This year, the Wensleydale Railway in North Yorkshire is continuing its popular afternoon tea train services with new menus and extra dates.

Working in partnership with the railway’s catering partner The Green Apple Tree Indian Restaurant in Northallerton, Catering Manager Mo Park and her volunteer catering team will serve visitors a range of delicious food.

Tea trains will run on Mother’s Day, 30th March; Easter Sunday, 20th April; a Spring Sunday, 18th May; Father’s Day, 15th of June; and Yorkshire Day, 27th of July.

There will also be an Indian tea train on the 4th of May, summer afternoon tea trains on the 17th of August and 21st of September, a Curry Night on the 6th of October, and an autumn afternoon tea train on the 19th of October.

After boarding the train at Leeming Bar, guests will receive a refreshing glass of fizz or orange juice then, as the train departs for Leyburn, volunteers will serve tea or coffee, a selection of freshly cut sandwiches, and savoury pastries. While enjoying the food and drink, guests can enjoy spectacular views of Wensleydale from the comfort of their seat.

At Leyburn, there will be time for a short rest break before rejoining the train to enjoy a selection of delicious scones and cakes with more tea or coffee on the return journey to Leeming Bar. As guests leave their train, they will receive a luxury chocolate as they say goodbye – until the next time!

Afternoon tea trains depart from Leeming Bar at 2.30 pm for a journey lasting about two hours. Tickets, which include the rail ticket and a complimentary glass of fizz (or soft drink), cost £49 per adult and £25 for children (aged 14 and under). To avoid disappointment, booking is essential at https://wensleydale-railway.co.uk/events_and_experiences/, which also has more details about the trains.

Anyone with food allergies should inform the railway at the time of booking. Also, there is no access for wheelchair users in the railway’s vintage coaches, but the railway will do its best to allocate a table close to an access door if anyone with mobility constraints makes their requirements known at the time of booking.

“Our on-train food events were very popular with our customers last year. Thanks to the hard work and dedication of Mo and her catering team, who are all volunteers, we are able to expand the number of afternoon tea trains on offer this year. Our afternoon tea services are perfect for a special occasion, family celebrations, as a gift to a loved one or just a treat for you! Wwe are delighted to continue our catering partnership with The Green Apple Tree Indian Restaurant of Northallerton. Sagar, Paul and their team always deliver amazing food and service. If you are in or near Northallerton, a visit to their restaurant is a must for authentic Indian food and great hospitality.”

Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway