The Newcastle to Carlisle railway, now known as the Tyne Valley route, was the first cross-country railway when it opened in 1838 and provides access to the Heart of Hadrian's Wall.

Although considerably updated to cope with current rail traffic and providing a frequent passenger service linking Newcastle and Carlisle as well as Hexham and Sunderland / Middlesborough it still contains a tremendous amount of historic infrastructure along the line.

There are many locations where this railway history can be seen but some of the main ones include Haltwhistle for the signal box, water tower, station buildings and Alston Arches, Greenhead for the oldest extant engine shed (not now used as an engine shed), Hexham for station and signal box and Wylam signal box.

Helping to keep the north's railway heritage alive there are a number of preserved and historic railway sites across the North East, mainly volunteer led helping to keep alive our railway heritage, and Northern Cumbria, which can also boast two of the most scenic rail routes in England. More details can be found below.