October 26, 2020

Earlier this month Trustees of the Weardale Railway Trust received notification that the Transport & Works Act 1992 process had concluded and transfer of the Weardale Railway between Bishop Auckland and Eastgate had passed to the new operating company Weardale Railways Limited, part of the Auckland Project.

August 02, 2020

With national coronavirus restrictions easing and some visitor attractions re-opening, now is a good time to update everyone on what's happening at the Weardale Railway. Here is an overview of plans going forward for the remainder of 2020...

March 16, 2020

Trustees of the Weardale Railway Trust were delighted to hear the news late on Friday afternoon that The Auckland Project had bought the Railway. 

March 03, 2020

Thanks to the generous donation of a supporter, work has begun clearing the site east of Landieu crossing, putting in foundations in preparation for metal frame.

January 07, 2020

Statement released from Weardale Railway Trust with regard to the situation pertaining to Weardale Railway CIC

November 03, 2019

We’d just like to say a massive thanks to all our passengers, visitors, supporters and our committed volunteers, whatever your role for another fantastic heritage service season....

September 18, 2019

On Saturday 21st September, the Yesterday Belongs to You event is occurring at Beamish. It is an bi-annual event, (hosted for the second time by Beamish) and brings together local history groups and societies from all over the north east.

September 12, 2019

Bishop Auckland History & Heritage Festival 13-28 September 2019

Illustrated talk by Weardale Railway Trust Archivist on 24 September at 6pm tickets £3 from Bishop Trains 

March 05, 2019

2018 saw the reintroduction of our Heritage Diesel “Bubble Car”  service over the full 16    mile length of the line between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland.

March 05, 2019

Friday April 12 to Sunday April 14 will see the Weardale Railway hold its annual diesel gala, featuring five members of the BARS fleet and maybe a couple of surprises as well!

January 21, 2019

We’re setting up a weekly Wednesday group for volunteers in 2019 focusing on projects at Weardale Railway, such as keeping our stations presentable, painting, minor works/ repairs to buildings, floral decorations and platforms clear. You can offer as much time as you’d like be it weekly or whenever you are able we’d love to hear from you!...

January 04, 2019

Advance details of the 2019 train services now added on the ‘Timetables’ page.  The first trains will run on Saturday March 23rd .

December 17, 2018

The Weardale Railway Trust annual "Work Your Christmas Pud Off" day will take place on Friday 28th December 2018 between 10.00am and 3.30pm. This is an ideal opportunity to work off a little bit of that Christmas over-indulgence and also help the railway at the same time.

November 19, 2018

Last week saw preparations for Weardale Railway CIC Train To Christmas Town with a ECS movement of Class 31 locos and coaching stock from Wolsingham Depot to Stanhope.

October 30, 2018

The 28 October saw the final heritage service run between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland West. The Class 122 heritage diesel railcar has performed well, being the mainstay of travel for our visitors, seeing use for a number of specials and excursions in addition to weekend running.  We would like to say a massive thank you to all our visitors, our dedicated volunteers and supporters in what has been another successful year.

September 23, 2018

This Sunday at the Head of Steam, North Road, Darlington, come and celebrate the 193rd birthday of Stockton & Darlington Railway. Our volunteers will be present at our stand promoting the Weardale Railway Trust on the day.

Entertainment includes storytelling, children’s entertainer, face paint-ing, Victorian games, dancers, guided tours, talks, punch and judy, stalls and much much more. Free entry.

September 10, 2018

Have you got time to spare, would like to support your local community, an interest in railways or supporting local tourism we’d appreciate if you get in touch. The Weardale Railway Trust are a small band of friendly volunteers who would like to build on our recent successes and continue to grow and we can’t do this without you!

July 23, 2018

We were recently approached about our Weardale Railway Driver for a Fiver experience which last run in 2017. The Editor, Gareth Edwards was keen to write an article highlighting 8 affordable driver experience packages on heritage railways for under £20.

June 30, 2018

We are pleased to announce that Bishop Trains, based out of the main national Rail Station in Bishop Auckland is to become ticket agent for WR Heritage Services from July.

