📌 Beamish, County Durham, DH9 0RG
Open air museum set in 300+ acres recreating life in the early 1800s and 1900s, with farm, tram, replica steam train and fairground rides (selected dates).
👉 For more info, visit @BeamishLivingMuseum
🎫 Unlimited annual pass £11.50-£19.50 pp / Family £36.50-£51 (under 5s free)
Open selected dates throughout the year, see website for schedule.
Springwell Village, Gateshead, NE9 7QJ
Tel: 0191 416 1847
Originally a colliery railway built to carry coal, it’s an exciting visit for train and history enthusiasts. Including old disused trains, model trains and a toy train set, plus events and workshops.
Aged 16+: £2.00.
Aged 5+: £1.00.
📌 Exhibition Park, Claremont Road, Newcastle, NE2 4PZ
Park with grassland, woodland and lake, plus crazy golf, skate park, sports courts, water play trough and playground with sandpit and mini diggers. There’s a Military Vehicle Museum, a cafe and Wylam Brewery serving main meals. Behind the brewery is a miniature train track with free rides 11am-3pm first Sunday of each month (April-Sep plus seasonal specials).
👉 For more info, visit Newcastle City Council
🎫 Donations welcome for train rides, more info @TynesideSocietyMEE
📌 Sea Road, South Shields, South Tyneside, NE33 2JS
Park near the sea front with formal gardens, play area with sandpit, lake with ducks and pedal boats, miniature ride-on steam train and art trail with ten sculptures. Cafe serving snacks and treats.
👉 For more info, visit South Tyneside Council
📌 intu Metrocentre, Gateshead, NE11 9YG
‘Fun Buggy’ ride-on cars can be hired from customer service desks, and a mini train ride from Exhibition Square.There’s also a small outdoor play area outside the Qube entrance for ages 3-10. Click here for info on NAMCO Funscape, Angry Bids Golf, Odeon Cinema & Clip ‘n’ Climb.
👉 For more info, visit @mymetrocentre
🎫 Activity prices vary, from £3
📌 Roker Park Road, Sunderland, SR6 9NB
Miles of sandy beach with wide promenade and restored pier, with various cafes and restaurants at Pier Point. Easy seafront walk to Seaburn beach and beyond. Nearby is Roker Park, with formal gardens, lake, sports courts, two play areas and a miniature train ride.
👉 For more info, visit Sunderland City Council
📌 East Park Road, Gateshead, NE9 5AX
A Victorian park with well-kept gardens, lake, streams, sports facilities, small maze, pet’s corner with rabbits and birds, including peacocks, and toddler and junior play areas, including a sand pit. There is often a Thomas the Tank Engine train ride which drives around the park.
👉 For more info, visit @Gateshead Council
🎫 Free
📌 Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, North Tyneside, NE29 8DX
Steam railway museum with interactive exhibitions and a range locomotives and carriages. On Sundays, bank holidays (and selected dates) take a four mile return trip on a vintage locomotive in 1950s passenger carriages.
👉 For more info, visit @stephensonrailway
🎫 Museum free (donations welcome).
Train rides from £5-£7 pp / Family from £17 (under 5s free)
Seasonal opening, typically closed Nov-Jan (excluding special events)
Runs on selected dates, see website for schedule.
Old Marley HIll, Marley Hill, Gateshead, NE16 5ET
Tel: 07508 092365
Steam trains run Sundays and Bank Holidays for a 6 mile round trip on the world’s oldest railway. Explore Europe’s oldest working engine shed and the world’s oldest railway bridge.
Adults: £10.50
Child: £6.50
Family (2 & 2): £27.50
(unlimited all day travel)
