Bowes Railway 2026

This colliery railway was built to carry coal from its own pit at Springwell. A Scheduled Ancient Monument and the only preserved standard gauge rope-hauled railway in the world, with an assortment of locos, wagons, coal mining tools and fine examples of mid-19th century workshops, many with their original machinery.

Contacts

Address: Springwell Road Springwell Gateshead Tyne & Wear NE9 7QJ

Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

Open Days & Times

Guided Tours: Tue, Thu 1000 or 1300. Visit website for more details with advance booking essential.

Travel

By Bus: 56
By Rail: Newcastle upon Tyne / 5 miles

Facilities

Parking
Refreshments
Souvenir Shop
Part disabled access

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The earliest section was designed by George Stephenson and opened on 17th January 1826, making it one of the world’s first modern railways. It was 15 miles long when completed in 1855. Each end was locomotive worked; the six mile middle section consisted of rope worked inclines with very steep gradients.