Tearoom and gift shop
Enjoy a hot drink and a bite to eat while you visit the museum. Find the perfect souvenir in our Gift shop.
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.
WHAT'S ON
Upcoming events
Bunting & Berets Craft Workshop
A great opportunity to get involved in the run up preparations and soak up the excitement in readiness for our 1940s Springwell Village Event, now in its 3rd Year! Last year we ran a number of sessions to create a 'Mile of Bunting'. This year we want to REALLY make the village look spectacular with...
Read more08 June 2019, 10:00 AM - 08 June 2019, 02:00 PM
WHAT'S HAPPENING
Latest news
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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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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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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04 September 2018
Heritage Open Days
As part of the Nationwide "Heritage Open Days" programme Bowes Railway is open Thursday until Sunday 6th to 9th and Thursday until Saturday 13th to 15th of September (10am-3pm each day)
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12 August 2018
Rope Haulage
The present system of haulage used on the Railway is a development of the earliest methods of hauling coals to rivers for shipment.
Read moreWE 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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