the cab to see the firebox alight is a once in a lifetime opportunity. Watching the engine breathe it’s steam in the winters air is sure to lighten an otherwise miserable winters day. Even better, admission is free, and it is right on your doorstep at Locomotion Museum in Shildon, County Durham.

From the 16th of December 2023 until the 7th of January 2024 the flying Scotsman will be available to visit at the museum. At any time of the year the main hall is also available for the viewing of famous rail icons such as the Sans Pareil, APT-E and Deltic prototype as well as activities for children, a gift shop and a small café being on site.

The museum opened in Shildon – the first real railway town – in September 2004 and it is home to more than “70 rail vehicles of the National collection”. A fitting location to visit with or without The Flying Scotsman, with rail travel being at the heart of Darlington an Stocktons heritage as the first British steam railway opened here in 1825 and was the first railway in the world to operate freight and passenger travel with steam traction. Shildon has become known as “Cradle of the railways” due to becoming Stockton and Darlington railways choice of engineering headquarters.

Why is the Flying Scotsman so famous?

Starting its life as the first Locomotive of the newly formed London and North East Railway in 1923 it was part of LNER’s A1 class (their fastest locomotives at that point). The Scotsman hasn’t always had the same look or prestige it has now acquired. However, it was selected for the British Empire Exhibition in London in 1924 where it was crowned with its name the 'Flying Scotsman'. The first incredibly impressive event being after the 1928 addition of the new type of tender and corridor. The railway museum continued by saying that due to this addition new crew could now take over without stopping. This enabled it to take the first ever non-stop trip from London to Edinburgh reducing journey time to 8 hours. Six years later in 1934 it became the first steam locomotive to officially reach 100mph. In 1989 it also became the steam engine record holder for a non-stop run with a 422-mile trip. It has also become the first steam engine to circumnavigate the globe.

With the combination of the impressive heritage of the Stockton and Darlington railway showcased alongside Locomotion’s main hall display this is an attraction worth visiting itself. Combine this with the accolades of the Flying Scotsman it is not surprising to hear visitors have travelled in excess of two hours to stand aboard the Flying Scotsman.