A once-in-a-lifetime rail journey is set to put Weardale firmly on the national map, as plans are unveiled for a direct InterCity 125 High Speed Train service from Stanhope to Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the HST50 celebrations, marking 50 years since the introduction of the iconic High Speed Train.
The special charter, titled The High Speed Sonnet, will be operated by Excursions By Rail using Romic Group’s newly unveiled InterCity125 High Speed Train – a British rail icon – run directly from the heart of County Durham to Shakespeare’s hometown in Warwickshire.
The train will pick up passengers at Stanhope, Frosterley, Wolsingham, Witton-le-Wear, Bishop Auckland and Darlington, before running non-stop to Stratford-upon-Avon. Passengers will then enjoy free time to explore the historic streets, theatres and attractions associated with William Shakespeare, before returning north later the same day.
Commenting, Luke Holmes, CEO of Excursions By Rail, said the journey would be “one of the most significant rail events ever to originate from Weardale.”
“The InterCity125 is one of the most important trains ever built in Britain, and to be able to mark its 50th anniversary by running a direct mainline service from Weardale to Stratford-upon-Avon is incredibly special,” he said.
“We were overwhelmed by demand for our Edinburgh Express earlier this year, which sold out in just days, and first class sold out within hours. Sadly, not everyone who wanted to travel was able to book, so I’m absolutely delighted we can offer people from Weardale and County Durham another chance to be part of railway history.”
Mr Holmes added that the journey was about far more than transport.
“This is about pride in our region, showcasing what is possible, and giving local communities the chance to board a world-famous train just around the corner from their house. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and demand is expected to be extraordinary.”
Tickets for The High Speed Sonnet will go on sale in the New Year, but Excursions By Rail is urging people to join its waiting list now, warning that places are expected to sell out extremely quickly. Holmes added “We launched the wait list on our website this evening, and our page has already gone down twice due to the large amount of traffic.”
Passengers can join the wait list at www.excursionsbyrail.co.uk, call 01388-661394 or visit Bishop Auckland railway station, so they can be the first to hear when tickets are released.
