At 300 years old, Tanfield in Gateshead is the world’s oldest railway. To celebrate, volunteers are working against the clock to restore engines and create their biggest event yet.
At 300 years old, Tanfield, in the north east of England, is the oldest railway in the world. Thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteer rail enthusiasts, what could have been a forgotten relic has instead become a thriving monument to the region’s industrial past and a showcase of the impact the region once had on the world.
Now the railway community who saved it is preparing for a fitting celebration. They’re working against the clock to complete specially restored engines, pass down heritage skills to the younger generations and create a moment in history with their biggest event yet.
We meet young train enthusiasts Sophie, Dave and Tom as they keep the railway going, alongside Peter and Bob who restored the railway in the 1970s.
With six steam engines and the oldest locomotive in the UK visiting the railway, along with 500 visitors, it’s a logistical challenge. There are just a few weeks to go until the big event. Will the restoration projects be finished in time?
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Credits
| Role | Contributor |
|---|---|
| Executive Producer | Victoria Holden |
| Editor | Edmund Saunders |
| Production Company | Chalk Productions |
Broadcasts
- Tuesday 19:00ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One except Scotland, Scotland HD, Wales & Wales HD
- Tuesday 22:40ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Scotland HD & Scotland only
- Sun 20 Jul 2025 17:20ÃÛÑ¿´«Ã½ One Wales HD & Wales only