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 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th and 11th May, courtesy of the Furness Railway Trust!

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:

Saturday 3rd, Sunday 4th & Monday 5th May

We are pleased to announce our train timetable for 3rd to 5th May. A regular train service will be operation, with mixed trains along side our Victorian passenger train.

View the train timetable for 3rd/4th/5th May 2025 here. The full working timetable can be viewed here.

What’s on 3rd/4th/5th May: 

• Travel behind STAR guest Furness No. 20, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge locomotive. Built in 1863 by Sharp, Stewart & Co. for the Furness Railway.
• Furness Railway No20 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.
•  Every child visiting Marley Hill Welcome Building or East Tanfield Station will receive a complimentary Edmundson ticket and a Tanfield300 flag.
• Children’s print making and colouring activities will take place in the Andrews House waiting room.
• Visit the The Furness Railway Trust (East Tanfield Station) and the Lambton Locomotive Trust (Andrews House Station) each will have a display stand.
• Hop, Skiffle & Jump band will perform live at East Tanfield from 11:00am to 1:30pm on Saturday 3rd May.
• 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 10th & Sunday 11th May
• 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!