Aln Valley Railway

Founded (heritage operation)	1995
Reopened to public	2014
Length	2.5 km (1.5 miles, extending)
Gauge	Standard 4 ft 8½ in
Headquarters	Lionheart Station, Lionheart Enterprise Park, Alnwick, Northumberland NE66 2EZ
Principal stations	Lionheart, Greenrigg Halt
Original line	North Eastern Railway
Original line closed	1968
Annual visitors	~25,000
Website	alnvalleyrailway.co.uk

The Aln Valley Railway is a standard-gauge heritage railway in Northumberland, based at the new Lionheart station on the western edge of Alnwick. The project is steadily rebuilding the former North Eastern Railway branch from Alnmouth (on the East Coast Main Line) to Alnwick, a 3-mile branch that closed to passengers in 1968.

Passenger services restarted in 2014 over a short demonstration line, and have since been extended along the original alignment. The long-term ambition remains to reach a junction with the National Network at Alnmouth, restoring through running of heritage services from the East Coast Main Line.

History

The Aln Valley Railway Society was formed in 1995 with the aim of restoring rail access to Alnwick after the loss of the original station (which had been redeveloped as Barter Books). Lionheart Station was constructed from scratch on greenfield land beside the trackbed, and the first passenger services operated in 2014. Extensions toward Alnmouth have continued in stages.

Original line history

The Alnmouth to Alnwick branch was opened in 1850 by the North Eastern Railway, with the magnificent terminus at Alnwick, designed by William Bell, opening in 1887. The branch was the start of the longer Alnwick to Cornhill (Coldstream) cross-country line. Cornhill services ended in 1930, and the Alnmouth–Alnwick branch closed to passengers in 1968.

Stations and infrastructure

Lionheart is a new-build station with extensive workshop and visitor facilities. Greenrigg Halt is an intermediate stopping point along the route.

Route and stations

Special events and operations

The line runs steam galas, dining trains, photographic charters and Santa Specials. Combined visits with Alnwick Castle and Alnwick Garden are popular among visitors to the area.

Visitor information

Lionheart Station is signposted from the A1 north of Alnwick, on the western side of the town. Alnmouth (on the East Coast Main Line) provides nearby access by National Rail, with onward connection by bus or taxi.