The North Tyneside Light Railway is our 7¼” gauge miniature railway, created to add a new dimension to the visitor experience and provide railway fun for all ages.
Officially opened on Good Friday, 18th April 2025, the line has already completed a successful first season and now looks ahead with confidence as we return for the 2026 season. What began as an ambitious volunteer project is now a firmly established part of our running days — and we’re only just getting started.
The Railway Today
Carefully designed to complement the character of the wider site, the miniature railway offers a charming and accessible experience for families, enthusiasts and younger visitors alike.
The line features:
🚉 Two purpose-built stations, forming the heart of the miniature operation
🛤 Over 140 metres of track, offering an engaging and enjoyable ride
🚂 Regular miniature train services on selected operating days
🌳 A redeveloped picnic area, creating a relaxed and welcoming space for visitors
From earthworks and embankment construction to track laying and landscaping, the railway has been developed entirely by volunteers. Ongoing improvements continue to enhance both the operational reliability and the visitor environment.
Our Locomotives
Our miniature fleet reflects a mix of traditional and modern traction, ensuring variety across operating days:
🚂 Loki – our much-loved resident miniature steam locomotive, always a favourite with visitors
🚂 Kibworth Castle – a dependable petrol-electric locomotive, providing flexibility and reliable operation
Together, they allow us to deliver consistent services while showcasing different forms of miniature railway engineering.
Looking Ahead
The focus now is firmly on development and growth.
As we move through the 2026 season and beyond, we aim to:
Continue refining the stations and surrounding landscaping
Enhance the picnic and visitor areas
Maintain and develop our locomotive fleet
Expand operational opportunities where possible
The North Tyneside Light Railway is designed to grow steadily, improving year by year while remaining true to its volunteer-built roots.
For those interested in our first day, you can view photos from the official opening day here on our blog.
Whether you’re returning for another ride or visiting for the first time, we look forward to welcoming you aboard as the journey continues. 🚂
