# Tanfield Railway > Tanfield Railway is the world’s oldest railway, offering historic steam and diesel train rides and related experiences in North East England. ## Booking Portal - [Booking Portal] (https://fareharbor.com/embeds/book/tanfield-railway/) : A FareHarbor-powered booking portal for Tanfield Railway. ## Activities & Experiences - [Afternoon Tea Train Ride] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/afternoon-tea-train/) : A heritage steam train journey featuring afternoon tea served in Victorian carriages. Tickets can be booked for this timed 75-minute experience. - [Delivered by Diesel Gala] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/delivered-by-diesel-gala/) : A special event showcasing a range of diesel locomotives at Tanfield Railway. This is an all-day diesel gala experience. - [Diesel Driving Experience] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/diesel-train-driving-experience/) : A hands-on diesel locomotive driving experience on the Tanfield Railway. Participants take brief control of a historic engine during a 30-minute session. - [Freight Train Days] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/freight-train-days/) : Special operating days focusing on heritage freight trains at Tanfield Railway. Visitors can experience historic goods traffic recreations. - [Freight Train Guard Experience] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/freight-train-guard-experience/) : A heritage experience that lets participants ride and work with a freight train as guard. The experience lasts approximately 1.5 hours. - [Heritage Open Days 2025] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/heritage-open-days-2025/) : An event for Heritage Open Days 2025 showcasing over 300 years of Tanfield Railway history. Entry is free of charge on these days. - [Heritage Steam Train Ride] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/heritage-steam-train/) : A family-friendly vintage steam train ride through countryside and a wooded valley. Tickets cover a six-hour operating window with heritage locomotives and carriages. - [Legends of Industry Gala] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/legends-of-industry-gala/) : A themed gala event celebrating industrial heritage at Tanfield Railway. It is scheduled as an all-day experience. - [Mince Pie Specials] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/mince-pie-specials/) : Festive steam train rides in North East England that feature seasonal mince pie offerings. These operate as all-day special event services. - [North Pole Express 2026] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/north-pole-express-2026/) : A Christmas-themed steam train journey to a “North Pole” experience at Tanfield Railway. This seasonal event runs for around 2 hours and 25 minutes per trip. - [Run It Gala – The Season Finale] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/run-it-gala/) : A season finale gala where any available locomotives and stock are operated. The event focuses on running a wide variety of trains. - [Santa Paws] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/santa-paws/) : A festive train experience where dogs can meet Santa at Tanfield Railway. It runs as a timed one-hour event. - [Spring Gala] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/spring-gala/) : A springtime gala event introducing or celebrating the new season at Tanfield Railway. It is operated as an all-day special timetable. - [Steam Engine Footplate Ride] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/footplate-ride/) : A ride on the footplate of a steam locomotive to experience the journey from the crew’s perspective. The session duration is about 90 minutes. - [Steam Engine Footplate Ride Experience] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/steam-engine-footplate-ride-experience/) : A heritage experience offering a round trip on the footplate of a steam engine. It focuses on the sights, sounds, and smells of steam operation over 1.5 hours. - [Steam Locomotive Driving Experience] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/steam-driving-experince/) : A steam locomotive driving experience where participants briefly take control of a historic engine. Each session lasts around 30 minutes. - [Story Time with Mrs Claus] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/story-time-with-mrs-claus/) : A festive family activity featuring storytelling sessions with Mrs Claus at Tanfield Railway. Sessions are offered as one-hour or all-day options. - [Tanfield 300 – Birthday Celebrations] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/tanfield300birthday/) : A special weekend of events marking Tanfield Railway’s 300th birthday. The celebrations include additional activities and train services. - [Train Carriage Hire] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/train-carriage-hire/) : Private hire of a train carriage for parties and special occasions on Tanfield Railway. Hire options provide 1.25- or 2.5-hour periods. - [Wreath & Christmas Table Decoration Making Workshops at East Tanfield Station] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/wreathmaking/) : Seasonal workshops at East Tanfield Station focused on making wreaths and table decorations. These are hands-on creative sessions linked to the festive period. ## Plan Your Visit - [Access & Facilities] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/access-and-facilities/) : Information about accessibility, facilities, and on-site conditions at Tanfield Railway. It covers paths, surfaces, station environments, and safety considerations. - [Dog