The Weardale Railway is an 18 mile heritage line running from a connection with the main rail network at Bishop Auckland to Eastgate in Weardale, County Durham, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Currently a 16 mile section of line between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope has been restored for passenger and freight use.

Prior to the Covid pandemic seasonal passenger and excursion trains operated over the 16 mile section between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland. Initially in 2022 we will operate the 6 miles between Stanhope and Wolsingham whilst track maintenance work continues towards Bishop Auckland.



There are intermediate stations at Frosterley, Wolsingham and Witton-le-Wear. Services will also stop at a new halt serving Kingfisher Leisure Park in 2022. This was designed and constructed by volunteers of the Trust in partnership with Weardale Railway Limited, part of The Auckland Project, who own the line.



The seasonal heritage passenger services are operated by a subsidiary of the Weardale Railway Trust. Plans for further excursion and dining train services are being developed by Weardale Railway Limited. These will also be operated with assistance from the volunteers of the Trust.

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The seasonal passenger services are operated using heritage 1960s diesel multiple units which provide excellent views of the outstanding Dales scenery and the multiple river crossings. There are plans to reintroduce steam hauled services in the future using a locomotive owned by the Weardale Railway Trust, which is currently undergoing extensive restoration.

In May 2022 we reopened the 6 mile stretch between Stanhope and Wolsingham whilst track maintenance work continues towards Bishop Auckland.

Our vision is to reopen the 16 mile section between Stanhope and Bishops Auckland, to connect communities in the dales with Bishop Auckland and create a popular destination for tourists. The Auckland Project and the Weardale Railway Trust will continue to work with the local community and other stakeholders to develop the railway.

As the railway begins to thrive again, we’re looking forward to starting new heritage and event services on the line, so keep your eyes peeled for event news and tickets. All aboard!

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