The Tanfield Railway, widely regarded as the world’s oldest railway, has introduced a new hands-on visitor attraction in the form of Steam Driver Experiences. The initiative gives participants the chance to step onto the footplate and take control of historic industrial steam locomotives.

The sessions feature engines such as Sir Cecil A Cochrane and Keighley Corporation Gas Dept No.2, machines built for heavy-duty industrial work rather than passenger elegance. Constructed by renowned Tyneside firms including Robert Stephenson and Hawthorn Leslie, these locomotives reflect the region’s industrial heritage.

Each experience lasts 40 minutes, led by a qualified crew. Participants can learn to operate the locomotive under realistic conditions, including handling steep 1-in-40 gradients.

The package also includes a souvenir goody bag and complimentary day travel for the participant and a guest, offering unlimited rides along the line.

Dating back to 1725, the railway began as a wooden wagonway transporting coal to the River Tyne. Today it operates as a living museum of the 1920-1950 industrial era, featuring sites such as the Marley Hill Engine Shed and the Causey Arch, both landmarks maintained largely by volunteers.

Sessions are scheduled for May 25, July 5, August 1 and August 31. Participants must be aged 21 or over and meet basic fitness requirements. Period attire, such as a flat cap and boiler suit, is provided to enhance the authenticity.

“Our experience packages have been incredibly popular over the past few years, and the response from the public has been nothing short of fantastic,”

“However, the Steam Driver Experience is the one we’ve been working so hard to offer, and I’m thrilled it’s finally here. It provides a true, hands-on experience of our industrial railway heritage, and you never know, we might even get a few more volunteers out of it too!”

 Euan Sharp, Tanfield Railway’s Visitor Experience Lead.