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Bowes Railway

The World's Only Standard Gauge Cable Railway

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Bowes Railway

Come Along to an Open Day

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WELCOME TO OUR MUSEUM

History of Bowes Railway

Bowes Railway was originally a colliery railway built to carry coal mainly from pits in north west Durham to the Tyne at Jarrow. The earliest section was designed by George Stephenson and opened on 17 January 1826, making it one of the world’s first modern railways. It was 15 miles long when completed in 1855. Each end was locomotive worked; the six mile middle section consisting of rope worked inclines with very steep gradients.

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Bowes Railway Museum

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WHAT'S ON

Upcoming events

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 2019

Christmas Wreath Making Workshop 2019

Christmas Wreath Making at Bowes Railway 2019 Back by popular DEMAND A friendly and relaxing workshop led by Howard Leslie Choose your own colour theme, using a variety of fresh foliage and berries to make a beautiful Christmas Wreath to Decorate your home Bring your friends One wreath per tick...

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12 December 2019, 10:00 AM - 12 December 2019, 12:00 PM

Meet Santa on his 'New' Sleigh

Meet Santa on his 'New' Sleigh

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14 December 2019, 11:00 AM - 14 December 2019, 04:00 PM

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  • "What a lovely and surprising place this is. The guide was very knowledgeable. Set aside 2.5hrs for the visit. A snack from the cafe is well recommended, don't miss the sausage rolls. Will definitely be back."

    Colin Thompson

  • "I had a great morning at The Bowes Railway yesterday. I was shown around by enthusiastic guide Wilf and a very busy Amanda. He went above and beyond in escorting me around the site and inside most of the various sheds and engineering shops for over an hour. Thank you both very much"

    Rob Davidson

  • "Fantastic place all the staff were really helpful and welcoming. My son (2 years) loved seeing all the engines and trucks. We took part in the crafts and there was a good range to keep him entertained for a couple of hours, then he didn't want to leave. Thanks to the excellent team"

    Emma Mcmain

WHAT'S HAPPENING

Latest news

FOR SALE
15 November 2019

FOR SALE

A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE THIS HANDCRAFTED COLLIERY STYLE COAL TUB MADE IN BOWES RAILWAY WORKSHOPS AT SPRINGWELL VILLAGE ONLY £400 mounted on a piece of rail or sold for Nearest Offer without mount Call in to the site on any opening day Thursday or Saturday 10am till 3pm to see this fantast...

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Christmas Events 2018
18 December 2018

Christmas Events 2018

The Bowes Railway is closed now to the public for visits, until well into the New Year 2019. Please watch for the announcements on here, the Website or Facebook page. Thanks for your support through 2018.

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Donations
08 December 2018

Donations

The railway is run by volunteers. A huge task for a very important industrial monument. The railway receives no funding for running costs and relies on raising money through events, sales and, very importantly, donations from well-wishers.

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Christmas Events 2018
13 November 2018

Christmas Events 2018

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Autumn Events 2018
09 October 2018

Autumn Events 2018

Annual and very popular Fireworks and Bonfire party on Saturday 3rd November (5pm-8.30pm)

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WE WOULD LIKE YOU TO JOIN US TO WALK THE LINE

WALK THE LINE Discover YOUR Heritage

WALK THE LINE Is a new series of guided walks led by our experienced Tour Guides to follow the Bowes Railway line.

Starting this Spring we are heading out to walk the line which began at Dipton's Delight Colliery. Over the weeks we will be passing through Burnopfield, Tanfield Railway, Birkheads Crossing, Kibblesworth down to Team Valley, passing underneath the East Coast main Line A1M and A167, then up hill to Blackfell Engine House and Blackham's Hill Winding House which Bowes are opening up for viewing, then over to Bowes Railway main site. 

If we have enough interest we will be taking participants on to Springwell Bankfoot, Wardley and the Jarrow Staithes where the coal was previously unloaded on to ships bound for London and the Continent.

Guided walks are £3 per Adult and £1 per child (N.B Check appropriate walks suitable for children).

We are partnering with the Tyne and Wear Archive and Museums project 'Live Well' to carry out the walks during May and early June and participants will receive a complimentary Goodie bag for the trail. 

If you would like to know more please contact us for more information on:

Mobile :0785 0916484 or email: [email protected]

 

 

 

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