Welcome to the Aln Valley Railway

  Pacer Experience at the Aln Valley Railway - I am a lifelong railway enthusiast. Knowing of my particular fondness for 1980s British Rail 'Pacer' trains, my wonderful wife arranged a 'Pacer Experience' at the Aln Valley Railway... read more as a surprise birthday present.

We arrived in the morning and were warmly welcomed by our hosts, who explained we had the entire railway to ourselves for the whole day!

After a safety briefing, I was taken trackside and shown how to check over and prepare the unit for service. 144004 was extremely well-presented; it is clear the unit receives a lot of TLC.

I then joined one of the volunteers in the cab for a round-trip up and down the line as he explained the controls, before being 'let loose' and given the opportunity to drive the Class 144 myself. They laid on a splendid lunch, as well.

From start to finish, it was absolutely marvellous.

The volunteers were all such a genuinely lovely bunch of people. They were so friendly, and could not have done more to ensure I had a great experience.

I'd heartily recommend a visit to the AVR - it is small, but perfectly formed!

  Fun afternoon  - I visited the railway with my three children aged 2, 9 and 10. They all enjoyed a ride on a steam train (about 40 mins round trip and cost £20... read more for us all- 2 year old was free). Then they spent ages playing in the playground. It’s really small but it had something for them all and being small was more manageable to watch my youngest. Toilets on site and a free car park. We didn’t ride the minute train because at £4.50/passenger this would have been another £19 and very underwhelming for my older two. The £19 includes unlimited rides but it would be much better to charge £2 per passenger for one ride. My only grumble today was the lack of signs at the turn off for it. It’s a road with huge pot holes and I didn’t expect it to be down there. A lovely afternoon out.

  A gem for lovers of history and railways  - This is an incredible testament to the volunteers who have gone from a field in 2012 to a really fascinating centre of railway history . The people we met were... read more welcome enthusiastic and so knowledgeable . They have tried to think of everything to bring visitors in and have mighty ambitions for the future . Do visit and support them as they restore and recreate railway history

  Lovely little hidden gem  - Fantastic little gem we found on our visit to Alnwick, unlimited rides on the pacer train beautiful views and a lovely walk and play in the stream
My younger son... read more enjoyed loved the miniature railway and the park at the station.
It also he a little cafe for , for sandwiches ice creams etc which was lovely.
All the volunteers/ staff were really friendly and we were made to feel so welcome.

  Fabulous Afternoon Tea Trip  - Wonderful afternoon tea trip on the steam train, staff excellent throughout, train delightful, comfortable and warm. Food delicious and plentiful with very attentive staff. Well organised, volunteers excellent and scenery... read more beautiful