Stephenson Steam Railway
Museum celebrating the age of steam, home to George Stephenson's 'Billy', with heritage train rides on scheduled days. Free entry.
About Stephenson Steam Railway
Stephenson Steam Railway on Middle Engine Lane tells the story of the railway revolution that George and Robert Stephenson helped launch from right here in North Tyneside. Its collection includes George Stephenson's locomotive 'Billy', a forerunner of the Rocket and the third-oldest surviving steam locomotive in the world, alongside interactive exhibitions on how trains work and the impact of coal and electricity.
Managed by North East Museums on behalf of North Tyneside Council, the museum has free entry (donations welcome) and free parking, and on scheduled days visitors can ride a heritage train pulled by steam engine 401 or a heritage diesel along the line towards Percy Main. A charge applies for train rides, and trains do not run on Saturdays, so check the timetable before visiting.
Featured in These Guides
Blog posts and guides that feature Stephenson Steam Railway.

Beer Festivals Near North Shields
From real ale among the steam engines at Stephenson Steam Railway to CAMRA's big spring festival in Newcastle, here are the beer festivals worth planning for in and around North Shields.

Volunteer Groups in North Shields
From lifeboat crew on the Fish Quay to foodbank drivers, heritage railway volunteers and befrienders, a local guide to volunteer groups in North Shields and how to get involved.

Summer Holiday Activities in North Shields
Holiday clubs, sports camps, museums and free council sessions: a guide to keeping children busy during the school holidays in North Shields.

Family Activities in North Shields
The Fish Quay, a river ferry, a Victorian park and a steam railway: a guide to the best family activities and things to do with children in North Shields.

A Weekend in North Shields: The Perfect Two-Day Itinerary
How to spend a perfect weekend in North Shields, from the Fish Quay and the ferry to the beaches, museums and a night out.

Museums and Heritage Centres in North Shields
From the world's third-oldest steam locomotive to the oldest building on the Fish Quay, a guide to the museums and heritage of North Shields.
Past Events
Recent events connected to Stephenson Steam Railway.
Dinky Dinosaur Adventure Day, Stephenson Steam Railway
31 August 2026 · Stephenson Steam Railway, North Shields
Model Railway Weekend, Stephenson Steam Railway
25 July 2026 · Stephenson Steam Railway, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DX
Metro Hat Making, Stephenson Steam Railway
23 July 2026 · Stephenson Steam Railway, Middle Engine Lane, North Shields, NE29 8DX
More Community in North Shields
Live Well with Cancer
North Shields charity supporting people affected by cancer, with free support groups, sessions and complementary therapies at its Nile Street hub.
North Tyneside Register Office
Where deaths in North Tyneside are registered, in Maritime Chambers on Howard Street.
North Tyneside Council Bereavement Services
The council's bereavement services team at Preston Cemetery, covering cemeteries and the two crematoria.
Never miss what’s on
Join the weekly North Shields.live digest — the best events, news and local tips, straight to your inbox. Free, one email a week.
What's On
The Parish at Cullercoats Crescent Club
3:00 PM · Cullercoats Crescent Club, 9 Victoria Crescent, Cullercoats, North Shields, NE30 4PN
A Night At The Musicals
5:00 PM - 7:00 PM · The Exchange 1856, Howard Street, North Shields, NE30 1SE
I Love North Shields Autumn Vintage Market
10:00 AM - 7:00 PM (market until 4:00 PM) · Salt Market Social, 1 Liddell Street, Fish Quay, North Shields, NE30 1HE