PHOTO: Dan Millard
Weardale Railway’s popular Gin & Cheese Train is returning this autumn, giving passengers another chance to enjoy locally produced food and drink while travelling through the picturesque Durham Dales.
Following the popularity of previous events, the indulgent experience will return on Saturday 10 October 2026, with passengers departing Bishop Auckland West at 1pm for a three-hour round trip through Weardale.
In partnership with Durham-based WL Distillery, guests will be able to sample locally handcrafted gin and local and continental cheeses while enjoying the leisurely journey to Stanhope.
Passengers will also have the opportunity to learn more about the gin and cheese they are tasting and the local producers behind them, making the journey an ideal autumn treat for couples, friends or those looking for a unique day out.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager of Weardale Railway, said: “Our Gin & Cheese Train has proved incredibly popular, so we’re delighted to be bringing it back for 2026.
“There’s something really special about enjoying fantastic locally produced gin and cheese while travelling through the beautiful Weardale countryside.
“It’s a wonderfully relaxed way to spend an autumn afternoon and a great opportunity to celebrate a local producer here in the North East. Seats are limited, so we’d encourage anyone hoping to join us to book early.”
The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity working to create a bright future for Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens.
Since 2020, operational heritage services and special events have been revived on the volunteer-supported Weardale Railway. Its programme includes a range of themed journeys and experiences throughout the year.
The Gin & Cheese Train departs Bishop Auckland West at 1pm on Saturday 10 October and is expected to return at approximately 4pm.
Tickets cost £120 for a party of two or £240 for a party of four and can only be booked in multiples of two or four seats.
Tickets can be booked via the Weardale Railway website: https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/gin-cheese-train.
