A quaint little steam experience! We visited here after booking our seats/compartment online, so that we knew all 6 of our family would not be split up. Unfortunately, when we arrived they were ALL filled with groups of 2 or 3 and we were advised that we had to split up and fill the gaps - 2 were young children so this just wasn't practical, and since we were visiting family in the area, we wanted to do something together, not be split up - hardly a family day out then is it? We decided to just slum it in what was presumably the mail or luggage carriage, which meant standing rather than sitting, but it turned out to be way more fun as we could all grab a window each. The above was irritating but since we weren't asked to move out of the carriage it didn't detract from the day out, and is more just to warn you that what you are booking isn't necessarily what you will get and smaller groups wont be asked to join up, you will just be split up, so if you have family make sure you arrive early just in case!! The overall experience is quite short, so for those with a shorter attention span (fidgety young 'uns) it's a great step into steam trains without panicking about the next loo stop, food or needing to move! There were wonderful views and a lovely footpath beside the entire track, so you could always do one way and walk or cycle the other way. The museums were really great, and some interesting artefacts have been collected and are on display. My youngest loved the 3 toy railway tracks that were set up in one of the rooms and could've sat and watched it all day! There was a café and clean loos, and plenty of parking too. The cafe was a little chaotic (queued for 20 mins behind only 2 people) so we didn't have time to get a proper meal before our train was due so we just grabbed a snack and bottled drinks. There was also some confusion as when we entered a lovely bubbly chap gave us a lovely warm welcome and said the children could ride all day on the mini train by the cafe with our tickets, but then later in the day another chap told us we couldn't and had to buy separate tickets.

This was our first visit and we'll definitely be going back. The staff are volunteers and love what they are doing. The guy at the entrance walked us around the small site when we arrived and showed us how to find everything. We went on the steam train (£8 per adult I think) which took us down their restored track. I saw this as excellent value for money. All proceeds go into improving the site and we could see work being done on our visit. I'd absolutely recommend this place. The people are lovely and there is plenty to see!

A lovely little standard guage heritage railway just outside Alnwick. Not much to see, but the Pacer, diesel & steam trains take you on a short 1 mile+ journey with informative guards telling you the history of the line & the future plans. Worth a visit if you are in the area.

We were quite surprised by Aln Valley when we arrived, there's more trains/engines here than what we'd imagined. We took a trip on the train along to Greenrig Halt from Lionheart Station and took in some lovely views. Once we got back we went to the gift shop and cafe for a bite to eat before playing in the park. The park itself is a little small but our 4 year old enjoyed it. Then we enjoyed a few trips on the miniature railway before walking round the museum and train sheds.

Amazing place, so much to do and the staff were all lovely and helpful, will definitely be returning

If you're up on the Northumberland coast and are wanting a half days entertainment, this lovely Heritage Railway really needs your support, their tea room serves a good cuppa and has cakes available all day. Being a volunteer railway, none of the staff take payment so that they can put all the income into extending their section of line from the holt about a mile and a half from Lionheart station which is the engineering base, all the way to Alnmouth to potentially link up with the East Coast Main Line at Alnmouth and they would like to be able to put more proper buildings up to give visitors the best experience, there are many other local attractions to visit in Alnwick and this is one of the lovelier ones!

We went here after finding out they were hosting a classic/ vintage cars event over the weekend. We really enjoyed the vintage cars, and to add to that, we decided to take a ride on the steam train which was a great out-and-back journey through the countryside. Unlike Network Rail, the train provided a very comfortable experience and ran to schedule! The site was free entry and cost £9PP for a ride on the train. The site is run by volunteers who were very friendly and helpful! Highly recommended!

Some interesting engines and a great place for an enthusiast. Unfortunately the museum was temporarily closed but there was a warm welcome in the cafe

We have been before and my son (2yo) absolutely loved it so I booked the Santa special. I can't believe this place is run by volunteers. Booking was easy and we got a really clear email before the day about what to expect. The weather was atrocious but it didn't put my son off one bit. It looked lovely with all the Christmas lights up and the staff had a crafts table up inside to keep them busy in the rain. All the volunteers were really lovely to us. Explaining things about the trains and Santa and his Elves did a great job with all the kids. It was good value for money. He received some lovely gifts and the food in the cafe was great too.

Great heritage railway site, trains great bringing back many childhood memories. The staff are very friendly and helpful and love their work. We will definitely be back in 2024, as our youngest grandson absolutely loved it. Well done Aln railway.

A little gem hidden away. Enjoyed a festive special. Mulled wine with a mince pie and a ride on the steam train. Lovely little coffee shop and shop. Workshop you can wander round. Well worth a visit

Second time I have been here. It's much better than the first time. Can't wait to till it goes to Alnmouth. Great for all the family even big kids like me. Carers go free

Great views from train, fun day out in alnwick. Also a playground and miniature railway for kids

The train journey is interesting but short and a linear experience. Nice to see the train coupling process. They have a nice play park for kids, model railway exhibit and workshops to explore. I think if I went with the kids again I would not take the train journey and just buy the all day miniature railway ticket.

This is well worth a visit. Everyone who works here is a volunteer and have made a fantastic job of getting it to where it is today. Go and support a very good cause, you won't be disappointed.

The volunteers have done great work in reopening this railway line over the years that they have been around and making great strides. wish them luck in extending to their goal. Very nice and helpful volunteers and wait to visit again

Friendly staff, for a 14 year old train nut, it was perfection. Highly recommend. Adults and children enjoyed the ride. Great food good prices.

This is a small but delightful railway. The volunteer staff could not have been more helpful, friendly and pleasant. The site, particularly the beautiful garden areas, is a credit to everyone involved but mainly down to a kind, thoughtful and knowledgeable man called Ken.

I visited the site on a Special occasion, an operating Day. It's a nice experience although a little awkward to get to, as the original route to Alnwick is severed by Development in the Town, and the A1 Great North Road. I travelled by Train to Alnmouth and then onwards by bus, Service x18 then x15, from Alnwick itself. The Railway is embryonic, it has a goal of reaching Alnmouth but is currently operating to Greenrigg Halt, approximately half way to Alnmouth. It's run entirely by volunteers. Fares are reasonable ££ and there's a good Souvenir Shop at the Alnwick Lionheart Station. Friendly atmosphere and good Coffee and a light lunch in the Station refreshment room at Alnwick.

Excellent heritage railway run entirely by volunteers. Free access to site (including on site parkjng) and reasonable fare for journey along line. Dogs allowed.

We went on the Santa special with our granddaughters yesterday. We all really enjoyed ourselves. It's well organised, friendly staff. We've visited other heritage railways in NE and this is the best Santa special of them all.

We visited for Santa train. Disappointed as an old diesel Pacer was used, so zero atmosphere as not a proper train with no locomotive. Friendly and enthusiastic volunteers. The actual Santa side of it on the train was good but the cafe very basic and rudimentary with poor toilet facilities. Nothing else to see or do, all over in an hour. Nice scenery, but Santa special not recommended.

Great little local heritage railway, well worth a visit.

It was our first ever time on a steam train so we have nothing to compare it to. But the little one (and the big ones) enjoyed the ‘choo chop’ train. Plus, it passes over a beautiful viaduct. Head towards Lionheart industrial estate and it’s signposted from there.