When I spotted that Tanfield Railway was planning to reopen, I just had to book us in for a ride on the world's oldest railway. The boys and Craig are big Steam engine fans so we love a good ride on a steam train. Tanfield is perfect for a short journey, it is barely 20 minutes away from us and has so much history behind it.
We arrived 20 minutes before our departure time we had a wander around and the boys really wanted to get a look at the Engine that would be pulling our train today. On first impression, we were quite impressed with the measures Tanfield have set in place to deal with Covid-19, so we were confident that the rest of the morning would be fine.
We got to choose our own compartment and then it was time to set off. The journey takes around 20 minutes from East Tanfield to Andrews House station, where you can get off and have a wander around, you can also get your free Tea or Coffee for the adults and a juice for the kiddies. The queue for this was pretty big and the delay ended up being 10/15 minutes. I think, for a re opening day, this wasn't too bad but maybe only serve the free drinks here and everything else back at East Tanfield station. If something is free people will queue for it.
We then got back into our compartment and headed back to East Tanfield, which was another 20 minute ride. The station was pretty busy when we got back, due to the next passengers waiting to board the train, but we still managed to safely distance ourselves.
Toilets are open at each station and operating a one person only policy with hand sanitiser provided throughout the stations. There is also a free children's activity, you have to try and find all the teddy bears that are hidden around the stations and guess how many there are, you can find out the answer online and print a certificate to give to the kiddies.
Important info
*Pre booked tickets only
*Tickets cost £30 for a compartment for up to 8 people. This also includes a free Tea or Coffee for adults and Juice for the kids and a guide book and activity sheet.
*Dogs are welcome on a lead and must not be sat on the carriage seats.
*Train departs from East Tanfield Station DH9 9UY
*Must arrive 15 minutes before your booking to collect your free items.
*Compartments are numbered and you must travel back in this compartment too.
*One way system in place
*Face masks must be worn inside the station buildings, you do not need to wear one in your compartment.
*Enhanced cleaning throughout
*Hand sanitiser stations set up all over the stations
*Toilets are operating on a one person at a time basis
*Tea rooms are open
*NO cash payments accepted
*Plenty of parking
*Plenty of picnic benches
*One of the train compartments has double doors to allow access for wheelchairs
PLEASE NOTE
Marley station sheds and car park are closed
You can gain entry to Causey Arch which is a lovely walk from East Tanfield Car park
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