Lakeshore Railroad - Image 1

Lakeshore Railroad

South Shields, United Kingdom•4.9(83)•Country Park, Heritage Site

Ride the UK's only public steam-working 9½ inch gauge railway through scenic woodland around a boating lake, with onsite café and family-friendly heritage experience.

Lakeshore Railroad is a unique heritage railway attraction offering visitors a nostalgic journey aboard steam-powered miniature trains. Operating since 1972, this is currently the only publicly accessible steam-working 9½ inch gauge railway in the United Kingdom. The railway runs for just under a third of a mile around a picturesque boating lake, with tracks meandering through trees and over level crossings before returning to the station. Visitors can enjoy scenic train rides hauled by beautifully maintained historic locomotives including Mountaineer, Nelly, Adiela, and Rockclimber. The venue operates in excess of 200 days per year, with daily services during school holidays and regular weekend-only services throughout the year. A café on site offers refreshments with panoramic views of the passing trains, described as having "the best view seen from a café." The attraction welcomes families of all ages, from young children to enthusiasts and those young at heart. The outdoor setting, accessible facilities including pushchair-friendly amenities, and child-focused operations make it ideal for family visits. Special events and group visits can be arranged, and the venue caters to both casual visitors and railway enthusiasts interested in locomotive engineering and heritage preservation.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 11:30 – 16:30
Tuesday: 11:30 – 16:30
Wednesday: 11:30 – 16:30
Thursday: 11:30 – 16:30
Friday: 11:30 – 16:30
Saturday: 11:00 – 17:00
Sunday: 11:00 – 17:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

1-3 hours

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Café

On-site café with views of the train running by the boating lake

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Google Reviews

4.9(83 reviews)
K
Kyra McCready

Kyra McCready

a month ago

At only £2 each ride, it's reasonably priced. Fantastic experience. Nice route. Staff was pleasant. Highly recommended.

B
bri coles

bri coles

3 months ago

Found this lovely little train while on a walk in the park, reasonably priced, and a lovely journey around the park. We got talking with a staff member, what a fountain of knowledge and a pleasure to speak with. If you are in the area highly recommend a visit .

G
Gavin

Gavin

3 months ago

So fantastic to see the railroad is still in action after so many years! I last went on it almost 30 years ago as a young lad!

C
Catherine Futers

Catherine Futers

5 months ago

This may be my 2 year old's new favourite place in the world. The train itself is a lovely little thing and it's very reasonably priced too, especially compared to other "attractions" nearby, we tried every carage on one train and apparently the purple carriage is the best.

R
Ram Agrawal

Ram Agrawal

a year ago

**A Delightful Family-Friendly Park with Unique Attractions** This park offers a fantastic day out for families, combining fun, relaxation, and well-maintained attractions. The on-site café serves an excellent selection of treats, but the standout is undoubtedly their special pancake—highly recommended for anyone craving a delicious bite. One of the park’s highlights is the miniature train ride, an enjoyable experience for both children and adults. The rail route winds its way around the entire park, providing a charming and immersive journey. At just £2 per ride, it’s an affordable and memorable activity. For those who enjoy the water, the park features a small pond where visitors can rent pedal boats. At £10 for a 20-minute session, it's a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a peaceful ride while taking in the surrounding scenery. The children’s play area is maintained and feature a range of slides, swings, and climbing structures. There’s even a dedicated sand pit for toddlers, offering them a safe and enjoyable space to play—my son absolutely loved it. There are toilets in the park and plenty of parking space on the adjacent road(coins only. No cards or paper currency) Overall, this park is a well-rounded destination that strikes a great balance between affordability and entertainment. Whether you're looking for an adventurous outing or a relaxed day in nature, it caters perfectly to families seeking a wholesome experience.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Lakeshore Railroad

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Lakeshore Railroad

Is Lakeshore Railroad free to visit?

Lakeshore Railroad is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Lakeshore Railroad suitable for?

Lakeshore Railroad is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Lakeshore Railroad dog-friendly?

Dogs are not permitted at Lakeshore Railroad.

Is there parking at Lakeshore Railroad?

Lakeshore Railroad doesn't have parking — public transport is recommended.

Is there food at Lakeshore Railroad?

Yes — Café is on site at Lakeshore Railroad. On-site café with views of the train running by the boating lake

Is Lakeshore Railroad pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Lakeshore Railroad is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Lakeshore Railroad?

Plan 1–3 hours for a visit to Lakeshore Railroad.

How do I get to Lakeshore Railroad by public transport?

Lakeshore Railroad isn't on a major public transport route — driving is recommended.
Kiddy Compass