# Bowes Railway, Gateshead — Opening Hours, Reviews & Visitor Info > Step back to 1826 at this pioneering railway heritage site in Gateshead, where families can explore one of the world's earliest modern rail systems through interactive displays and working exhibits. Source: https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/attractions/bowes-railway (Staycation.co.uk). Cite the source page, not this text version. Museum # Bowes Railway Springwell Village [View on Google Maps](https://maps.google.com/?cid=18397253489087684999&g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) Photo: [Rod Martin](https://maps.google.com/maps/contrib/102928395113500983418) **In short:** Bowes Railway is a museum in Gateshead, rated 4.3 out of 5 from 220 Google reviews. Details checked 1 September 2026 · source: Google Places ## About Bowes Railway Step back to 1826 at this pioneering railway heritage site in Gateshead, where families can explore one of the world's earliest modern rail systems through interactive displays and working exhibits. ## What's nearby - Thompsons of Prudhoe Ltd - Springwell Quarry 200m away - Nisa Local 450m away Distances as the crow flies, via Google ## Good to know ### Accessibility - ✓Accessible parking - ✓Accessible entrance - ✓Accessible toilet ### Payment - ✓Contactless Details via Google — worth confirming with the attraction before you travel, especially for access needs. ## Photos Photos via Google ## Opening hours **Monday** Closed **Tuesday** 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 2:00 PM **Wednesday** Closed **Thursday** 11:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 1:00 – 2:00 PM **Friday** Closed **Saturday** Closed **Sunday** Closed Current hours may differ from the usual schedule above (e.g. holidays) — check Google Maps for today's hours. ## What visitors say [Hannah Atkinson](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107688226737494029663/reviews) ★★★★★ The bowes is a lovely train museum ran by warm and welcoming volunteers/ staff members. I often visit in the summer with my little boy to help in the allotment/family fun days but Recently attended the Christmas wreath making session, the staff were extremely helpful, held a great demonstration, shared useful tips and supplied us with plenty of refreshments. Handy to buy tickets for events in advance but your welcome to show up too. · via Google [David Thompson](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/100016232934422774628/reviews) ★★★★★ A fantastic museum and well worth a visit but only open two days a week at present due to a lack of volunteers . Friendly welcome and lots to see on site with a great display of mining memorabilia from the Durham coal-field as well as locomotives and rolling-stock . You need to visit....... · via Google [Caroline Thomson](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/103817618704835405927/reviews) ★★★★★ Really great first time visit to this fascinating site. Enthusiastic and very friendly volunteers are happy to tell you anything you want to know as they take you around. Will be returning to take more photos very soon! · via Google [Martin Brandon](https://www.google.com/maps/contrib/107730409136575706719/reviews) ★★★★★ A gem of a place, an engineering marvel I'd say. Great for anyone with an interest in railways, mining or engineering. I enjoyed a three hour guided tour. The workings of the rope operated railway were explained and the tour included the wagon shops, joinery shop and engineering workshop among others. Most of the equipment in these workshops is original, left when the railway closed. The Bowes Railway started operating in 1826, 200 years ago this year. This milestone deserves recognition and celebration. Visit if you can. · via Google [See all reviews on Google →](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m4!3m3!1s0x487e7afa8600067d:0xff502c9353e32187!9m1!1b1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ## At a glance **Address** Springwell Road, Springwell, Gateshead, NE9 7QJ [Get directions](https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=54.9237240%2C-1.5571770) **Category** Railways & Transport **Guest rating** 4.3 / 5 (220 reviews) **Suitable for** Ages 0-12 **Setting** Indoor & outdoor **Good for children** Yes **Toilets on site** Yes **Destination** Gateshead [More attractions in Gateshead](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/attractions) ★ 4.3 (220 reviews) [Visit official website](https://www.bowesrailway.co.uk/?utm_source=staycation.co.uk&utm_medium=referral&utm_campaign=attraction) [0191 416 1847](tel:01914161847) (please mention staycation.co.uk when calling) ### Quick Facts **Destination** Gateshead **Postcode** NE9 7QJ **Payment** Contactless **Plus Code** 9C6WWCFV+F4 [Directions ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/dir//''/data=!4m7!4m6!1m1!4e2!1m2!1m1!1s0x487e7afa8600067d:0xff502c9353e32187!3e0?