Friendly] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/dog-friendly/) : Details on Tanfield Railway’s dog-friendly policy. It explains how and where well-behaved dogs can travel, including that dogs ride free of charge. - [Getting To Tanfield] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/getting-to-tanfield/) : Travel information for reaching Tanfield Railway by car, bus, rail, bike, or on foot. It notes that the line is within easy reach of major North East towns and cities. - [Tanfield Railway Map] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/map/) : A station and line map for Tanfield Railway. It describes key locations and what visitors can see and do at each stop. - [Timetables & Running Days] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/timetables-and-running-days/) : Current timetables and operating days for services on Tanfield Railway. Visitors can check when trains are running and approximate journey timings. - [Train Rides] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/train-rides/) : An overview of train ride options, events, and experiences at Tanfield Railway. It describes the six-mile round trip and the types of locomotives and carriages in use. ## Policies & FAQs - [Frequently Asked Questions] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/faqs/) : A collection of answers to common visitor and booking questions. It includes information on booking methods, station arrangements, and visit planning. - [Privacy Policy] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/privacy-policy/) : The privacy policy for Tanfield Railway’s website and services. It explains how visitor and customer data is handled. - [Return & Refund Policy] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/return-and-refund-policy/) : Information about refunds if train journeys cannot operate. It outlines conditions for full refunds and related procedures. - [Terms & Conditions] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/terms-and-conditions/) : Terms and conditions applying to ticket sales and use of services. It defines key terms and outlines customer and operator responsibilities. ## Company - [Become A Business Sponsor] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/become-a-business-sponsor/) : Information for businesses interested in sponsoring Tanfield Railway. It explains benefits, partnership opportunities, and how support helps preservation. - [Become A Friend] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/become-a-friend/) : Details about the Tanfield Railway Friends membership scheme. It describes how membership supports the railway and lists associated benefits. - [Guiding Principles of Tanfield Railway] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/guiding-principles/) : A statement of the guiding principles agreed by Tanfield Railway Company and Tanfield Railway Trust. It outlines core aims and priorities for the railway. - [History] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/history/) : Historical background on Tanfield Railway, built in 1725 with significant early engineering features. It describes the line’s development and heritage importance. - [Home] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/home/) : The main visitor-facing overview page for Tanfield Railway. It highlights operating dates and the experience of travelling on restored steam trains. - [Job Vacancies] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/job-vacancies/) : A page listing employment opportunities at Tanfield Railway. It includes role details and notes that work may span multiple locations on the line. - [Steam Locomotives] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/steam-locomotives/) : Information about Tanfield Railway’s steam locomotive collection. It includes historical notes and restoration details for individual engines. - [TV & Film Venue Hire] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/tv-and-film-venue-hire/) : Details on hiring Tanfield Railway as a filming location. It describes the line’s heritage setting and examples of previous television and film productions. - [Volunteer] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/volunteer/) : Information on volunteering opportunities at Tanfield Railway. It emphasises that the railway is operated and maintained by volunteers and explains how to get involved. ## Membership & Support - [Renew Tanfield Railway Friends Membership] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/renew-membership/) : A page for renewing Tanfield Railway Friends memberships. It explains how ongoing membership supports maintenance, restoration, and operations. - [Thank you for joining Tanfield Railway Friends] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/thank-you-for-joining-tanfield-railway-friends/) : A confirmation and appreciation page shown after joining Tanfield Railway Friends. It acknowledges new supporters. - [Thank you for renewing Tanfield Railway Friends] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/thank-you-for-renewing-tanfield-railway-friends/) : A confirmation page displayed after membership renewal. It thanks supporters for continuing their membership. - [Thank you for your interest in volunteering] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/thank-you-for-your-interest-in-volunteering/) : A confirmation page following a volunteer inquiry submission. It confirms receipt of interest in volunteering. ## Contact - [Contact Us] (https://tanfield-railway.co.uk/contact-us/) : Contact page for Tanfield Railway. Visitors can use it to submit enquiries or ask questions before or after booking.