June 21, 2018

To signify the last passenger train from Wearhead station a Weardale Railway Exhibition is planned at Heathercleugh Church,  Cowshill. Did you ever use this station for work or holidays?.... event organisers are looking for pictures or memorabilia. There will be contributions from our archivist and will be accessible from 30 June 

June 06, 2018

Why not treat Dad this Fathers Day and join us on the 1300hrs departure from Stanhope to Witton le Wear on our heritage deisel car. Dads get a Pie & Pint of beer included with their ticket.

April 28, 2018

Next week sees a national week-long celebration of volunteers and volunteering. Without our skilled and able volunteers, we wouldn’t be able to complete work behind the scenes, within our shop or operate our trains, so a big thank to you all. We would appreciate your comments celebrating the work of our volunteers #volunteersweek

April 22, 2018

Witton-le-Wear station extension has been completed in early April. The additional materials were purchased by the Weardale Railway Trust earlier in the year. Work was completed by Trust volunteers.

April 09, 2018

This weekend provided the eagerly awaited Weardale Railway 31 gala weekend timetable being released. There was an added bonus of trains returning to Bishop Auckland West for the first time in over 5 years.

March 27, 2018

The single car heritage 122 unit was finally released from Wolsingham Depot today after the over running of winter maintenance program resulted in last Sunday’s trains cancelled.

March 26, 2018

Under grey sky’s the Weardale Railway Trust recent purchase of a 2 car 108 DMU from the Bodmin Railway arrived on the back of two low loaders on Tuesday afternoon.

March 25, 2018

The Weardale Railway Trust recent purchase of a Class 108 Diesel Multiple Unit has been finalised with Bodmin Railway 

March 23, 2018

The Weardale Railway Trust are disappointed to announce that our planned services on Sunday 25 March are cancelled due to the unavailability of the 122.

March 08, 2018

Stanhope Station on the Weardale Railway has been used as the background in a picture which promotes a new limited edition model of preserved diesel 47712.

February 20, 2018

New for 2018, Weardale Railways will be running a monthly afternoon Cream Tea Trains from  11 March, which is Mother’s Day. Our volunteer’s will once again be assisting in the operation of these trains which run alongside Heritage Services. Tickets are only available by pre-booking @ Bishop Trains 01388-661394 (Option 3)

www.ba-rail.co.uk/weardale-railway

February 15, 2018

The Weardale Railway are excited to announce that our visitors can now book tickets for events via Bishop Trains in advance.

January 25, 2018

The Trust has recently been made aware of the sale of a heritage 2 car 108 ‘Derby lightweight’ by its current users the Bodmin & Wentford Railway, another heritage railway. It is hoped the great response by means of pledges and donations by supporters to the Trust’s previous bid for Chilton’s 121 diesel unit can be repeated. Success with any future acquisitions will help the continued growth of Weardale Railway and the heritage services provided within the Dale.

January 15, 2018

The Weardale Railway Trust are pleased to announce Heritage Services will commence from Sunday 25 March 2018. We are working with Weardale Railway CIC to support plans that build on the previous years services that will interest visitors to the Railway.

December 20, 2017

The Weardale Railway Trust annual "Work Your Christmas Pud Off" day will take place on Thursday 28th December 2017 between 9.30am and 3.30pm. This is an ideal opportunity to work off a little bit of that Christmas over-indulgence and also help the railway at the same time.

December 15, 2017

Following a recent visit to McEwen’s boilersmith WR Trust directors were able to review the progress of Steam loco No.40’s boiler. 

November 29, 2017

WRHSL plans to start the 2018 services on Sunday March 25th – There will be three return trips running between Stanhope and Witton le Wear on Saturdays and Sundays.

October 27, 2017

Final running day in 2017 for the Heritage Service between Stanhope and Witton le Wear will be on  Sunday 29 October

October 07, 2017

Weardale Railway Heritage Services regrets to announce that the Halloween Event  on October 28th and which is featured in our published Timetable  has had to be cancelled.

October 28, 2017

Today was the final day of operation for our Heritage Services trains for 2017. We would like to thank our visitors, our dedicated volunteers and supporters for what has been another successful year.

February 21, 2018

Save the date, 21st and 22nd April will see the gathering of Class 31 locomotives currently based on the Railway and signifies the most recent event for the class since Nene Valley in 2017. Running with heritage Mk2 coaches in Inter-City livery, tickets are only available via Bishop Trains  01388-661394 (Option 3)

Or on line at www.ba-rail.co.uk/weardale-railway

October 03, 2017

Trains running all weekend between Stanhope and Witton le Wear