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
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
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
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
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
At a glance
- Address
- Springwell Road, Springwell, Gateshead, NE9 7QJ Get directions
- 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