Wensleydale Railway has announced that its 2026 running season will begin with ticket prices held at 2024 levels, as the popular heritage railway looks to keep days out affordable despite continuing rises in operating costs.
Tickets are on sale now for the 2026 season, with the railway confirming that there will be no increase to the cost of its normal scheduled train services.
The first services of the year will run on Saturday 14 February, followed by a special Valentine’s Day lunch train on Sunday 15 February. Trains will also operate on three days during the school holiday week beginning Monday 16 February, before the full running season gets underway on 28 February and continues through to 31 October.
November and December will see the return of THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides to Wensleydale Railway. The hugely popular Christmas attraction sold out last year, welcoming more than 50,000 guests, and tickets are now on sale for the 2026 festive season.
A wide range of on-train catering events will return, including seven ‘Wensleydale Fryer’ fish and chips trains and 12 afternoon tea services. Due to high demand, the railway has expanded its food offering to include two Indian-inspired afternoon tea trains and two Indian cuisine evening trains. Popular events such as the model railway show, home fleet diesel gala and industrial diesel weekend will also feature again in 2026.
In partnership with the Yorkshire Dales Classic Car Club, the railway is also planning its first classic vehicle rally, to be held on the Early May Bank Holiday, Monday 4 May. Vintage vehicles will be on display at Leeming Bar and Scruton stations, alongside live music, food and drink, and a full train service running between Scruton and Leyburn.
The railway has also confirmed it will increase the number of diesel locomotive-hauled services throughout the summer months.
Nick Keegan, marketing and fundraising manager at Wensleydale Railway, said: “We have, once again, made the decision not to increase our scheduled train ticket prices. We remain conscious of the financial pressures that our visitors face and hope that this price freeze continues to make a visit to our volunteer-led railway a great value day out.”
He added that a range of money-saving offers will continue, including the return of the ‘kids-for-a-quid’ scheme, allowing children aged three to 15 to travel for just £1 on normal scheduled services, excluding special events. Local residents will also receive a 25 per cent discount, while members of the railway’s charitable trust can benefit from 50 per cent off travel.
Mr Keegan added: “In addition to our full programme of events, we plan to run diesel locomotive-hauled services on Wednesdays and Saturdays from July to mid-September. Every weekend featuring a catering train will also be locomotive-hauled throughout the day. Our home fleet of diesel locomotives is extremely popular, and it’s great to offer more opportunities for visitors to enjoy them in our refurbished heritage coaches.”
Further information and tickets for the 2026 season are available via the Wensleydale Railway website.
Be the first to comment