Great place for steam railway enthusiasts, on what bills itself as the world's oldest railway! The train and original passengers carriages do short runs along the line on weekend all year, plus school half terms and summer holidays and special events - definitely worth pre-booking at peak times. There's a railway depot/shed you can visit, and the all-original station has a cafe and small gift shop. It's all volunteer-run so if you're passing, why not at least stop for tea and cake to help with some small funds?

Have you ever been to a heritage railway and been disappointed that it was "touristy", over-sanitised and unconvincing? You WON'T find that here! This railway truly has the look, feel and SPIRIT of branch line travel from a bygone era. The three-mile running line passes through absolutely stunning scenery and the carriages have Victorian, wooden bodies mounted upon four-wheel chassis. The railway don't tend to rope nor chain off the most interesting bits behind the scenes but leave visitors to be adult enough to explore responsibly! An absolute "must visit" if in the area (ten minutes from the A1).

An excellent afternoon is here for you at Tanfield Railway. We were lucky enough to have afternoon tea in the Directors Club, and we were not disappointed. A great selection of sandwiches and cakes, as well as fruit and cheese scones. The trip itself takes about an hour, travelling along some beautiful scenery, on a steam train.

Up there in my top-five, possibly even top-three heritage railways. A glorious day out - Beautiful Locos, beautiful coaches and not a BR MK1 coach in sight! The yard at Marley Hill is an absolute treasure trove of industrial railway heritage. The loco shed is one of those rare places on heritage railways that genuinely feels like it is stuck somewhere in the early part of the last century.

We really enjoyed our afternoon out at Tanfield. Dad especially did as he grew up near Neville Hill sheds in Leeds during the glory days of steam. The staff all looked very smart and were very pleasant. The ride itself takes in some lovely vistas. Also, the ladies in the cafe were lovely.

Visited for polar express. Staff lovely and friendly. You get your own cabin on the train which is nice. Refreshments served in the cafe when you arrive at 'North pole' and again the staff are very friendly, especially the young boy (didn't get his name) small queue to visit Santa buy you can wait in cafe and they call you down when queue is small which is helpful. Santa was great with my little boy too.

What a great little afternoon out on the North Pole Express! So grateful we could get booked for our first trip. The experience was seamlessly organised by such friendly and patient volunteers. We will definitely be back next year (hopefully if we can get booked as it’s so popular and it’s not hard to see why!) Thanks to the wonderful volunteers who work so hard to keep this great place up and running.

🚂 Amazing Heritage Steam Railway Outside Gateshead Had so much fun Riding up and down the Line. Amazing quintessentially turned out Stations and friendly volunteers. If you're into Steam Trains you'll enjoy. Did I mention it's the World's Oldest Railway Born in 1725 too! Not one to be missed and easily accessible by direct bus from Newcastle City Centre. 😃 🚂

Lovely afternoon tea on board. Booked for dads birthday. Food was amazing, staff all lovely and friendly, and what a great experience riding along the railway. So pleased I booked .

Great fun, relaxing enjoyable day having a ride on a beautiful old steam train. Little gem to take the kids and adults to get honest. Loads to see and traditional style cafes to add to the atmosphere of the place and surroundings. There is also afternoon tea available at certain times but you must book in advance for this. One of the stops has got a maintenance area with old trains and other memorabilia of the old days of steam. Good parking loads of room, volunteers are memorable with there costumes and traditional outfits.

In December of 2016, I went to this railway and it was absolutely lovely, it had a real Christmas spirit to it! I would really recommend this place to anyone!

Fairly flat paths for walkers and cyclists surrounded by flowers and trees, open railway to explore with old and refurbished engines and carts

Open again on Sundays would strongly advice phoning ahead for details. Free to look around though lots of steam engines frames around if your interested in engineering a real treat. The station has outside seating a very pleasant place to end your bike ride.

Great place to go with the kids. Nice and relaxing with a train ride to go with it

There were people there cleaning the trains and apparently they do some Christmas stuff like a Polar Express. It was a chill vibe and quite a nice place to have a wee walk around which I enjoyed doing.

