Wensleydale Railway launches family-friendly summer of heritage events

Wensleydale Railway has unveiled a packed programme of family-friendly events and heritage activities for the summer holidays, with everything from dinosaur-themed fun to teddy bears’ picnics planned along the line.

The volunteer-run heritage railway will operate trains five days a week throughout the school holidays, while a series of Heritage Summer activity days will take place every Wednesday in August at stations along the route.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy free guided tours of the restored Edwardian station at Scruton on Wednesdays, while tours of the award-winning Leeming Bar Station House will continue on train operating days.

The programme begins with Dinosaur Day on Wednesday, August 5, when Leeming Bar, Bedale, Leyburn and Scruton stations will host dinosaur trails, craft activities, biscuit decorating, games and themed surprises. Children’s tickets cost £6, including train travel under the railway’s “Kids for a Quid” offer, while adults can attend free with a valid train ticket.

On August 12, the All Aboard for Work event will give visitors the chance to discover what life was like working on the railway, with hands-on activities including sorting parcels, stamping tickets, handling old money and trying 1920s-style laundry. Entry is free with a valid train ticket.

Engineering takes centre stage on August 19 during Engines Up Close, where families can build cardboard trains, construct semaphore signals and climb into a shunter’s cab for photographs.

The month concludes on August 26 with the return of the popular Teddy Bears’ Picnic, featuring face painting, Victorian games, story time and family activities at Scruton Station.

Alongside the family events, railway enthusiasts can enjoy diesel-hauled passenger services every Wednesday until September 9 and on Saturdays throughout the summer. Planning is also under way for the railway’s Industrial Diesel Weekend on August 29 and 30, when a special timetable of heritage diesel locomotives will operate between Scruton and Leyburn.

Nick Keegan, Wensleydale Railway’s marketing and fundraising manager, said there was something for visitors of all ages.

“If you’re looking for a fun and affordable day out during the school holidays, our Heritage Summer activities are perfect for young children and families,” he said.

He added that the railway had worked hard to keep prices affordable, with children aged three to 15 able to travel for £1 with a full-paying adult under its Kids for a Quid offer.

Local residents living in postcodes DL6 to DL11, YO7 and HG4 can also receive a 25 per cent discount on rail travel, with the two offers able to be combined.