Things to see & do
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The father of modern railways
The father of modern railways
Uncover this Tyne Valley hidden gem and discover how a world famous railway pioneer began life in a humble miner's cottage. Our fascinating collection of Stephenson memorabillia and contemporary furnishings are on display in the tiny room his whole family lived, ate and slept in.
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Cosy little cafe and tea garden
Cosy little cafe and tea garden
Whether you're exploring the birthplace cottage, enjoying a riverside walk or a family cycle ride along the wagon way, our cafe is the perfect place to stop off for a tasty local cake, hot or cold drinks and snacks.
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Wander along the Wylam wagon way
Wander along the Wylam wagon way
Wander or cycle along one of Tyneside's first wagon ways. It linked Wylam colliery with the coal staithes downstream. In the eighteenth century the wagons were drawn by horses, but these were replaced in 1815 by two steam locomotives, Wylam Dilly and Puffing Billy. This is now part of Hadrian's Way National Trail.
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Celebrating Geordie culture
Celebrating Geordie culture
George Stephenson may be a true North East icon today but he grew up like thousands of other working class lads in the region at the end of the 18th-century. Come and discover traditional North East working class craft and food on special event days.
The father of modern railways
Cosy little cafe and tea garden
Wander along the Wylam wagon way
Celebrating Geordie cultureStep back to 1781
Our costumed guides will offer you a lively tour of the tiny room in which George Stephenson was born and grew up. Can your children spot the differences between the life of a humble Georgian mining family and their own?
Get close to nature
The cottage may once have been on the edge of industrial Tyneside, but it's now a tranquil oasis surrounded by meadows, chalk grassland, woodland and riverside. The bustling Tyne Riverside Park is just a short walk away.
Don't miss
- Step back into 1781, the year of Stephenson’s birth
- Tread on the same flagstones as young George
- Learn about the pioneering steam locomotive The Rocket
- Pop in for a snack as you cycle along the old Wylam wagon way
- Wander down to a tranquil stretch of the river Tyne
- Fascinating working class collection, from copper pots to proggy mats