Stephenson Railway | Cheap Dog Friendly Heritage Train Rides

This post is based on a visit in April 2022. Please check the Stephenson Railway website and social media for the most up-to-date info, especially regarding opening times, booking info and special events. 

PLEASE NOTE - AS OF MAY 2022, PET DOGS ARE NO LONGER PERMITTED ON BOARD THE TRAINS. 

AS AN ALTERNATIVE, I WOULD RECOMMEND TANFIELD RAILWAY, HEATHERSLAW LIGHT RAILWAY OR ALN VALLEY RAILWAY - ALL THREE ALLOW PET DOGS ON BOARD THEIR TRAINS. 

Stephenson Railway is a small, free to visit train museum in North Shields. There is a free car park onsite and a bus stop nearby. The museum is not open all of the time and trains only run on selected dates so do check before heading out. 

The museum is accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs and the train platform is accessible too however train carriage doors are restricted to 55cm and cannot accommodate wheelchairs. Wheelchair users must be able to self transfer from a platform to a carriage if they wish to ride. Find out more about access here. 

Address: Stephenson Railway. Middle Engine Way, North Shields. NE29 8DX. 

The museum is close to Silverlink, Rising Sun Country Park and Silverlink Biodiversity Park.

There are a couple of picnic tables and benches in the museum grounds, we brought a picnic with us to enjoy before our train ride. There is a cafe but it is only open on selected dates (it was closed on the day of our visit) and toilets are available in the museum entrance. 

We pre-booked our train ride ahead of time which I'd recommend doing as they regularly sell out. Sometimes there may be options to buy a ticket from the museum on the day too. Train fares are an absolute bargain. I booked a family ticket for 4 people which was just £16. 

Children aged 4 and under, dogs and carers travel free. There is also the option to buy a season ticket which is very reasonable and I would say with it if your kids love train rides. 

On arrival, we were asked our name and shown to our compartment. At the moment, each group is allocated their own private compartment and you don't share with anyone which feels like a nice treat. 

We watched as the engine connected with the carriages before climbing aboard. 

Dog Friendly Heritage Train Rides 

• Dogs must be kept on a lead at all times 
• Dogs can travel on the train for free (when accompanying an adult). They don't require a ticket 
• Dog water is available on request and complimentary treats are available from the museum kiosk
• Dogs are welcome to walk around the outdoor areas / train yard 
• Dogs are not permitted inside of the museum / cafe (with the exception of assistance dogs) 
• Shiremoor Farm is a lovely dog-friendly pub with beer garden a few minutes away. Dogs are welcome in the bar 
• Nearby dog walks include Silverlink Biodiversity Park and Rising Sun Country Park 

The walk to the platform is short but it feels like you have stepped into an episode of Thomas the Tank Engine with train tracks, trains and carriages parked up in the yard. 

The compartments are lovely and comfortable and have that old-timey feel to them. Our sash window was open and it felt like we had stepped back in time. Everything was in good condition and we had plenty of space in our carriage which seats up to six people. There are posters in the carriage which share a bit of the railway's history. 

The journey is 4 miles long and takes around 35 minutes from your boarding time. It travels towards the Tyne and then back again so you end up where you started. 

The route is not a scenic one (just so you are warned) and it follows the traditional route coal trains would have taken. You are usually pulled along by a vintage diesel engine and the carriages date back to the 1950s. 

You will pass Tesco, under a few tunnels and past the industrial estate / houses. 

Halfway through the experience, the train will stop and the guards will open your carriage door and ask if you'd like to watch the engine un-couple and then link up to the other side of the carriages ready for the return journey. This is a great photo op and the kids seemed to love watching. It's worth alighting just to stretch your legs too. 

After 5 minutes or so, it's time to climb back onboard for the return journey back to the museum. 

The volunteers / staff are all dressed smartly in traditional uniform and super friendly / helpful. Although fairly short and not too scenic, I loved our little trip and think it was such a bargain for the price we'd paid. I'd definitely recommend. 

Five Reasons to Visit Stephenson Railway with your Dog

1. Dogs can ride the train for free
2. It's a nice day out if you are looking for something to do with dogs + kids/grandparents etc....
3. The carriages are covered so an ideal rainy day out with your dog 
4. A dog-friendly pub along the road 
5. Dog treats and fresh water available 

Stephenson Railway FAQs 

Are there disabled toilets and baby change? 

Yes, in the museum entrance 

Where can I park? 

There is a large on-site free car park with disabled and parent and child spaces available 

Can I bring a picnic? 

Yes, there are picnic tables in the grounds 

Can I bring a dog? 

Yes, dogs are welcome in the grounds and on train rides (not in the museum unless they are assistance dogs)

How long should I spend here? 

Train rides last around 35 minutes. 


Where can I book a train ride? 

You can book online here. 

As well as regular heritage train rides, Stepenson Railway run a programme of special events, especially during school holidays. You can check out what's coming up here.