South Tynedale Railway

About the museum

The line follows the southern end of the former Alston branch, a standard-gauge railway that ran from Haltwhistle to Alston. The branch opened in stages between 1851 and 1852 and served lead mining, farming and local passenger traffic until British Rail closed it in May 1976.

A preservation society then took over the trackbed at Alston and chose to rebuild it as a 2 ft gauge line rather than a standard-gauge one. The railway opened to the public on 30 July 1983 and has been extended several times since: to Gilderdale in 1986, to Kirkhaugh in 1999, to Lintley Halt in 2012 and to Slaggyford in 2018. Today it is about five miles long and is the longest 2 ft gauge heritage railway in England, running through the North Pennines near Hadrian's Wall.

The railway keeps a working collection of narrow-gauge locomotives, including the steam engines Nakło, Green Dragon and Barber, several diesel locomotives and two battery locomotives. The railway is operated by a charity and relies heavily on volunteers. Its base is the restored station at Alston, which also houses a cafe, shop and ticket office.

Highlights

• Return journey from Alston to Slaggyford through the South Tyne valley
• Steam, diesel and battery narrow-gauge locomotives
• Request stops at Kirkhaugh and Lintley for walks and picnics
• Alston station with its cafe, shop and signal box
• Special events such as Santa Specials in December

Founded

1983

Operated by

South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society

Admission & discounts

The Rover ticket covers all-day travel between Alston and Slaggyford and can be bought online or at the ticket office. Dogs travel free. Members of the railway society, Heritage Railway Association members and Rail Riders Club members receive discounts (not on special event days). On special event days the Rover may be limited to one return journey.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The main station buildings have level access and ramps lead to the platforms and the Alston ticket office. Every train includes a carriage that wheelchair users can enter. Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities are at both Alston and Slaggyford. The buffet car at Slaggyford is narrow, so wheelchair-suitable tables are provided in the Alston ticket office. All areas are dog friendly, including for assistance dogs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Baby changing facilities

Children aged 3 to 17 pay a reduced fare and infants under 3 travel free. Baby changing facilities are available at Alston and Slaggyford. The railway runs seasonal family events such as the Santa Specials.

Getting there & parking

Alston station lies just north of the town centre on the A686 (sat nav postcode CA9 3JB). Slaggyford station is just off the A689 Alston to Brampton road (sat nav CA8 7NH).

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Crossing Café at Alston station serves sandwiches, cakes, snacks and drinks on running days. At Slaggyford the Little Buffet Car sells cakes, crisps, chocolate and drinks, and an ice cream parlour is open there on running days. The ticket office at Alston also sells gifts.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Private parties

The railway offers private charters and group bookings, and it has been closed to the public for private events on some days.

Plan your visit