Britain’s Oldest Working Standard Gauge Steam Locomotive to visit the World’s Oldest Railway!

Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, is delighted to welcome Furness 20, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, as part of its Tanfield300 Great North Festival of Railways this May.

Tanfield Railway, the world’s oldest railway, is delighted to welcome Furness 20, Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive, as part of its Tanfield300 Great North Festival of Railways this May. Built in 1863 by Sharp Stewart & Co, Furness 20 is an 0-4-0 tender locomotive, originally constructed as part of a batch of eight for the Furness Railway. More than 160 years later, this remarkable survivor will make a historic visit to Tanfield Railway on 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 10th, and 11th May, operating alongside Tanfield’s fleet of industrial steam locomotives, including the 1891-built Robert Stephenson & Co. ‘Twizell’, which has recently returned to service following a major overhaul by volunteers. The Tanfield300 Great North Festival of Railways is part of Tanfield Railway’s year-long celebration marking its 300th anniversary, commemorating its origins in 1725. This historic milestone will be celebrated through special events, exhibitions, and interactive experiences that honour Tanfield’s unique place in railway history. Throughout Furness 20’s visit, visitors will have the opportunity to travel behind this remarkable locomotive as part of special timetabled services, running alongside Tanfield’s historic steam fleet. Visitors can also enjoy guided tours of Marley Hill engine shed, the world’s oldest surviving engine shed, as well as walks to Causey Arch, the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge. Interactive displays and exhibitions will explore Tanfield’s rich industrial heritage, giving visitors a deeper insight into the railway’s pivotal role in the development of Britain’s railways. David Watchman, General Manager of Tanfield Railway, commented: "Bringing together the world’s oldest railway and Britain’s oldest working standard gauge steam locomotive is a truly historic occasion. Furness 20’s visit to Tanfield Railway is one of the highlights of our Tanfield300 celebrations and a unique opportunity for visitors to see a living piece of railway history in action. With a packed programme of steam-hauled services, guided tours, and hands-on heritage experiences, this event will be a must-visit for enthusiasts and families alike. We’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to Tanfield Railway to celebrate 300 years of steam and industry with us." Tanfield Railway, located in Gateshead and County Durham, operates a three-mile heritage railway running steam and diesel trains throughout the year. Dating back to 1725, the railway was originally built to transport coal from North East England’s rich coalfields to the River Tyne. Today, it is a volunteer-run heritage attraction, preserving and showcasing North East industrial railway history. Tanfield Railway’s Tanfield300 celebrations will continue throughout 2025, with events including the Legends of Industry Gala in June, showcasing the best of Britain’s industrial railway heritage. Tickets are now available for the Great North Festival of Railways, and visitors are encouraged to book in advance to secure a ticket. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.tanfield-railway.co.uk.