The Weardale Railway  is an 18 mile heritage line which runs from a connection with the main railway network at Bishop Auckland in County Durham to Eastgate in the Weardale Area of Outstanding Beauty. At the moment a 16 mile section between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland  has been restored for passenger and freight use. 

 

Prior to the current pandemic seasonal passenger and excursion trains have been  operated over the 16 mile section between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland. There are intermediate stations at Frosterley, Wolsingham and Witton le Wear.The seasonal passenger  services are operated by a subsidiary of the Weardale Railway Trust.  Timetables, when confirmed, will be found  here 

 

 Plans for further excursion and dining train services are being developed by the owning company, Weardale Railway Limited, These will be operated with assistance from the volunteers of the Weardale Railway Trust. See the ‘NEWS’ section for the latest information.

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The  seasonal passenger services are operated by a Heritage diesel units which provide excellent views of the outstanding Dales scenery and the multiple river crossings.  There are plans to reintroduce steam hauled services in the future using a locomotive owned by the Weardale Railway Trust and which is currently under repair.

 

The headquarters of the railway are at Stanhope station. The station and café are currently closed to the public. Map below.