GREAT NORTH FESTIVAL OF RAILWAYS

Celebrate Tanfield Railway’s 300th Anniversary with a Month-Long Festival!

Step back in time and celebrate over 300 years of railway heritage at the Great North Festival of Railway hosted at the iconic Tanfield Railway. As part of our Tanfield300 celebrations, we’re inviting you to experience a truly spectacular event that honours the rich history and legacy of one of the world’s oldest railways.

Join us for an unforgettable month as we showcase visiting locomotives, Victorian carriages, and intensive timetables that bring steam train travel to life. Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, history lover, or simply looking for a fun family day out, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!

Thrilled to announce that Furness 20, Britain’s oldest standard gauge locomotive will guest star on the 10th and 11th May, courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust!

We are also pleased to announce that No.8 Lucie a type IV vertical boiled steam locomotive built by the John Cockerill Company 1890 will operate along the Worlds Oldest Railway on 10th & 11th May and 17th and 18th May. This is a unique opportunity to see this locomotive in action and not to be missed. No.8 Lucie visits us courtesy of the Middleton Family, and it is resident on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

This year, as we commemorate Tanfield Railway’s 300-year legacy, we celebrate not only the history of railways in the North but also the passion and dedication of the volunteers and staff who continue to preserve this living piece of history.

What to Expect
Each weekend will showcase a different theme, offering fresh experiences for returning visitors. With a wide array of our historic railway collection in operation, there’ll be something for everyone to enjoy—including a few exciting surprises to be revealed VERY soon.

Event Dates:

10th and 11th May

Train timetable can be viewed here.

• Travel behind STAR guests Furness No. 20, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge locomotive. Built in 1863 by Sharp, Stewart & Co. for the Furness Railway AND No. 8 Lucie, built in 1890 by the John Cockerill Company. Lucie is a rare and fascinating example of a Type IV vertical-boilered steam tram and a unique opportunity not to be missed.
• Furness Railway No20 & No. 8 Lucie will be operating alongside 1891 built No3 Twizell, 1920 built Stanley.
• A mixed rake of waggons and carriages will operate, providing a unique variety for visitors.
• Visit East Tanfield Station for display stands from our friends at the Aln Valley Railway, Lambton Locomotive Trust, and the Furness Railway Trust.
• Folk musicians will play at East Tanfield station on Sunday from 11am to 3pm.
• A children’s TOMY train layout will feature in Andrews House station.
• Every child visiting Marley Hill Welcome Building or East Tanfield Station will receive a complimentary Edmundson ticket and a Tanfield300 flag.
• Colouring activities will take place in the Andrews House waiting room.
• Join one of our knowledgeable guides on tours of Marley Hill Engine Shed, built in 1854!

Further details regarding the following dates will be released very soon.

• Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th May
• Saturday 24th, Sunday 25th & Monday 26th May

Plan Your Visit

Whether you’re a lifelong rail enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor, the Great North Festival of Railways is an unmissable event. Visiting for more than 1 weekend? A Tanfield Unlimited ticket may be the best value option.

Don’t miss your chance to be part of this historic event. Whether you’re exploring the heritage stations, experiencing the sights and sounds of steam engines, or enjoying a scenic ride through the beautiful Durham countryside, the Great North Festival of Railway at Tanfield Railway is an event you won’t want to miss.

Celebrate #Tanfield300 with us – and help us keep the steam alive!