The Friends of Thorpe Light Railway operates 6 public open days each year, from April to September. Full details can be found HERE. We can also open
LOCATION
The railway is just south of the River Tees, next to Whorlton Bridge, about 3 miles from Barnard Castle in County Durham. See HERE for our location.
UPDATE – February 2024. Whorlton Bridge is currently closed to all traffic (including pedestrians and cyclists) whilst repair work is being carried out to the bridge structure, and will remain closed for our 2024 open days. Until further notice access to the railway is either via the A66 or via Winston Bridge and Ovington. Part of the approach road to the bridge is closed to traffic but access is available on our public open days – we are still open for business! There will be vehicular access and car parking on site for railway open days – our volunteers will direct you where to park when you arrive.
We are adjacent to the Teesdale Way public footpath (on the south side of the river – currently no access from the north of the river), so if you’re out for a walk on one of our open days, why not have a break and pop in for a train ride and a coffee?
PARKING
We have ample free parking for visitors in the field adjacent to the railway. Bicycles can be parked alongside the station fence.
TRAIN TIMES
Trains run from 12.30pm until 4 pm on open days. The railway is a loop about 700 metres long, (just under half a mile). It takes around 10 minutes per ride.
TICKETS
Tickets can be purchased at the gate when you enter the site. Day tickets cost £3.50 per person aged 5 years and over (under 5s are free) and give you unlimited travel on the date of purchase.
Members of the Friends of Thorpe Light Railway get unlimited travel for the duration of their membership.
You can become a member for just £14 per person, (£7 for children under 16) and you can join on one of our open days or by contacting us. Either ask on entry, or click HERE
REFRESHMENTS
We’re pleased to announce that for our May to September 2024 open days Keith from Really Awesome Coffee will be bringing his coffee van to sell hot and cold drinks and light snacks. He has a tasty range of cakes! Unfortunately Keith is not available for our April open day so make sure to bring your own hot drinks that day.
You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy whilst watching the trains go by, but please take your litter home.
SHOP
We have a small number of Thorpe Light Railway souvenirs on sale at the station, such as key rings, booklets, coasters, fridge magnets and mugs. Newly published in 2023 is a 32-page visitor guide which tells you all about the history of the line, the work being done to restore and improve it, the locomotives which have run here and the wildlife we share the site with. You can also join or renew your membership of the Friends of Thorpe Light Railway at the shop on the day, or alternatively click HERE.
Money raised from the sale of souvenirs, as well as all donations, membership fees and day tickets sales goes towards restoring, maintaining and running the railway.
TOILETS
We have toilet facilities on site, but at present, unfortunately we do not have accessible / disabled toilet facilities.
DOGS
Dogs are welcome, but must be kept under control and on a lead at all times. Please clear up any dog mess and either take it home with you or dispose of it in the bin in the roadside layby just outside the gate. Please do not dispose of dog waste on site, as the rubbish and recycling on site is hand-sorted by our volunteers.