Skerne Bridge

Skerne Bridge is a stone arch structure spanning the River Skerne with a central arch crossing the water while smaller arches support the approaches on both sides. The structure remains fully operational for rail traffic on the line connecting Bishop Auckland and Saltburn.

The structure opened in 1825 as part of the Stockton and Darlington Railway and carried George Stephenson's Locomotion No. 1 on its first journey. This event marked the beginning of modern rail transport in Britain and the world.

The bridge represents the start of the railway age and visitors recognize it as a monument to this historical transformation. It marks a spot where people have watched trains cross the water daily for nearly two centuries.

A car park nearby offers a viewing area for photography and watching trains that pass regularly over the bridge. The location is easy to reach and provides good vantage points for visitors wanting to see the structure and train traffic.

The structure holds the title of the oldest continuously operating railway bridge in the world since its completion. It has also been featured on British banknotes and is recognized by Historic England among the hundred most important monuments in the country.

Location: Darlington

GPS coordinates: 54.53450,-1.55060

Latest update: December 10, 2025 20:00