Over the last twenty years, County Durham’s tourism offer has transformed dramatically. Since Visit County Durham began, the region has evolved into a destination packed with fantastic places to visit, exciting attractions and memorable experiences that have firmly put the county on the map. 

What has been particularly wonderful is seeing more people discovering County Durham for the first time. The growth of tourism has brought new audiences into the area and created opportunities for visitors to experience everything the county has to offer, from heritage and culture to events and outdoor experiences. 

Alongside this growth, perceptions of County Durham have changed significantly. Today, the county is recognised as a cosmopolitan destination with world-class attractions, rich heritage and a vibrant cultural offer. Outstanding events and diverse visitor experiences now attract a much broader audience, helping position County Durham as a must-visit destination in the UK. 

At Locomotion, that transformation has been felt first-hand. The museum is now celebrated as a national museum with a deeply local story, rooted in the birthplace of the modern railway. Locomotion played a major role in the Stockton and Darlington 200 celebrations, particularly through the significance of Locomotion No.1 and Shildon’s place as the cradle of the railways. 

The museum has continued to grow and evolve. In 2024, Locomotion expanded its collection with the opening of New Hall, creating the largest undercover collection of historic railway vehicles in Europe. The development has since received both the RIBA North East Award and the RIBA Sustainability Award, further cementing the museum’s reputation on a national stage. 

The arrival of world-famous locomotive Flying Scotsman in recent years has also helped attract visitors from across the globe, and the museum is delighted to be welcoming it back again this summer. Alongside international visitors, Locomotion remains committed to serving its local community by ensuring the museum is accessible and welcoming for everyone. 

A key part of this wider success story has been the role played by Visit County Durham in shaping and supporting the visitor economy. The organisation provides an important forum for attractions and accommodation providers to come together, collaborate and share ideas. The energy and ambition behind Visit County Durham’s marketing campaigns have helped change perceptions of the area while reaching entirely new audiences. 

One standout area has been the heritage-focused campaigns, particularly those celebrating the North East’s railway story. The recognition that the modern railway began here is a powerful narrative for the region, and there are countless attractions across the North East that can contribute to that story. Together, they create the opportunity for visitors to enjoy an entire railway-themed holiday in the region. 

If Visit County Durham could be summed up in just three words, they would be: dedicated, inspiring and creative. 

Pam Porter, Operations and Events Manager, Locomotion