Step into the industrial past of Northeast England at Tanfield Railway’s Gan' Canny Gala 2025. Experience running steam and diesel locomotives on authentic colliery tracks in historic Gateshead.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
All day events
Fitness Level
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels as the activity involves riding trains and light walking
Wildlife
History
Tanfield Railway is recognized as the oldest operational industrial railway in the world, central to the region’s coal mining legacy.
Conservation
The railway actively preserves historic locomotives and promotes sustainable tourism by maintaining original routes and supporting local heritage.
Tanfield Railway
Step into the industrial past of Northeast England at Tanfield Railway’s Gan' Canny Gala 2025. Experience running steam and diesel locomotives on authentic colliery tracks in historic Gateshead.
Tanfield Railway is a heritage railway based in Tanfield Lea, England, operating steam-hauled and heritage train experiences through the Causey Valley. The railway offers a range of public events and specialist rides including Afternoon Tea Trains, Heritage Steam Train Rides, Freight Train Guard Experience, Steam Engine Footplate Ride, Mince Pie Specials and seasonal events such as the Gan' Canny Gala. Guests travel in restored Victorian carriages and can enjoy scenic journeys, walks in the Causey Valley and visits to onsite facilities.
Tanfield Railway provides hands-on opportunities that recreate historic railway roles. Booked experiences include a Footplate Pass that allows participants to join the steam crew for a full round trip, and a Freight Train Guard Experience where participants perform guard duties in a Harton A16 brake van. Many experiences include period dress, take-home goody bags and certificates where listed, and some bookings offer an online discount.
The site features Marley Hill Engine Shed, described as Europe’s oldest working engine shed, and operates services across a wooded valley route. Tanfield Railway promotes safe, ticketed visits and encourages online bookings where available. Visitor information, schedules and ticket details are published by the railway for each listed event. For those seeking heritage rail experiences in County Durham, Tanfield Railway provides authentic steam rides, specialty dining on board and themed seasonal trips that highlight local railway history.
Timetables, ticket prices and accessibility information are provided on the railway's listings for each experience, helping visitors plan trips and book online well before arrival and departure.
Location
Tanfield Lea, England
Set in the scenic Causey Valley
Historic Claim
World's oldest railway
Described in event listings
Engine Shed
Marley Hill Engine Shed
Europe’s oldest working engine shed
Tours Offered
6 experiences
Public and specialist rides available
Reserve Afternoon Tea, Footplate Rides, Guard Experiences or seasonal specials online and secure available discounts.
Book Tickets in Advance
Save 10% and avoid queues by booking your Gan' Canny Gala tickets online before arrival.
Use Free Parking Facilities
Free car parking is available at East Tanfield and Andrews House stations—plan to park there for easy access.
Dress for Outdoor Conditions
Wear sturdy shoes and layered clothing suitable for an October day spent outdoors near railway tracks.
Mind Safety Protocols
Stay behind marked safety lines near active tracks and machinery; supervised areas will be clearly indicated.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ideal for navigating platforms, yards, and outdoors walking during the event.
Layered Clothing
October days vary in temperature; layering ensures comfort throughout.
fall
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against spring showers and damp conditions common in Northeast England.
spring
Camera
Capture the historic steam locomotives and lively yard activity.