If you’re a steam train enthusiast or simply looking to enjoy a nostalgic day out, the North East of England’s heritage railways offer the perfect experience. Ride historic steam locomotives through beautiful countryside, explore vintage stations and discover the fascinating railway history across our region.
The Aln Valley Railway in North Northumberland sits on the outskirts of the market town of Alnwick and is Northumberland’s only Standard Gauge Heritage Railway. The railway, which is run entirely by volunteers is a restoration project of the old line that runs from the Lionheart station near Alnwick to the coastal village of Alnmouth, currently the temporary terminus is at Greenrigg Halt, 2km from Lionheart station but will eventually, as the restoration continues, terminate in Alnmouth. The Aln Valley Railway boasts a varied fleet of heritage locomotives, including working steam engines like Richboro and Jennifer, classic diesel shunters such as Drax and Shirley, and two preserved Class 144 “Pacer” DMUs. The railway is open at weekends from Easter to September and the full timetable for steam and diesel operating days, as well as Pacer operating days can be found on their website.
A trip down the north east coast to North Shields offers the opportunity to visit the Stephenson Steam Railway and enjoy a trip on a 2 mile industrial railway passing the factories and businesses that the line once served. You’ll ride in style in a 1950s British Railways carriage and experience the locomotives working to hard climb the steep gradients away from the River Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland. The station yard offers the chance to see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of the North East. The attraction also boasts a museum which includes Steam, Diesel and Electric locomotives from collieries, steelworks and power stations in Tyneside and beyond from as early as the 1880’s. Of course, a museum in Tyneside would not be complete without displays detailing the story of railway pioneers George and Robert Stephenson and the museum includes the early locomotive ‘Billy’ which was built in nearby Newcastle and is the world’s third oldest surviving steam locomotive.
If you’re looking for a nostalgic journey through some of the most picturesque countryside then South Tynedale Railway is a charming heritage railway located in the scenic North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. This narrow-gauge railway which was originally part of a standard-gauge line closed in the 1970’s but has now been restored as a narrow-gauge heritage line.
The line runs for around 5 miles between the towns of Alston and Slaggyford and follows the South Tyne River through a gorgeous landscape of rolling hills. The railway features restored vintage steam and diesel locomotives, some of which date back to mid-20th century, steam engines such as Green Dragon, Barber and Naklo, each one lovingly restored by volunteers and each with its own story to tell. Visiting South Tynedale Railway is like taking a step into a pretty picture postcard and for more details please head to their website.
Nestled in Causey Valley in County Durham, the Tanfield Railway boasts unrivalled history as it is the oldest operational stretch of railway in the world, dating back to 1725. This remarkable heritage line runs for three miles through wooded gorges and rolling countryside, offering visitors a nostalgic journey aboard steam-hauled trains in authentic Victorian carriages with the trip including a stop at Causey Arch, the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge which was built in 1726. This lovely little railway has a full timetable with various train rides to enjoy as well as some driving experience sessions for those who fancy ‘having a go’. Tanfield Railway also holds events throughout the year including ‘Tea on the train’, Tanfield is run entirely by volunteers who are not only knowledgeable but highly entertaining!
For something a little less industrial take a trip to North Northumberland to the Heatherslaw Light Railway which is a delightful heritage narrow‑gauge line that lies in the ever so pretty landscapes of the villages Ford and Etal. This 15‑inch gauge railway runs a scenic return trip of around four miles along the banks of the River Till between Heatherslaw station and Etal Castle village. Miniature steam engines such as Bunty, Lady Augusta or Binky will take you on a steam train journey that offers picturesque views of rolling countryside, river wildlife and with the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful part of Northumberland.
If you’re hoping to go full steam ahead and explore every inch of our heritage railways then take a look at our blog post on the Charming Village of Wylam, and discover why this quiet little village should be on your North East to-do list.
Whether you’re a steam buff, a train buff or a history buff, steam railways offer a nostalgic escape into the golden age of travel, where the chug of the engines and billowing steam bring history to life and with a backdrop of rolling hills, rugged coastline and historic market towns these heritage lines provide a unique way to explore the region’s industrial past as well as enjoying our stunning North East landscape.
