Winter warmer train ride at Stephenson’s Railway
We enjoyed a winter warmer train ride at Stephenson’s Railway so thought I’d share an honest review.
I booked the tickets to give us something to do during twixmas and get us out of the house.
We made a day of it in North Tyneside enjoying a play date with friends at Acorn and Oak at Newcastle Quays before heading to Stephenson’s Railway for the 3pm winter warmer train ride.
About Stephenson’s Railway
Travel back in time to when coal was king at the Stephenson Steam Railway.
Take a trip on the 2 mile industrial railway, passing the factories and businesses that it once served.
Ride in style in the 1950s British Railways carriages and listen as the locomotives work hard climbing the steep gradients away from the Tyne towards the old coal fields of Northumberland.
In the station yard at Middle Engine Lane, you can see a large variety of wagons and rail vehicles that were once a common sight on the railways of Tyneside.
Inside the museum, explore a range of steam, diesel and electric locomotives that each have a fascinating story to tell.
Visit the cab of Clio or try your hand at driving a steam engine on our simulator.
Learn about George and Robert Stephenson and their influence on the development of the steam locomotive through animations and artefacts from the time.
On selected days, you can enjoy light refreshments in the Waggonway Tea Room.
Stephenson Steam Railway is managed by Tyne & Wear Archives & Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council.
Winter warmer train ride At Stephenson’s Railway
After our play date we headed for a quick lunch and a wander round Silverlink retail park before our winter warmer train ride.
We arrived at Stephenson’s Railway with about 40 minutes to spare and parked in the ample free car park.
With time to spare we looked around the museum before our departure at 3pm.
They were starting to dismantle the Christmas displays but still had an elf trail to complete.
We managed to find all the elves and crack the anagram and Elsie got a sticker as a prize!
And Elsie enjoyed looking at the different trains on display in the museum especially the driving simulator!
There were a few tables set up for crafts and Elsie enjoyed doing some colouring in.
We also purchased a bug and a train whistle from the small gift shop.
Just before it was time to head to the platform Elsie and I nipped to the ladies and then I bought her a KitKat from the small cafe.
Then we made our way to the train platform which was a very short walk which was lit up with floating lights which were very pretty.
Our digital tickets were checked by the train guard and we picked a carriage to sit in.
The seats were very comfy but we were glad that we had wrapped up warm as it was a very chilly day.
Elsie loved blowing her new train whistle and as soon as we were pulling out of the station she tucked happily into her KitKat.
It was such a juxtaposition to be on an old steam train while passing by a new build housing estate, factories and a retail park.
Elsie was transfixed looking out of the window as we chugged along the tracks.
After a while we pulled to a stop as the engine disconnected from the carriage to move to the rear of the train for our return journey.
While this was happening we disembarked from the carriage to watch and Elsie loved it.
And then a few moments later we were off again making our way back to the station.
It was a really lovely short journey and it felt like we were transported us back in time.
This was a lovely treat that I would definitely recommend.
Where is Stephenson’s Railway?
Stephenson Steam Railway
Middle Engine Lane
North Shields
NE29 8DX
T: (0191) 277 7135
E: info@stephensonsteamrailway.org.uk
Stephenson’s Railway ticket prices**
Adult: £8*
Concessions: £6* (60+ years & under 21s)
Child aged 4 and under: FREE
* Includes a voluntary £1 donation
**Prices correct at time of writing.
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