Weardale Railway, which holds a Gold Autism Acceptance Award from the North East Autism Society for its commitment to accessibility and inclusion, has welcomed families supported by Little SENDsations for a special heritage rail experience.
The visit brought together children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), alongside their families, for a scenic journey through the Durham Dales, giving them the opportunity to enjoy an accessible experience designed around their individual needs.
Throughout the day, Weardale Railway’s volunteers and staff ensured every family was welcomed, supported and included, helping passengers board comfortably, adapting to individual requirements and creating an environment where everyone could relax and enjoy the experience together.
One of the day’s standout moments saw the train pause outside the railway’s depot, where engineers brought one of the railway’s large locomotives to the gates. As the heritage train and locomotive sounded their horns together, children and families watched with excitement, creating a memorable surprise that quickly became one of the highlights of the visit.
Families also enjoyed a picnic and outdoor activities including football at Stanhope before returning home, with many describing the experience as one where they felt completely accepted and able to spend quality time together without barriers.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “We are incredibly proud to have welcomed Little SENDsations and their families to Weardale Railway.
“Everyone should be able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on our heritage railway, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout the day. Volunteers and staff went above and beyond to ensure every family felt comfortable and included, and seeing the children made it a truly special occasion for everyone involved.”
Kelly Ingram, on behalf of Little SENDsations, said: “From the moment we arrived, every member of the Weardale Railway team showed such genuine kindness, patience and understanding.
“As a charity supporting families of children with additional needs, accessibility and inclusion mean everything to us. The support shown to our wheelchair users, the patience with children who communicate differently or simply needed a little extra time, and the willingness to adapt to everyone’s individual needs made such a difference.
“Nothing was ever too much trouble. The feedback from our families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible – and we can’t wait to return for Santa Express!”
Durham County Councillor Anita Savory said: “This was a wonderful occasion for families with SEND children. The families visited our beautiful rural countryside and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity in a safe outdoor space as well as enjoying the train ride.
“Weardale Railway are proud to embrace and offer events of this type.”
Little SENDsations is a County Durham charity supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities, including those with complex needs and profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD), alongside the families who care for them. Built on lived experience, the charity creates inclusive activities, events and support networks that ensure families feel understood, valued and connected.
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 heritage.
The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has invested significantly, funding essential repairs and infrastructure improvements. Weardale Railway now offers a wide range of heritage services and events, including afternoon teas, gin and cheese trains, family events and the popular Santa Express which will be returning this winter.
Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, the regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries and gardens.
Visitors can explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum, alongside meticulously restored gardens and the historic 150-acre Deer Park.
Find out more at www.aucklandproject.org, www.weardale-railway.org.uk and to learn more about Little SENDsations or support its work with families across County Durham and the North East, visit www.littlesendsations.org and https://www.facebook.com/share/1BnpnnBFpp/?mibextid=wwXIfr.
