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The World's Only Standard Gauge Cable Railway

Check out our 'What's on Page' PRE BOOK ENTRANCE TICKETS 2021 GROWING TOGETHER this Summer

PRE BOOK ENTRANCE TICKETS FOR JULY ONWARDS

Pre- book your museum entrance tickets at our online shop  WE ARE NOW OPEN FOR VISITORS Thursday's and Saturday's 

Entrance Tickets

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

We are now open every Thursday & Saturday
07 July 2021

We are now open every Thursday & Saturday

Participants from Sunderland's Stories of Sanctuary project enjoy a guided tour

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1940's Event photos from 2021
02 July 2021

1940's Event photos from 2021

A much smaller COVID friendly 1940's event was held this year at Bowes Railway and with contributing venues throughout Springwell Village taking part - it was great to see so much cheer despite the rain!

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Get the Flags out for our 1940's themed opening Weekend!
16 June 2021

Get the Flags out for our 1940's themed opening Weekend!

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More news

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.

Find out more

Watch Our Locomotives

A FRESH START THIS SUMMER 2021

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

WALK THE LINE RETURNS!
Kicking off with a 2 hour circular on Tuesday 27th July 2021
If you fancy more of a challenge register for our 6 mile walk from Burnopfield to Kibblesworth on Friday August 20th. 
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

 

 

 

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

Try these at home

Printable Downloads to do at home

Birds & Bugs printable activity

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