Springwell colliery yard is situated on the B1288 on the northern edge of Springwell Village, Gateshead.
This is the main centre for the Railway and all visitors should go there first. There are no public parking facilities at Blackham's Hill.
At Springwell, a hard surfaced car park is available 250 yards (230 m) north of the level crossing into Springwell yard. There is no charge for parking.
On the advertised public open days, visitors should not attempt to enter by car or on foot through the entrance immediately next to the level crossing. The access gate will be locked shut on these days and the main car park entrance must be used.
On other days,such as weekdays and Saturdays when the site is open for casual visitors, the level crossing entrance may be used.
Click here for a map of the area.From the south - from the A1(M) north past Washington Services follow the divide to the right towards the Tyne Tunnel. Take the first exit from the first interchange, then turn right onto the B1288. Follow the Bowes Railway signs through the village.
This interchange is also approached from the south by the Washington Highway for visitors coming from South Sunderland, coastal Durham and the A19. At the end of the Washington Highway take the second exit, then turn right onto the B1288. Follow the Bowes Railway signs through the village.
From Sunderland, South Shields and the Tyne Tunnel - follow the Tyne Tunnel road and turn off (third exit) at the Washington Interchange, then turn right onto the B1288. Follow the Bowes Railway signs through the village.
From the north, west, Newcastle, Gateshead - head for the Eighton Lodge interchange (Gateshead Angel) from the southbound A1, or the road from Gateshead through Low Fell, and then take the first slip road off to the left immediately after the Bowes Incline Hotel (set back on the left side) after the interchange. Drive across Mill House roundabout and take the first left into Springwell Village.
All the above routes approach Springwell from the south. The Railway may also be reached by driving up Leam Lane from Wardley or by coming through Wrekenton. These routes approach Springwell from the north.
You can use the automated service: Northumberland Journey Planner, or you can find details of individual transport methods below.
Springwell village is served by buses from Newcastle, Gateshead, Washington and Sunderland.
Ask to be put off at Bowes Railway, Springwell Village.
Casual visitors on non-open days should alight at the railway crossing as the normal visitors entrance is only open on scheduled days. Express buses X1 and X2 do not stop at the crossing; their nearest stop is in Springwell Village, approximately 400 yards (366 m) from the crossing.
Telephone: 0845-60-60-2-60 (Go Ahead customer services).
| 56 | The Fab Fifty Six: Sunderland, Hylton, Nissan, Washington Concord, Springwell,
Wrekenton, Gateshead, Newcastle (Pilgrim Street) All days approx 30 min intervals
|
|
| X2 | Newcastle(Eldon Square), Springwell, Washington
Galleries, Sunderland (Interchange) Mon-Sat every 30 min daytime, hourly on Sundays.
|
|
| X1 | Newcastle (Eldon Square), Springwell, Washington
Galleries, Houghton le Spring, Hetton le Hole, Easington Lane Mon-Sat every 30 min daytime, hourly on Sundays.
|
The nearest mainline railway stations are:
Telephone: 0345-48-49-50 (National Rail Enquiries).
Travel information is available on-line from Network Rail.
Sunderland mainline station has convenient bus connections to Bowes Railway. Buses run from the Park Lane interchange which is a few minutes walk from the station. There is also a Metro connection to Heworth and Gateshead from the Park Lane interchange.
From Newcastle station, take the Metro to Gateshead, and the above buses are available from there.
The nearest Tyne and Wear Metro stations are:
Telephone: 0191-232-5325 (Nexus travel line).
Click here for information about the Metro system and summary of operating times.
Gateshead Metro station has the most convenient bus connections to Bowes Railway. There is no direct bus service from Heworth to Bowes Railway - the 27 and 51 services go to Springwell Estate which is 850+ yards (750+ m) from our main entrance.
The nearest airport is Newcastle International Airport, where there is a Metro station for connection to Gateshead.
 |
This page last updated 16th March 2007 |