Following on from their Model Railway Show and Spring Diesel Gala, the volunteer-led Wensleydale railway in Yorkshire has announced a series of ‘Heritage Summer’ special events that will be taking place along the 22-mile line every Wednesday during the course of the school holidays throughout the month of August.

On Wednesday, 5th August, Dinosaur Day will be taking place at all the stations along the line. Events include decorating biscuits, making dinosaur masks and badges, toys, games and lucky bags.

Wednesday 12th August is ‘All aboard for Work’ day, where visitors can see what rural life was like at countryside stations a century ago. All aspects of life, including the roles undertaken at Lemming Bar and Scruton stations and on the trackside, can be observed by passengers. They can also try their hand at clipping tickets, sorting parcels, and learning about and handling old money. There is also the chance to dress up in a 1920s costume.

Wednesday 19th July is the ‘Engines up Close’ event. An engineering theme day will be taking place at Leeming Bar and Scruton stations. Visitors can build a semaphore signal and their own train or have their photo taken from the cab of a shunting locomotive.

The final Wednesday in August, the 26th, is the very popular ‘Teddy Bears Picnic’. Passengers and Teddys will be able to collect their adventure trail booklet from Leeming Bar before heading to Scruton by train, before having their picnic. While there, guests can participate in Victorian games, face painting, badge making and story time. Fresh snacks will also be available to purchase from the buffet at Leeming Bar and Scruton on the day.

On the last weekend in August, the Wensleydale Railway will host an Industrial Diesel weekend featuring an intensive service between Scruton and Leyburn. More details will be announced soon.

On every Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from July 1st until 12th September, diesel-hauled services will run along the line. Informative tours at the award-winning Leeming Bar Station House are available during the line’s operating days. Tours of Scruton station will take place on Wednesdays in August.

“There’s something for everyone at Wensleydale Railway this summer. 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. Or why not come and visit our restored station museums at Leeming Bar and Scruton and enjoy a leisurely train journey through the countryside? Our station at Leyburn has a popular tearoom and gift shop that’s well-worth a visit too!”

“We’ve worked hard to ensure that a visit to our volunteer-led community railway remains great value for our visitors. Our kids for a quid travel offer means that children aged 3-15 can travel for only £1 on our trains with a full-paying adult. Local residents also enjoy a 25% discount on their travel. If you live in Postcodes DL6 to DL11 inclusive and YO7 and HG4, just show our ticket office a document with your postcode details on it (such as a driver’s licence or utility bill) at the time of booking. Our kids for a quid and local residents’ travel offers can be combined and are valid all year round, so start planning your visit today!”

Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway