Heritage steam train ride at Tanfield Railway

6th April 2025 0 By Rachael Stray

We recently enjoyed a heritage steam train ride at Tanfield Railway so thought I’d share an honest review.

About Tanfield Railway

Take a trip back in time on the world famous Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, in North East England.

Step aboard for an unforgettable journey on a vintage steam train with unique Victorian carriages and lovingly restored locomotives, for a six mile round trip through beautiful rolling countryside and a spectacular wooded valley.

Dating back to 1725, a whole century before the Stockton and Darlington Railway, Tanfield Railway is the world’s oldest railway and has an unrivalled history.

The line was built to transport coal from collieries in the Tanfield area to the River Tyne for shipment using the latest technology and groundbreaking engineering of the day.

Today the railway, rebuilt by dedicated volunteers, is a showcase for the North East’s rich railway heritage.

You can experience steam locomotives built by legendary Tyneside concerns such as Robert Stephenson & Co, carriages just like those that carried miners to and from work and waggons that took coal on its journey from the Great North Coalfield to the world.

Day Rover Tickets allow unlimited travel all day, and give you the opportunity to break your journey as often as you like at any of the railway’s stations.

You may join the train at any of our stations.

You can save 10% on adult and senior tickets by booking online and skip the queues on the day.

Free car parking is available at East Tanfield station and Andrews House station.

One carer travels free when accompanying a disabled visitor, the disabled visitor will require an age appropriate ticket, please bring proof of eligibility.

Some train journeys may be diesel hauled depending on locomotive availability.

Heritage steam train ride at Tanfield Railway

Our family recently visited Tanfield Railway to experience a heritage steam train ride as part of its 300th-anniversary celebrations.

This was our first time visiting together as a family, though I had fond memories of riding Santa’s railway as a child.

Returning after all these years felt both nostalgic and wonderful.

Despite the damp weather, our spirits remained high as we boarded the beautifully restored steam train.

There’s something truly magical about the sights, sounds, and smells of a heritage railway, and it was lovely to see Elsie’s excitement as the train set off, billowing steam into the cool air.

The journey itself was a delight, winding through stunning countryside and taking in historic railway landmarks.

The carriages were charmingly old-fashioned, adding to the authenticity of the experience.

Staff and volunteers were friendly and knowledgeable, happy to share insights into the railway’s history and answer any questions.

Elsie loved watching the engine in action, waving at passers-by, and enjoying the gentle rhythm of the train.

Steve and I appreciated the historical significance of Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, and how well it has been preserved over the years.