Volunteer now

OPENING HOURS

 

OPENING HOURS

Bowes Railway is now open for PRE BOOKED guided tours only  

Tuesday or Thursday TIMESLOTS : 11.00am TOUR or 1.00pm TOUR 

PLEASE CONTACT THE OFFICE TO BOOK: Call or TEXT 0785 0916484

School or Group bookings can be made by contacting the office

We look forward to seeing you all soon

 

Adults aged 16+ Daily Charge:   £5.00 Includes Guided Site Tour 

Children aged 5+ Daily Charge:  £2.00 Includes Guided Site Tour

 

Prysmian's Corporate Volunteer Day

Well Done lads

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Bowes Volunteers

2023 Sign up for a Taster Day

Learn heritage skills  - Make Friends - Make a difference

The World's Only Standard Gauge Cable Railway

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 PEOPLE HAVE TO SAY...

Testimonials

  • "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

Prysmian workers help out
15 March 2023

Prysmian workers help out

A Successful Corporate Volunteer Day with Bowes Railway, Clean & Green Team & Cable Manufacturing Co 'Prysmian'  Scroll to bottom for images

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Does it TALLY up...Who was number 134?
28 February 2023

Does it TALLY up...Who was number 134?

Gateshead Rail College student makes historic find on Bowes Railway track! Click image to read the full story  

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Loco Coal Wagon restoration now complete!
27 February 2023

Loco Coal Wagon restoration now complete!

It has been a five year labour of love to complete the restoration of Loco Coal Wagon, but finally it is complete!

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Clean and Green Team
09 December 2022

Clean and Green Team

The Washington Clean & Green Team take a well deserved break and bacon buttie at their last session for 2022! Click image FULL STORY

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Tubs for Silksworth Memorial
09 December 2022

Tubs for Silksworth Memorial

Finally installed at the Mining Memorial Site at Silksworth, Bowes Railway's first handcrafted replica coal tubs!  

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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

WALK THE LINE & Discover your Heritage 2022

Challenge Yourself in 2022 -WALK THE LINE with us!
If you fancy more of a challenge register for our 6 mile walk from Burnopfield to Kibblesworth
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

 

 

 

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

Geoff's WALK Why not try it out this week

TRY THESE AT HOME

Printable Acitvities

Birds & Bugs printable activity

Half Term Making Bird Feeders

 Half Term Sessions were supported by Sunderland Council

Washington Ward Holiday Activity & Food Programme Fund

Children enjoyed a variety of activities including making healthy banana and egg pancakes and creating bird feeders for their garden

Enjoying Feb Half Term 2022
February Half Term Gallery

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