08/06/2026
Stanhope Station to host free Inspiration Train experience and family fun weekend🚂
Weardale Railway is set to welcome families, railway enthusiasts and visitors from across the region for a packed weekend of entertainment as the nationally touring Inspiration Train arrives in County Durham.
The free-to-visit Inspiration Train will be stationed at Stanhope from June 8 to June 14 as part of the nationwide Rail 200 celebrations, marking 200 years of the modern railway.
To coincide with the final weekend of the visit, Weardale Railway will host a special Community BIG Weekend on Saturday, June 13 and Sunday 14 June, featuring live entertainment, heritage train services, food stalls, family activities and a craft market.
Visitors will be able to step aboard the Inspiration Train free of charge between 9.30am and 4.30pm each day, with public admission open from midday. The Community BIG Weekend will bring Stanhope Station to life with a range of attractions for all ages, including The Auckland Project’s Palace Pizzas serving fresh. wood-fired sourdough pizzas, family entertainment and heritage train journeys between Stanhope and Wolsingham.
A special live music evening will take place on Saturday 13 June, featuring performances from Stanhope Silver Band between 6pm and 9.30pm, alongside late evening train services allowing visitors to travel to and from the festivities. Tickets are priced at £5.
Families can also enjoy a free Teddy Bears’ Picnic on Sunday 14 June from 12.30pm to 2.30pm, featuring children’s entertainment and activities. There will also be a special train timetable for Saturday 12 June with a late train running at 8.45pm, allowing people to enjoy the music for longer.
