Wensleydale Railway is bringing back its popular family-focused activities this summer, offering a fun and affordable way to enjoy the school holidays. The volunteer-led heritage railway will be running trains five days a week, with special events taking place every Wednesday in August.
Each week brings something new for families to enjoy. From hands-on history to railway adventures, the ‘Heritage Summer’ programme is designed to keep kids engaged while offering something for all ages.
Engines up Close – 6 August
Kicking off the month is ‘Engines up Close’, a behind-the-scenes look at railway engineering. Visitors can tour the shed, see a steam engine being rebuilt and explore a miniature working steam engine. There’s even the chance to sit in the cab of a real shunter. Tours last around 30–40 minutes and run at 10:30am, 11:30am, and 12:45pm. Children’s tickets are £6 and include the ‘kids for a quid’ train travel offer. Adults get in free with a valid train ticket. Spaces are limited, so booking ahead is advised.
Railway Detectives – 13 August
Budding detectives can jump aboard the ‘Railway Detectives’ challenge. Travel between Leeming Bar, Leyburn and Scruton in search of clues and help deliver a mystery parcel to its final stop. The activity runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm and is included with a train ticket. No booking needed – just turn up and join the hunt.
Wash Day – 20 August
Families can take a step back in time on ‘Wash Day’ and see how laundry was done in the 1920s. Visit Leeming Bar Station House to try grating soap, beating carpets and using a vintage mangle. This drop-in event runs from 10:00am to 3:00pm and is free to attend.
Teddy Bears’ Picnic – 27 August
The final event of the summer is the much-loved Teddy Bears’ Picnic. Kids are invited to bring their favourite teddy for a bear hunt between Leeming Bar and Scruton. There will also be face painting, music and badge making from 11:00am to 3:00pm. Children’s tickets cost £6, which includes train travel, while adults go free with a train ticket. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and enjoy a picnic along the way.
More to Explore
Scruton Station will be open every Wednesday in August, with guided tours of the fully restored Edwardian building. Over at Leeming Bar, costumed volunteers will lead tours of the award-winning station house on all train running days. Visitors are encouraged to arrive an hour before departure to take part in the tour and grab a cuppa at the buffet car.
Nick Keegan, Marketing and Fundraising Manager at Wensleydale Railway, said:
“Looking for a fun and affordable family day out during the school holidays? We’ve got you covered. With our heritage-themed activities and ‘kids for a quid’ travel offer, Wensleydale Railway is a great value day out for everyone.”
Local residents can also save 25% on travel. Anyone living in postcodes DL6 to DL11, YO7 or HG4 can claim the discount by showing proof of address when booking. Both offers can be combined and are valid year-round.
For full details on summer events and tickets, visit:
Heritage Summer Activities
Train Services and Booking
