Name: South Tynedale Railway
Rating: 5.0

South Tynedale Railway

Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB, England

1-90 Years

Paid

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Description

South Tynedale Railway is a heritage narrow-gauge railway set in the scenic North Pennines National Landscape near Alston. It offers visitors a relaxed way to explore the countryside while travelling on a historic railway line. The attraction is ideal for families, walkers, and anyone wanting to discover the beauty of Alston Moor.

Visitors can enjoy a heritage train journey between Alston, Kirkhaugh, Lintley, and Slaggyford, with services running to a published timetable. Activities include visiting The Hub Museum, walking and cycling routes from stations such as the South Tyne Trail and Pennine Way, exploring nearby attractions like Nenthead Mines, Epiacum, and enjoying events, music, dining experiences, and workshops at The Hive in Nenthead. Facilities also include free parking, the Crossing Café, and The Little Buffet Car at Slaggyford.

Rover tickets cost £16 for adults, £8 for children (3–17), are free for under-3s, and free for dogs. One-way tickets are £8 for adults, £4 for children, and free for under-3s and dogs, while annual membership costs £30 (full rate), £25 (reduced rate), and £25 for junior associates. The railway also offers private charters and group bookings, with prices provided on request.

Overall, South Tynedale Railway offers a gentle and scenic heritage experience in a peaceful rural setting. It combines train travel, walking, history, and local attractions into one visit. This attraction is perfect for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a traditional railway journey in the North Pennines.

Features

Paid
Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

The Hub Museum: The Hub Museum is housed in the former railway goods shed, which is the large grey stone building located on the opposite side of the road to Alston railway station. It contains a selection of local transport and household exhibits along with historic photographs, posters and memorabilia of the local area, illustrating life in the ‘good old days’.
Walks from Alston: From Alston Station you can walk along the South Tyne Trail, or if you are feeling more adventurous take a walk into the town and follow circular walks either along the River South Tyne down to Garrigill, a round trip approximately 8 miles, or alternatively follow the River Nent via Blagill and the waterfalls a round trip approximately 4 miles or even continue all the way to Nenthead. Walks from Kirkhaugh – On a fine day there is nothing nicer than getting the first train to Kirkhaugh and following one of the waymarked routes from the station with a stop en-route for a picnic. Walks from the station start from under a mile down to the river and the picturesque church at Kirkhaugh; include the possibility of following the Pennine Way to Slaggyford returning via the South Tyne Trail (approx 5 miles); or following the Pennine Way south from the station to the site of the Roman fort at Whitley Castle sitting astride the “Maiden Way”.
The Hive: In the heart of Nenthead, housed in a stunning, restored Wesleyan Chapel is The Hive. In the area’s mining heyday, the chapel was the centre of community life. Come to admire this superb restoration with its magnificent organ and period features. Come to enjoy music or one of our other live events. The Hive offers a unique space for visitor entertainment and workshops.
Epiacum: ‘The most significant archaeological monument in the region’ Stewart Ainsworth Time Team. Situated on the working Castle Nook and Whitlow Farm, Epicaum is easily accessed from the A689 Alston to Brampton Road. There are two walks trails leaflets (summertime only) and two digital walks you can download to your phone.
Nenthead Mines: Learn more about the lead mining past of the village of Nenthead and life as a miner with a trip down Carrs Mine and a visit to Brewery Shaft 100 metres deep!

Facilities

Parking: Free parking available.
Food & Drinks: The Crossing Cafe & The Little Buffet Car at Slaggyford serves food and beverages.

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Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Rover Tickets

Adult Rover: £16 (aged 18+)
Child Rover: £8 (aged 3–17)
Infant Rover: FREE (under 3)
Dog Rover: FREE (per dog)

One Way Tickets and Station Hoppers

Adult Single Ticket: £8 (aged 18+)
Child Single Ticket: £4 (aged 3–17)
Infant Single Ticket: FREE (under 3)
Dog Single Ticket: FREE (per dog)

Membership

Annual subscription Full Rate: £30.00
Annual subscription Reduced Rate: £25.00
Junior Associate (Under 18 years): £25.00

Pricing URL: https://www.south-tynedale-railway.org.uk/tickets-fares/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Whether you are a large group that would like the guarantee of a place for everyone on their own service, or a group of like minded enthusiasts who want to experience something a little bit different the South Tynedale Railway is always willing to accommodate special charter bookings fitted around the regular operating timetable.

Operating Timetable

Alston Depart: 10:30 | 13:00 | 15:00
Kirkhaugh: 10:45 | 13:15 | 15:15
Lintley: 10:53 | 13:23 | 15:23
Slaggyford Arrive: 11:05 | 13:35 | 15:35
Slaggyford Depart: 11:30 | 14:00 | 16:00
Lintley: 11:42 | 14:12 | 16:12
Kirkhaugh: 11:50 | 14:20 | 16:20
Alston Arrive: 12:05 | 14:35 | 16:35

Address: Railway Station, Alston, Cumbria, CA9 3JB, England

Post Code: CA9 3JB

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

By Car: Alston station is just to the north of the town centre on the A686. Sat Nav postcode CA9 3JB. There is a large car park, free parking and the car park is suitable for coaches. Slaggyford station is situated just off the A689 Alston-Brampton road. Sat Nav postcode CA8 7NH. There is a large car park and free parking, please note the access to this car park is narrow and not suitable for large coaches.
By Bus: Public bus services vary seasonally and include Newcastle, Hexham, Carlisle, Haltwhistle, Keswick and Stanhope.
By Train: The nearest National Rail stations are at Haltwhistle, Penrith and Langwathby.