We had a lovely little train ride. This is the oldest railway in the world. We have a wheelchair so we had to ride in the guard's van... Which is fun. Watch out for uneven cobblestones in front of the disabled toilets at Andrews station!

Great trip out went New Year’s Eve took our sons dog the trip from east tanfield to andrew’s house our mince pie drink stop looked around the place then caught next trip up to the end at Marley hill and returned back to east tanfield

Excellent trip to Tanfield for the 1940's weekend. Everyone was so lovely and helpful. Had a great day. Highly recommend a visit

Another excellent visit to the north pole express, many improvements made. We all loved our visit and can't wait to visit throughout the year after a lovely chat with one of the volunteers (I didn't realise the railway was open to the public all year)

Great day out, family of 2 oldies, 4 adults and 2 children. Timings for the trains are not exact meaning we missed one after our lunch stop which was a shame, but the day ticket that allows unlimited travel for the day was a great option. No one checked the tickets as far as we could tell! Might look into the afternoon tea option as that's a nice thing that's a little different. 🙂

Traeted other half to an afternoon cream tea for his birthday. So glad I did as it's an amazing experience with lovingly staff and food and plenty of tea. Definitely recommend though for the cream tea you so need to pre-book as there's limited space.

This is a great place if you like going back in time to the age of steam. Great, friendly staff. Nothing is too much trouble. Great ride on the trains through beautiful countryside.

Volunteered here and is honestly a walk back in time, lovely steam train station and friendly staff, even the views are welcoming and always a relaxing ride on the steam train from one station to the next. A bit upsetting about the other stations being vandalised and the rail track being a short journey, overall though its good to know Tanfield has the best intrest with steam engines. Edit: down to 3 stars, cannot be chewed with the same old job for 3 months, just cleaning for 1/3rd of the day, the other 2 were nothing more than sitting around, least they could do for volunteering is train up the volunteers, it be nice they cared a little more with those who dedicate their time into this beautiful place, I didn't care about operating the train nor engineering, they have many other jobs that they could of gotten me and many others to do! Such a waste of time doing nothing, next time I return, they need to do better training, seems they only cared for specific people and it's disgustingly :(

Lovely place

Top class North East visitor attraction..

Excellent service, could do with a bit more space for hot drinks but other than that, fantastic Christmas experience to the North Pole

Visited today, 24/04/2022, for afternoon tea, tremendous people who volunteer and operate this magnificent attraction. The staff are so friendly and helpful especially Dorothy who was most welcoming as were the two ladies at the cafe, customer service par excellance. The high tea was scrumptious and beautifully served by Alison who continually looked after all the guests with copious amounts of tea, coffee and soft drinks as required. I cannot praise these people enough, what an excellent attraction run by inspired people.

I wanted to celebrate father's day with a unique activity and nothing can excite dads more than trains. Tanfield Railway (the oldest one) was my choice of experience. Their website is easy to access and you can find every relevant piece of information there. Out of the range of tickets available we booked the afternoon tea in a Victorian Carriage. Leading up to the booking, they sent reminders and the address and pin code of the departing station which was very helpful. On arrival there were plenty parking spaces. Once in, there's a lovely café and a visitor centre. You are then taken to the platform which has many picnic benches you can sit on and wait for the grand entrance of your steam engine train. The afternoon tea was much better than expected for the price I paid. Delicious sandwiches and cakes along with unlimited drinks (tea, coffee, juice and water). They also cater for special dietary requirements. The view from the window is lovely - you can peak into some grand farmhouses and farms. The train stops at 4 stations where you can get off and soak in the beauty of the location. The staff wait for as long as you need to explore so there's no rush. That brings me to the absolutely lovely staff. Two kind ladies served us our tea and a lovely gentleman helped us capture the moment by clicking our pictures. Overall it was a great 2 hour train journey and a father’s day celebration that we will never forget. Definitely recommend if you are interested (or not) in trains.

Had a lovely day travelling on the train, got off at Causey and had lunch in the Causey pub. Met some lovely rail enthusiasts and sun was out. Recommend for anyone who likes something different for a day out.

