Aln Valley Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway on the edge of Alnwick, built around the patient work of bringing a former branch line back to life. It is smaller than the region’s headline castles, but its appeal lies in the hands-on restoration atmosphere.
Check running days before you go, as the experience depends heavily on the timetable and volunteer operations. When trains are running, it makes an easy family stop and a good contrast to Alnwick’s medieval and bookish attractions.