Things to do at George Stephenson's Birthplace

Discover what life was like for a Georgian mining family and learn how different things were compared to how we live today.

Explore the fascinating collection of Stephenson memorabilia and period furnishings on display in the tiny room where he was born and where his whole family lived, ate and slept. Tread on the same flagstones as young George and learn about The Rocket, the steam locomotive he pioneered.

Get close to nature

Take some time to experience the natural surroundings before or after your visit. 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. Wander down to a quiet stretch of the River Tyne, or head to the bustling Tyne Riverside Park, just a short walk away.

Wander along the Wylam Wagonway

Wander or cycle along one of Tyneside's first wagonways. Now part of the Hadrian's Wall National Trail, the wagonway linked Wylam colliery with the coal staithes (landing stages for unloading wagons) downstream. In the 18th century the wagons were drawn by horses but they were replaced in 1815 by two steam locomotives, Wylam Dilly and Puffing Billy.