Steam your Way to Maximum Enjoyment at South Tynedale Railway
The South Tynedale Railway may well be just 4.75 miles long, from Alston Station in Cumbria, UK to Slaggyford, Northumberland, but you would be hard put to find a more enjoyable outing. The Preservation Society wants to continue the railhead northwards but for now it’s your opportunity to tap into a superb steam- or diesel train adventure as it is, and in fact most travellers enjoy this amazing experience based on word of mouth.
With this awesome narrow gauge train journey through exquisite countryside – you can climb on board at any of the stations – Alston, Kirkhaugh, Lintley or Slaggyford – to travel through the South Tyne Valley. If you’re not one of the train passengers, don’t worry as Alston town centre itself is well worth exploring with its cobbled streets and fascinating shops.
South Tynedale Railway – There’s a Reason it has so many Customers
Taking to the rail and gazing out the windows, you’re bound to catch a glimpse of some woodland creatures in this stunning landscape. In fact this award-winning railway takes you through an area known specifically as an Area of Natural Beauty (AONB). No other country in the world has these Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – it is uniquely British and tells you an area is so exceptionally beautiful it is worth protecting.
It is always a good idea to be checking out the Railway’s website as you don’t want to be missing out on operating days, tickets and fares, discounts on tickets and special trips. Over Christmas time for instance Father Christmas has right of way on this particularly train trip and he has opted to include in your train ticket price, refreshments and every child’s wish – to talk to- and receive a gift from himself.
Your 4-legged family member is also welcome to join in with the Christmas festivities and who knows, there may well be a present for your furry friend too. During Halloween there’s a ‘spooky special’ where wizards and witches are out and about, and if the train does make it back to Alston Station, there is a spooky tea to be had – that’s if you made it back!
A Treasured Experience
Blowing the whistle on all that’s on offer is part of what South Tynedale Railway does. They want to make sure that their adventure activity holds no apprehension and that even adults will relish that rush of excitement from doing something so rewarding. They offer –
- A large car park at Alston Station and Slaggyford. Both these stations offer accessible station buildings with ramps to platforms to make is easy and accessible for those in wheelchairs. There is a gift shop and cafe serving up delicious treats at Alston, excellent toilet facilities, nappy changing facilities for babies. as well as friendly and helpful staff.
- Both stations have refreshment facilities with menus that provide gluten free, vegetarian options for children and adults.
- Collect complimentary spotter cards for the kids so they can record what they saw on the train trip.
- Open 7 days a week, check out the Discovery Centre where you can find information on the history of the railway. Learn what makes the train engines go by visiting the engineering workshop. If trains are a passion of yours, why not arrange a signal box tour? You’ll meet the signalman and get to see precisely what he does.
A Train Trip where you Never Settle for Less
Travelling by rail is a recipe for a fun day out on the narrow gauge railway. Not only is the actual railway a gem, Alston station is pristine, and with its lovely shops serving up decadent pastries with tea or coffee, they’ve done everything they can to ensure that everyone – children, adults, pets and those with disabilities will love this amazing country escape.
The journey from Alston to Slaggyford is very scenic, and depending on the weather, can have open- or closed carriages. For the more energetic, there’s a good path back to Alston with plenty of jaw-dropping views of the picturesque countryside. No wonder so many people recommend the railway to others and come back again to recapture the magic. Read more activities to do in Cumbria.
