South Tynedale Railway — Attraction in England

At the entrance to this site, there is a sign stating 'The Friendly Heritage Attraction.' This is pertinent. We had not made a reservation, thus arriving early to ensure the chance of a ticket. The only person on the station was a man opening up a cafe. I asked him if he could tell me what time the booking office opened. "The railway is nothing to do with me." He exclaimed tersely. The only other visible person was a man called Paul in a red jacket standing inside a signal box which I moved towards. I asked him the same question, "Could you tell me what time the booking office opens please?" His response was quite unbelievable. Very rudely and officiously he shouted at me "Get back on the road!" I tried to explain that I had not booked and simply wanted to know from what time I could purchase a ticket. Without answering my question, he shouted the same abrupt comment three times. I have never encountered anyone ever from an organisation who has been so terse to a member of the public. It really was very offensive. Another would-be customer had just arrived in the car park and as I passed him, remarked "There was no need for that," pointing towards the man in the signal box. At that point we very nearly departed but had travelled a long way to ride on this train and so went to wait outside the booking office where a lady eventually arrived. She was just the opposite being friendly and efficient. We booked our tickets, quite expensive considering the length of the journey, and duly took our seats on the train after speaking to the driver who was delightful and informative. The line is very pleasant affording good views of the countryside and travelling at a pace to assimilate it. One word of warning. All the publicity, leaflets, images on the website depict a steam train. This rarely runs these days due to a lack of staff. We were confronted with a diesel engine aptly named...

We regularly visit South Tynedale Railway with our four year old son and two year old daughter. The railway has benefited from the new extension to Slaggyford and the new station facilities including, toilets, ticket office and buffet car cafe, enhance the overall experience. However, we wanted to express our thanks to the volunteers and staff who make this railway really special.

Our journey down the line from Alston to Slaggyford on a fine summers day in July was going well. However, while standing on the rear carriage balcony, a slight gust of wind blew the favourite blue and white stripy hat from our two year old daughter's head and landed it in the cess next to the line. “My hat!” she exclaimed! What a CASTROPHY. What a CLAMITY...but...not to worry. After speaking to the Guard, Driver and Fireman at Slaggyford and establishing exactly where the prized garment had landed, the journey back to Alston was halted to allow the driver to climb down from the footplate and retrieve the garment and carefully hand it back to our daughter on the balcony of the carriage.

Having our daughter's favourite hat returned to her not only made her day, but also everyone else's on the train, as the whole coach load of passengers cheered and applauded!!! We doubt there are many railways what would halt a four carriage train with approximately 150 passengers on board to return a little girls hat.

Thank you for a...

I remember way, way back to my youth actually seeing this railway when it was a branch line run by British Rail. I was disappointed that British Rail, having decided to close this alleged uneconomic line, asked for a kings ransom to sell it to the Heritage Trust wanting to take it on.

Well the Trust didnot give up and this, now narrow gauge line, is the result of all their efforts. The line runs from Alston Station to Slaggyford Station, a trip of approximately 5 miles. Both stations have large car parks with room for coaches. Both stations have excellent toilet facilities which are wheelchair friendly. Unlike some attractions 🐕 dogs are not just welcome but actually you are encouraged to take them as part of your family. (And yes they are allowed on the carriages ) Wheelchair users alight the carriages by means of ramps.

The Crossings Cafe offers excellent value for money meals and snacks which you can eat in or out. Very good children's menu available and again reasonable prices charged.

Up to the 18th of July the attraction is open Tuesday's, Thursdays, Saturday's and Sundays. After that date, and up to September, the attraction is open 7 days a week.

Very good family day out with lovely views of the area and local shops selling...