Shildon can lay claim to a genuine world first: the day a steam locomotive hauled passengers on a public railway for the very first time.
The first steam-hauled passenger train
On 27 September 1825, a steam locomotive was coupled to a train at Shildon for the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway — the first steam-hauled passenger train on a public railway anywhere in the world. The locomotive, Locomotion No. 1, was built at the Stephenson works in Newcastle-upon-Tyne but remained indelibly associated with Shildon for its working life.
The ironworks that earned the name
Timothy Hackworth became superintendent of the Stockton and Darlington Railway in 1825 and worked from the Shildon ironworks, built in 1827, engineering locomotives there for years. The site is now home to Locomotion, the National Railway Museum's outstation, which opened in 2004 — cementing Shildon's name as the Cradle of the Railways.
Sweets still arrive the same way as everywhere else
Shildon's history is built on steam and ironworks, not confectionery — so pick 'n' mix, bulk bags and trade cases for the town come by delivery, the same as the rest of County Durham and the UK.
25,000+ customers, and counting
We've served over 25,000 customers UK-wide, Shildon and the rest of County Durham included, with most orders dispatched within 1-2 business days. The range covers pick 'n' mix by the bag and tub, bulk bags from 1kg to 3kg, trade cases for events and businesses, vegan and halal-friendly sweets, retro favourites, and full chocolate ranges from the major brands.
Frequently asked questions
Do you deliver sweets to Shildon?
Yes — the same as the rest of the UK, with most orders dispatched in 1-2 business days.
Why is Shildon called the Cradle of the Railways?
It hosted the world's first steam-hauled passenger train on a public railway, on 27 September 1825.
Can I buy bulk or wholesale sweets in Shildon?
Yes — we deliver bulk bags, multipacks and trade cases direct to Shildon addresses.
Browse Pick 'n' Mix and Bulk Bags.