A Northumberland Railway Reborn

The Aln Valley Railway project is an ambitious plan to reopen the branch line from Alnmouth to Alnwick, the old county town of Northumberland and the ancestral home of the Duke of Northumberland. Phase 1 - the opening of an exhibition area, shop and cafe - will take place on 14th July 2012.

Although the impressive railway station still exists in Alnwick, a road bypass and other commercial developments make it not viable to recreate in full the original run of around 3 miles between the two stations. As a result a new railway station and visitor center is being constructed adjacent to the A1 trunk road next to the Lionheart Enterprise Park on the outskirts of Alnwick, Northumberland from where the railway will follow the original trackbed all the way to Alnmouth Station. A cycleway / footpath will run alongside providing a safe traffic-free corridor between Alnwick and the National Cycle Network.

The reopening of the line was first proposed in 1997, and after a number of false starts work has now started. The railway is now actively seeking support from volunteers and forging relationships with local businesses, and hopes to be operating short train rides later in the summer of this year. Please see how you can help!

The Aln Valley Railway Trust is a registered charity number 1063332.

Now that construction of the first 'new' railway in Northumberland for many years has begun, we ask for your help. Whatever your abilities and experience, no matter whether you can spare just one day or can volunteer on a regular basis, your railway needs you.

Requirements range from an immediate need for a volunteer coordinator to mastermind the volunteer operation, to hosts, guards and even train drivers. This spring and summer especially we need help in preparation of the station and track area. This includes persons with building, gardening and engineeering experience and those simply willing to "pitch in" where needed.

All work is voluntary but, for example could make a very positive contribution to your curriculum vitae if you are currently unwaged. Please contact us now or download a Volunteer Information Pack

Note: If you decide to become a regular volunteer, we require you to become a member of the Aln Valley Railway Society. This helps to pay for your insurance costs while you are working with us. More information regarding membership can be found here.