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 June 8 to June 14 as part of the nationwide Rail 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern railway.
To coincide with the final weekend of the visit, Weardale Railway will host a special Community BIG Weekend on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday 14 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 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 13 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 free Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday 14 June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, featuring children’s entertainment and activities.
There will also be a special train timetable for Saturday 13 June with a late train running at 8.45pm, allowing people to enjoy the music for longer.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at 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.
“The Community BIG Weekend is all about creating a memorable experience for people of all ages — whether that’s enjoying a heritage train journey, listening to live music, exploring the Inspiration Train or simply spending time together at Stanhope Station. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone for what promises to be a very special weekend.”
Spanning 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate, and operating 16 miles between Bishop Auckland West and Stanhope, Weardale Railway is a heritage line that connects communities while celebrating County Durham’s rich railway history. The railway offers a range of visitor experiences, including driver days, heritage journeys and educational visits, supporting tourism and preserving the area’s railway history.
The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has invested significantly, funding essential repairs and infrastructure improvements. The Weardale Railway now offers revived operational heritage services and events—including afternoon teas, wine and cheese trains, and the popular Santa Express.
The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, and gardens.
For more information and to book free tickets for the Inspiration Train, visit https://railway200.digitickets.co.uk/event-tickets/76707?branches.branchID=3757