Excellent tour guide and great to be able to roam freely around the stock yard which is great for photos. Train ride good and well worth a visit to see Causey Arch too. Only thing I would suggest is a bit more of a range of hot snacks . Toasties jackets sausage buns etc rather than just sandwiches. Recommended !

40s weekend and went to Tanfield just as the steam train was leaving the station. Amazing photo of the train. Although the car park was full there was no sign of anything denoting that it was a 40s weekend. Went into the station to find a huge empty room apart from a man in soldiers uniform standing in front of a large table showing event calenders at stations down the line. I had to ask him what was on and he directed us to the next station where there were field events, market stalls, food ration & tasting, a hairdresser, band and singer Events were due to start later in the day but unable to get back in time as there were no trains returning. Disappointed.

Tanfield is an excellent place for a day out with the family. Ride the steam trains, hop on and off at stations all day, explore the yard and engine shed, grab a bite to eat at the platform cafe.

Had a fantastic day at the Gala day. So many engines running, behind the scene tours and lovely home made food in the cafes. The behind the scenes tour was an all area access and guided by two very knowledgeable volunteers.

We were in the area for another event this past weekend, being railway enthusiasts we searched for a nearby heritage railway and found the Tanfield railway, what a lovely little railway, the staff were friendly and welcoming, the men on the footplate welcomed my son to look at the engine which he loved. I would definitely recommend a visit.

Me and my son arrived here at 10.15am just in time for the first train departing Andrews House Station. We travelled along to East Tanfield where we got off for a toilet break and a drink before getting back on the train and heading back to Andrews House Station. We then had a walk around the engine sheds which were more full of engines than I'd imagined. After that, we had our dinner in the cafe on the Station, got aboard another train to take us to Sunnisde, then all the way back to East Tanfield where we hopped off for a little bit before heading back to Andrews House Station to eventually head home. I found the cafes reasonably priced although the wooden toy train did set me back a little but nevermind. We spent over 4 hours here and we could've easily stayed longer. I'd definitely recommend a visit here if you or your kids enjoy steam trains.

Absolutely brilliant visit to this Heritage Railway. Engines and rolling stock in Great condition, looked after by exceptional staff, who go out of their way to make your visit first class. As all are volunteers I cannot speak highly enough of them. You don't have to be an enthusiast to enjoy the train ride but it does help being a grandad that enjoys steam trains, with train mad grandchildren in tow. Very special.......

Absolutely brilliant time, lovely tea and people serving it were top notch If you love a steam train this is for you We will definitely do it again

Saw this on Robson Greens travel programme and as we were staying nearby decided to give it a try. We had hoped to have afternoon tea but unfortunately we left it too late and it was sold out. We were like a couple of orphans staring in at a the delicious looking array of food in the very posh looking carriage. We got a day ticket and initially got off at Causey Arch stop and walked with the dog through the gorge beneath the beautifully preserved arch. There are loads of interesting information boards about telling the history of the site. We then walked back along the trackside path to where we had set off from (Tansey East) before boarding the train again to travel the full length of the line to Simons House Station. It was a great day out, thanks to the volunteers who keep this piece of history alive. Well worth a visit.

Just needed to say a huge thank you for the volunteers at tanfield railway for my son's 3rd birthday party today. We were blown away with how helpful you all were and making the day extra special for him. We hired a train carriage for an hour round trip for 30 friends and family. Giving us the complimentary train ride with the poor weather, a room for us on the station for us to have the cake and trips led by Barry and Harry to the engine and carriage sheds. It was the perfect party and we will be recommending it to others as the kids and adults enjoyed it thoroughly. At least 2 groups have said they'll be back which is lovely to hear. The volunteers are amazing, so helpful and friendly. Geoff helped organise everything by email and everyone was great on the day to help us out. The train and stations are maintained superbly, you can see how much love and care they put into their work it's wonderful to see. Thank you for everything and I'm sure we'll see you soon for another trip .

Train ride with afternoon tea ,fabulous experience the sandwiches were so fresh and the cakes and scones were to die for, as much tea and coffee as you want and top service ,served by Sharon and irene,book it now you won't regret it

Great place to visit for a glance back through the history of steam locomotives. There's lots of nice touches, as they've tried to keep as much history as possible, including the buildings, and interiors. Well worth a visit.

