Join us to celebrate 150 years of Heaton TrainCare Centre

Heaton 150 Open Day – Visitor Information & Safety Guidance

We’re delighted to welcome you to our special open day celebrating 150 years of railway excellence at Heaton Depot. This is a rare opportunity to explore a working railway site and enjoy a day of discovery, history, and celebration.

Before You Arrive

• Entry is by pre-booked ticket only. Please arrive within your allocated time slot to help us manage visitor flow and safety.
• Children under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
• No pets are allowed, except trained support animals.
• No alcohol, balloons, umbrellas, or drones are permitted on site due to safety and overhead electrification.

On the Day – Site Safety

• This is a working industrial site. Please stay within designated visitor areas and follow all signage and steward instructions.
• Wear flat, closed-toe footwear – no heels or sandals. Surfaces may be uneven or gridded.
• Step carefully over rail tracks – never on rails or sleepers.
• Do not lean on or cross barriers, especially around pits or live equipment.
• Steam vehicles and other exhibits may have hot surfaces – please do not touch.
• Moving vehicles may be present – remain alert at all times.

Navigation & Facilities

• A one-way system may be in place to reduce congestion.
• First aid and lost child point: Located at the corner of the main engineering shed.
• Toilets and welfare facilities: Near the employee car park entrance.
• Food and drink: Available near the front of the TrainCare Centre shed. Most vendors are cashless, though some may accept cash.
• No WiFi is available on site.

Getting Here

• Shuttle trains run from Newcastle Central Station (Platform 1) to Heaton TCC. (The shuttle train service is not accessible due access at the depot. The shuttle bus will be fully accessible)
• Shuttle buses run from Berwick Street (Newcastle station) to the Heaton visitor car park.
• The shuttle services are complimentary and can not be reserved or guaranteed. Please keep to your booked time slots and our staff will direct you to the next available shuttle service. Times have been provided below for reference.
• Bikes will not be carried on the shuttle services, and prams should be closed for transport.
• Disabled parking is available with a valid Blue Badge.
• You can make your own way to the event, however there is no parking available unless with a valid blue badge.
• The complimentary shuttle service will run back to Newcastle Station at regular intervals throughout the day. We strongly recommend using mid-afternoon return shuttles where possible. Final services may be busy, and space is limited. If the last shuttle reaches capacity, you may need to arrange your own return to the station. Please plan your journey accordingly.

Behaviour & Conduct

• Please treat fellow visitors, staff, and stewards with respect.
• Unacceptable behaviour (e.g. disorderly conduct, smoking/vaping in prohibited areas, or unsafe actions) may result in removal from the event without refund.
• Follow all instructions from stewards (blue vests) and operational staff (orange high-vis).
• Do not enter restricted areas, open carriage doors, or interfere with equipment.
• Photography is welcome in public areas unless otherwise stated.
• Northern will be taking photos and videos throughout the event which you may feature in. By entering the event you are giving permission to us for these to be used in any promotional material.

In Case of Changes

• While we aim to deliver the full advertised experience, last-minute changes to exhibits, routes, or access may occur due to operational or safety reasons.
• In the unlikely event of an evacuation, follow steward instructions to the fire assembly point (bottom car park).

Points of contact

• Stewards will be on site at Newcastle station and throughout the event.
• If you have any questions or wish to contact Northern, you can do so via https://help.northernrailway.co.uk/s/article/How-to-contact-us

Refunds, comments and complaints

• Tickets are non-refundable.
• If you have any comments or complaints you will need to contact Northern directly. Details can be found at https://help.northernrailway.co.uk/s/article/How-to-contact-us

Risk assessment

This event has been risk assessed and stewards are available to help you on the day. There are inherent risks in a depot environment and by attending the event you choose to assume those risks voluntarily. These include risk of illness, injury, damage or loss to property and/or loss of life. We will only liable to you to the extent that any death, injury, loss or damage suffered by you or to your property is as a result of Northern’s or Northern’s staff’s failure to meet its legal obligations.

Final Reminders

• Bring your ticket (printed or digital) and keep it with you at all times.
• Umbrellas are not allowed (most of the event will be undercover).
• Appropriate shoes and clothes are required.
• CCTV is in operation for your safety and security.

Thank you for helping us celebrate 150 years of Heaton Depot. We hope you have a safe, enjoyable, and memorable day!

Shuttle times: 

Newcastle to Heaton departures

Heaton to Newcastle departures