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The World's Only Standard Gauge Cable Railway

Raise a Glass - Read the FULL STORY here Printable activities to try at home

Bowes Railway

Closed to the public until further notice Thank You

Out of Hour Emergency Calls  please contact 0191 5373231                                                  

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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 and Colliery site Museum

TAKE A LOOK

Explore our museum

  • "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 April 2021

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 fantastic...

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Raise a Glass ! Another Joinery team triumph..click to read more
15 April 2021

Raise a Glass ! Another Joinery team triumph..click to read more

  10 customised picnic benches made by Bowes Railway volunteers, Steve and Phil, for Springwell  Social Club, who launched their Fab NEW beer garden!

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SOLD! Our trip to Cresswell... click for more
09 April 2021

SOLD! Our trip to Cresswell... click for more

Big Thanks to our volunteers Steve and Phil for making another fine Coal Tub Planter in Bowes Joinery Workshop! Delivered yesterday to the DRIFT CAFE

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BOWES Half Term PANCAKE WHEELS
19 February 2021

BOWES Half Term PANCAKE WHEELS

A YUMMY TREAT for 20 Bowes young followers Thanks to Sunderland Council - Washington West Ward for supporting the Pancake Kit GIVEAWAY   

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VISIT US

Organising a school trip?

To enquire about an educational visit to the museum, please click the link below and complete the form. One of our team will contact you to discuss your requirements and availability.

We offer a range of tailored interactive workshops for schools.

If you would like to book a non education group visit please complete the form on our group visits page.

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Watch Our Locomotives

A FRESH START IN 2021

Let's reconnect in 2021 to WALK THE LINE & Discover your Heritage

WALK THE LINE is set to return -Hopefully later this SPRING 2021 for a new series of short and medium level guided walks led by our experienced Tour Guides to following the 15 mile stretch of Bowes Railway line.

 Over a series of weeks we will be covering a variety of walks including  Dipton's Delight Colliery, 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 will be opened for viewing on selected dates.

 

If you would like to know more about the walks or register to receive a schedule of walk dates please contact us for more information on:

Mobile :0785 0916484 or email: [email protected]

 

 

 

Sorry, we currently have no scheduled upcoming events. Please check back again soon.

Register for Walk the Line -Returning Spring 2021 Geoff's WALK Why not try it out this week

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