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [More photos on Google ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487e7afa8600067d:0xff502c9353e32187!10e5?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) [Write a review ↗](https://www.google.com/maps/place//data=!4m3!3m2!1s0x487e7afa8600067d:0xff502c9353e32187!12e1?g_mp=Cidnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLlNlYXJjaFRleHQQAhgEIAA) ### 🏨 Places to stay near Gateshead Hotels, B&Bs and self-catering on Booking.com, with live prices. [Check availability →](https://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-101762279-15734754?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.booking.com%2Fsearchresults.en-gb.html%3Fss%3DGateshead%252C%2BUnited%2BKingdom) Affiliate link [Hotels →](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/hotels) [Camping →](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/camping) ## Quick answers ### What are the opening hours of Bowes Railway? Bowes Railway is open Mon closed; Tue 11am–12pm, 1pm–2pm; Wed closed; Thu 11am–12pm, 1pm–2pm; Fri–Sun closed (from its Google listing; hours can change on bank holidays, so check before you go). ### Is Bowes Railway any good? Bowes Railway is rated 4.3 out of 5 from 220 Google reviews. ### Is Bowes Railway good for children? Yes, Bowes Railway is listed as good for children. ### Is Bowes Railway indoors or outdoors? Bowes Railway has both indoor and outdoor areas. ### What ages is Bowes Railway suitable for? Bowes Railway is best for ages 0-12. ### Is Bowes Railway wheelchair accessible? Bowes Railway has a wheelchair-accessible entrance and an accessible toilet. ### How do I contact Bowes Railway? Call Bowes Railway on +44 7850 916484. ## More near Bowes Railway ### Hotels & B&Bs nearby - [Mercure Newcastle George Washington Hotel Golf and Spa ★ 4.1 · 0.9 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/washington/hotels/mercure-newcastle-george-washington-hotel-golf-and-spa) - [Bowes Incline Hotel ★ 4.5 · 1.2 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/hotels/bowes-incline-hotel) - [The Angel View Hotel ★ 4.2 · 1.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/hotels/the-angel-view-hotel) - [Sutherlands Hotel ★ 4.0 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/hotels/sutherlands-hotel) ### Holiday cottages nearby - [No 1 The Depot 0.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/sunderland/cottages/no-1-the-depot-syk1199061) - [Sage Apartments 2.7 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/cottages/sage-apartments-ukc8837) - [Tyneview Estate - The Stables ★ 5.0 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/cottages/tyneview-estate-the-stables-ukc9935) - [Tyneview Estate - The Farmhouse ★ 5.0 · 3.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/cottages/tyneview-estate-the-farmhouse-ukc9936) ### Campsites nearby - [Stampley Moss Farm ★ 4.9 · 3.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/camping/stampley-moss-farm) - [High Flatts Farm Certificated Site ★ 3.7 · 4.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/durham/camping/high-flatts-farm-certificated-site) - [Beamish Holiday Park ★ 3.8 · 4.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/beamish/camping/beamish-holiday-park) - [West Wood Yurts (Cut Thorn Farm) ★ 4.8 · 6.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/tyne-wear/camping/west-wood-yurts-cut-thorn-farm) ### Things to do nearby - [Angel of the North ★ 4.6 · 1.4 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/attractions/angel-of-the-north) - [Hollywood Bowl Washington ★ 4.3 · 2.0 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/washington/attractions/hollywood-bowl-washington) - [Washington Leisure Centre ★ 3.8 · 2.1 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/washington-village/attractions/washington-leisure-centre) - [Saltwell Park ★ 4.7 · 2.3 mi](https://staycation.co.uk/gateshead/attractions/saltwell-park)