George Stephenson's Birthplace
North EastBirthplace of the world-famous railway engineer
near Wylam, Northumberland, NE41 8DS

Important notice
M T W T F S S Open
Closed
Opening times for 21 February 2026
Asset Opening time Cottage Closed Tea-room Closed Free parking by war memorial in Wylam village.
- By road
- 8 miles west of Newcastle, 1½ miles south of A69Parking: in village, ½ mile, pay and display (not National Trust)
- On foot
- access through country park
- By train
- Wylam ½ mile
- By bus
- Newcastle to Ovington, alight Wylam
- Cycling
- NCN72 (level riverside ride)
Highlights
Cottage
Situated on the banks of the Tyne, discover the humble birthplace of great railway pioneer, George Stephenson.
Waggonway
Wander or cycle along one of Tyneside's first wagonways which passes directly outside George Stephenson's birthplace. Now part of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail, the wagonway linked Wylam colliery with the coal staithes (landing stages for unloading wagons) downstream.
Nature
The cottage was once a hive of industry, used to transport coal from Wylam Colliery to the staiths at Lemington for shipping down the Tyne. It is now an oasis surrounded by meadows, chalk grassland, woodland and riverside. Stroll down to a quiet stretch of the River Tyne, or head to the bustling Tyne Riverside Park, just a short walk away.
Things to see and do
Things to do at George Stephenson's Birthplace
Discover the humble miner’s cottage where pioneering railway engineer Stephenson was born, then explore the surrounding woodland and meadows.

Walk the Line - Wylam and George Stephenson's Birthplace
Walk the Line - Wylam and George Stephenson's Birthplace is a walk in the footsteps of Wylam's famous railwaymen. It includes a visit to Wylam Railway Museum followed by a walk to George Stephenson's Birthplace.

Places to stay

Lighthouse Keeper's Cottage 2
A cliff-top cottage perching in the shadows of the iconic red and white Souter Lighthouse.
Upcoming events
Sorry, there are no upcoming events at this place
About George Stephenson's Birthplace
Sitting beside Wylam's historic Waggonway, on the idyllic banks of the Tyne, you'll discover the humble birthplace of great railway pioneer, George Stephenson.
It's astonishing to think that this stone cottage was where a young George and his entire family lived, in just one room. At the time of George’s birth in 1781, the house - known as High Street House - was divided into tenements for four families. Outside, ran the wooden waggonway along which horses pulled 'chaldrons' containing coal from Wylam Colliery to the Tyne quayside.
George worked with his father at the colliery moving coal and driving the gin horses. Showing promise and ambition, George soon gained the post of engineman at a pit down the Tyne near Newburn. A great career had begun. The Liverpool to Manchester Railway opened on 15th September 1830. And just the day before, Stephenson’s 'Rocket' won the competition for the engine to pull the waggons to Rainhill (Manchester); the others did not finish the course.
Visitors can walk or cycle along the Wylam Waggonway, which runs past the Birthplace, and follow the course of the River Tyne, spotting a variety of wildlife along the way.
Art and collections
George Stephenson's Birthplace’s objects and collections
Explore the objects and works of art we care for at George Stephenson's Birthplace on the National Trust Collections website.

Support us
Volunteer with us
Search for live volunteering opportunities, or register your interest with George Stephenson's Birthplace.