Fabulous volunteers and beautiful clean station. I would highly recommend keeping a lookout for events they run throughout of the year. They is something here for all ages and it’s a lovely little environment. I can’t wait to return

Lovely place for walking.

Booking for santa special was a nightmare, 4hrs and numerous site crashes, still no tickets

Absolutely fabulous. Kids and Adults alike. We have had a great time

Lovely place. Not sure who enjoyed it most the adults or the kids. If you get the chance please do this with your kids/grandkids you will not regret it. My grandson (2) absolutely loved it. Shame it was not longer.

Best day out for kids in northeast

Good train ride

Tanfield railway great place to visit fabulous volunteers and a great little cafe

I miss this place grandkids love it due to cover not bee 😢 can not wait for normality to return

All precautions were taken to assist in everyone having a great day. It was well worth the visit

A great place to visit, currently very Covid-secure. Quite expensive for a short train ride, but the seats are so uncomfortable you wouldn't want to go much further. Great fun, and packed with railway history.

fab day lovely walks. the fab ride is really short but get off at Vaisey Arch and enjoy the scenery and walks

Visit Took the grandchildren 2 C SANTA CLAUS, what a great day, the kids really enjoyed it, The staff were great+Santa,s helpers really made the kids day

Excellent attraction for the family with tank engines large and small to take you on a ride in wooden carriages built on site. There are cafes in the carriage shed ( hot food but no cold drinks) and St Andrew's station ( cold drinks, no hot food the day I was there). Clean toilets, picnic area. Help them to put a new roof on their historic engine shed.

A beautiful little line, with great engines and classic carriages. Covid restrictions worked well. And a great day had by all.

Huge collection of railway relics awaiting restoration and the freedom to roam amongst the exhibits at your leisure.Live steam hauled trains and period stations. Brilliant for enthusiasts and families alike.Can't recommend it enough.

A beautiful working steam railway, Tanfield Railway, has steam trains, period stations, and engineering sheds set in fabulous countryside. You can ride on the engines, walk along the mixed used cycle and walking path alongside the railway line and take lunch in the cafe. There's good parking and lots of space to sit on the grass or play games with children.

I have rellies in the nearby village and ride around the Tanfield site. But when friends with small children visit this is a must as who doesn't love a ride on a stream train? It passed through Causey gorge that has the infamous viaduct and it's lovely for a family wander with a stream to plodge in. And for those who might be fixated with all things vehicular, stream or engineered this is for you too as they let you go down to the engine shed at Tanfield and see them upkeeping the engines.

Lovely little place to ride a steam train, grab a snack or just go cycling and walking

Excellent place. Steeped in history.

It’s old however it is great

Its great

Great place and fantastic steam train experience however this years North Pole online ticketing experience has been nothing short of awful.

Lots to see and do. Well organized by helpful and enthusiastic volunteer staff.

Plenty to do and see at both ends of the railway (1 car park at Tanfield and another by the Causey arch). We parked at the Tanfield end and walked along well tended paths to the other, taking in the views over the Causey Arch (local historic bridge) along the way. Events are on regularly over the year where staff and volunteers dress for the occasion with plenty of activities and train rides available.

The restoration of Horden Andrew Barclay 0-6-0ST is nearing completion

The end of the line. Nice cafe and shop. Very nice staff.

Great example of the North East's Heritage

Went as part of their Halloween event. Was expensive for what it was but was enjoyable for us. Probably wouldn't do it again but was worth it as a one off.

Can't wait for this lovely place to reopen

Brilliant place to visit.

I have to come on here and leave a review after having one of the best days out with our kids since lockdown they absolutely loved the train ride to andrews house ans it was so safe and clean.our son with SEN was in his element and is wanting to go back again before the end of the holidays.lovely staff and great little venture out and a trip to causey arch in even better for afterwards

A great little railway

A very well organised and run attraction. Lovely warm and welcoming staff/volunteers. A great time was had by all and a non stop smiling memorable day out for my Grandson on his first steam train .

Great place, simply a must go

Nice place to remember not to loose our history