Stanhope Station to Host free Inspiration Train Experience and Family Fun Weekend

The Weardale Railway is set to welcome families, railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the region for a packed weekend of entertainment as the nationally touring Inspiration Train arrives in County Durham.

The free-to-visit Inspiration Train will be stationed at Stanhope from Monday 8th June until Sunday 14th June as part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern railway. The train arrived from the main line this morning and will be open to the public from tomorrow.

To coincide with the final weekend of the visit, Weardale Railway will host a special Community BIG Weekend on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, featuring live entertainment, heritage train services, food stalls, family activities and a craft market.

Visitors will be able to step aboard the Inspiration Train free of charge between 9.30am and 4.30pm each day, with public admission open from midday. The mornings are reserved for school visits only.

The Inspiration Train has arrived in Weardale. Photo: John Dinsdale

The Community BIG Weekend will bring Stanhope Station to life with a range of attractions for all ages, including The Auckland Project’s Palace Pizzas serving fresh wood-fired sourdough pizzas, family entertainment and heritage train journeys between Stanhope and Wolsingham.

A special live music evening will take place on Saturday 13th June, featuring performances from Stanhope Silver Band between 6pm and 9.30pm, alongside late evening train services allowing visitors to travel to and from the festivities. Tickets are priced at £5.

Families can also enjoy a Teddy Bears' Picnic on Sunday 14th June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, featuring children's entertainment and activities. This is a FREE event!

Claire Gibbons, General Manager at the Weardale Railway, said: "Welcoming the Inspiration Train to Stanhope is a fantastic opportunity for Weardale Railway and the wider community to be part of a national celebration marking 200 years of the modern railway.

"We're proud to be hosting a full weekend of activities that brings together heritage rail travel, local entertainment and family fun, while also showcasing everything Weardale has to offer to visitors from across the region."

For more information about the Inspiration Train please click here and for the community weekend please click here.