Causey Arch 2025

Open Access

Built in 1726, this is the world’s oldest surviving railway bridge. This impressive arch, 80ft in height and with a span of 100ft, once carried a horse-drawn waggonway. It is now within a picnic area with interpretive displays including a replica coal chaldron.

Contacts

Address: Causey Stanley Co. Durham NE16 5EG

Telephone: 0191 372 9100
Email: .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website: View website

Open Days & Times

Unrestricted access. 0600-2300. Visit website for details.

Travel

By Bus: 30, 31

Facilities

Parking
Part disabled access

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Ralph Wood, a local master mason, built the arch in 1725-26 to link Tanfield collieries with the main waggonway on the River Tyne. He didn’t have much faith in his own work; tradition reports that he was so worried the bridge would collapse he jumped to his death from it before it was even completed. Throughout the site there is evidence of its railway past; a replica of an 18th century coal waggon, a concrete bollard marking the former location of Bobgins pumping engine and a series of panels explaining the early waggonways.