Explore

There is plenty to see on your visit to Bowes Railway and a warm welcome awaits you ! 

Within the collection are diesel and steam locomotives, brake vans and an interesting fleet of wagons dating back to the 1800s, ranging from the wooden 'Dandy' wagon that used to carry horses down hill ready to pull the coal wagons on the flat railway sections, to the much larger and later NCB steel wagons . Restoration work in our Wagon Shop is constantly in flow, so progress can be seen first hand. Our experienced Tour Guides will bring to life our fascinating rail history and coal mining heritage as Springwell Colliery and its unique rope haul system, which we hope in the future to re-instate demonstrations as we believe it to be the only remaining one of it's kind.

We have an extensive collection of mining exhibits and narrow gauge locomotives. Pop into our reconstructed miners cottage to get a feel of  home life as a miner. A busy Joinery Workshop where repairs are carried out. Watch our volunteer team make new products such as picnic benches and custom built commissions and handcrafted items for our gift shop. We run machinery demonstrations in the Engineering Shop and Blacksmiths to the delight of both children and adults. 

If being outdoors is more 'your thing'  ask about 'Walk the Line' our guided heritage walks following the former 15 mile railway line. A visit to Blackham's Hill Hauler House is a favourite which includes an internal visit.