TANFIELD

THE WORLD’S OLDEST RAILWAY

Tanfield – The World’s Oldest Railway

Tanfield, the world’s oldest railway is located near Stanley in County Durham. Its claim to be the world’s oldest railway station comes from the fact that it still operates on part of the line that dates back to 1725, when the line originally opened and was in regular use until its closure in 1964. As well as having incredible historical value, Tanfield Railway is an absolute treasure trove for photographers. The engine shed is full of nooks and crannies, containing tools and machinery that looks decades old. To the rear is what is best described as a train graveyard, with loads of old carriages, cranes and outbuildings that have been left to decay and are full of amazing colours and textures.