Throughout August, children aged 5 to 15 can travel on heritage trains at the Stephenson Steam Railway in North Tyneside for just £1, with under-5s travelling for free.

Historic steam or diesel-hauled trains will run every Thursday and Sunday during August. On Thursdays, children can take part in free craft activities organised by North East Museums in partnership with Tyne and Wear Metro, as part of the Ways to Play family programme that runs across the region.

As well as train rides, children can burn off steam in a new Woodland Walk area, which is ideal as a place for a summer stroll or an outdoor adventure. The Woodland Walk is completely free to enter and open on running days, and has winding paths, natural play opportunities, and plenty of space to explore.

The Stephenson Steam Railway also has a free museum with a fascinating collection of engines and artefacts, and where visitors can meet dedicated volunteers of the North Tyneside Steam Railway Association, who keep the railway running.

Tickets for the Stephenson Steam Railway during August cost £9 for adults and 37 for people aged 16 to 21, aged 60 and over, and students@tickets for children aged 5 to 15 cost £1 and children under 5s carers travel free. Refreshments are available at the Waggonway Tearoom.

Tickets can be booked online in advance at https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/admissions-stephenson-steam-railway or on the day at the museum, and family tickets are also available.

 During the summer holidays, the railway is holding several special events, including a Dink Dinosaur Adventure Day on the 25th August. Visitors can also try taking the controls of a classic British Rail Class 03 diesel locomotive.

The Stephenson Steam Railway travels for two miles past factories and businesses that it once served. As visitors travel in a 1950s British Railways carriage, they can listen to the locomotives working hard climbing steep gradients away from the River Tyne towards the old coalfields of Northumberland.

At Middle Engine Lane, the station yard has many wagons and railway vehicles that were once a common sight in the area’s railways.

In the museum is a range of steam, diesel, and electric locomotives, whilst visitors can explore the cab of Clio, try driving a steam engine on a simulator, and through animations and artefacts from the time learn about the influence of George and Robert Stephenson on the development of the steam locomotive.

“We’re excited to welcome families to the museum for a fantastic day out during the summer holidays. Our £1 children’s train tickets make it more affordable than ever to enjoy a day out packed with history, nostalgia and fun.”

Geoff Woodward, museum manager at Stephenson Steam Railway