Weardale Railway, Stanhope
ENTRY
from £26
WHERE
Bishop Auckland
What it’s like
A proper steam and heritage diesel line through Weardale, with the full return trip taking just over two hours.
This is a real train ride rather than a miniature one, running through Weardale between Stanhope, Witton-le-Wear and Bishop Auckland. The basic journey is watching the dale go past from the window, but the site lists special trains too, Afternoon Tea services, a Santa Express, a Stargazing Train and Driver Experiences for anyone who wants to do more than sit and watch.
Timings are worth knowing before you go. Stanhope to Wolsingham is a short 20-minute hop, Stanhope to Witton-le-Wear is 40 minutes, and if you fancy doing the whole line as a return from Bishop Auckland, budget just over two hours. That's a decent stretch for a family day but a long sit for a toddler who's done with the view after ten minutes.
The family fare is £26 for two adults and up to three children aged 5 to 15 on the Stanhope to Wolsingham run, which feels fair for a heritage line. Food-wise there's the Platform One café at Stanhope, open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm, so plan around that if lunch matters. Toilets are only at Stanhope station itself, and there's none onboard, which is a genuine faff if you're mid-journey with a small child who's suddenly desperate.
Parking is free at Stanhope with disabled spaces available, and there's a ramp for wheelchair access at every station, though they ask you to contact them ahead if mobility is a concern. Bishop Auckland West has limited parking, so Stanhope is the easier start point if you're driving. Dogs are allowed too, if that's part of your day out.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Family fare covers kids 5 to 15, best for a school-age day out rather than toddlers
- Parking
- Free car park at Stanhope, disabled spaces available
- How long to allow
- Journey between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland takes 55 minutes
- Food
- Platform One café open Wednesdays to Sundays 10am-4pm
- Wheelchairs
- Ramp available for wheelchair access to train at all stations
- Dogs
- Allowed
- Getting there by bus or train
- Hourly service from Darlington to Bishop Auckland on east coast mainline
- No overnight parking at Stanhope Station if you're leaving the car for a longer day.
- Witton-le-Wear Station has no facilities at all, so don't plan a stop there.
- Special trains like the Santa Express and Stargazing Train run alongside the regular timetable.
- There's public transport too, with an hourly Darlington to Bishop Auckland service and buses from County Durham and Tyneside.
Plan your visit
How long does the journey take?
Stanhope to Bishop Auckland is 55 minutes, Stanhope to Wolsingham is 20 minutes, and Stanhope to Witton-le-Wear is 40 minutes. A full line return from Stanhope to Bishop Auckland takes just over two hours.
How much does it cost?
A family return for two adults and up to three children aged 5 to 15 between Stanhope and Wolsingham is £26.
Is there anywhere to eat?
The Platform One café at Stanhope Station is open Wednesdays to Sundays, 10am to 4pm.
Are there toilets on the train or at every station?
No, toilets are only at Stanhope Station. There's nothing onboard or at the other stops.
Is it wheelchair accessible?
There's a ramp for wheelchair access to the train at every station and disabled car parking at Stanhope, Frosterley and Wolsingham. They recommend contacting the railway ahead of your visit if you have mobility needs.
Where should we park?
Stanhope has a free car park with disabled spaces. Bishop Auckland West has limited parking, so Stanhope is the easier station to start from.
Can we bring the dog?
Dogs are allowed on the railway.
Do you offer group or school rates?
Special rates are offered for pre-booked groups and school or club visits if you contact the railway beforehand.
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