Join us for Heritage Open Days 2026 at Tanfield Railway and discover over 300 years of history at the world’s oldest railway. Entry to the site and activities is completely free of charge!
Experience a mix of guided tours, rare site access, and hands-on children’s activities designed to bring our history to life for new and returning visitors alike.
Find out more about the national programme on the official Heritage Open Days website.
What’s On
Guided Tours: Marley Hill Engine Shed & Five Road Shed
- Sundays 13th & 20th – tours start at 11am, 1pm & 2pm
- Thursday 17th – tours start at 11am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm
Take a guided tour through the historic Marley Hill Engine Shed and enjoy rare behind-the-scenes access to Five Road Shed – an area usually closed to the general public! Step inside the world’s oldest working engine shed, explore our rolling stock collection, and learn about the fascinating history of industrial rail.
On the Footplate: National Coal Board No.49
- Sunday 13th, Thursday 17th & Sunday 20th September (10.30am – 2.30pm)
Climb aboard the footplate of NCB No.49, stationed just outside Marley Hill Engine Shed. Discover how the driver and fireman operate the controls and what it takes to power steam on the railway.
Traditional Colliery Games
- Sunday 13th, Thursday 17th & Sunday 20th September
Head over to the events field for family fun with traditional colliery games, including football, cricket, and quoits!
Badge Making & Creative Fun
Children can get creative making their own railway badges!
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Sundays 13th & 20th: Located at Andrews House Station.
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Thursday 17th: Available from 12pm in the Marley Hill Carriage Shed.
Thursday 17th September Special Features (10.30am – 2.30pm)
- Huge Train Set: Kids can enjoy the massive train track layout, along with dedicated colouring-in tables and craft activities in Marley Hill carriage shed.
- Marley Hill signalbox tours at 11.30am, 12.30pm & 1.30pm: Step inside Marley Hill Signal Box for an exclusive tour. Discover how the signal box operates and the crucial role of the signalman in keeping the railway running safely.
Trains and Refreshments
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Sunday 13th September (Freight Train Day): Experience our demonstration Freight Train will be in action, alongside our passenger train! Standard ticket fares apply for train travel.
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Sunday 20th September: Our Victorian passenger train service runs throughout the day. Standard ticket fares apply for train travel.
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Refreshments: Pontop Canteen in the Marley Hill Carriage Shed will be open on Thursday 17th September from 10.30am – 2.30pm serving light refreshments. Full refreshment services are available on Sundays.