WENSLEYDALE - 45 MINS FROM PATELEY BRIDGE
Wensleydale
Railway
A heritage railway running through one of the finest valleys in the Yorkshire Dales. From Leeming Bar in the Vale of Mowbray to Redmire in the upper dale, the Wensleydale Railway passes through market towns, villages and open countryside on a journey that is an attraction in itself.
Journey information
- Route
- Leeming Bar to Redmire via Scruton, Bedale, Finghall, Constable Burton, Leyburn, Wensley, Redmire
- From Pateley Bridge
- Approx 45 minutes to Leyburn station via Masham
- Journey time
- Full journey approx 1 hour 20 minutes each way
- Open
- Weekends and Bank Holidays throughout the year. Additional days in school holidays. Check wensleydale-railway.co.uk for timetable.
- Dogs
- Dogs welcome on all services
- Website
- www.wensleydale-railway.co.uk
Stations on the line
Leeming Bar
The eastern terminus, near the A1. A good starting point if travelling from the east. Connections to Northallerton and the main east coast rail network.
Bedale
The market town of Bedale is a short walk from the station. The town has a good high street, an arts centre and a small museum. Worth stopping here on an outward or return leg.
Leyburn
The main town in Wensleydale and the most useful joining station for visitors from Pateley Bridge. Leyburn has a good Thursday market, independent shops, cafes and a pleasant town square. The Bolton Castle road climbs into the dale above the town.
Redmire
The western terminus, set at the foot of the dale with views up towards the moors. Bolton Castle is a 20-minute walk from Redmire station - one of the most dramatic medieval castles in Yorkshire.
What to combine it with
Bolton Castle
A 20-minute walk from Redmire station. One of England's most complete medieval castles, built in 1399, with panoramic views over Wensleydale. The castle grounds include restored medieval garden rooms and a falconry display area (check website for schedules).
Aysgarth Falls
Not on the railway line but easily reached by car or taxi from Leyburn. Three tiers of waterfall on the River Ure dropping through ancient woodland. One of the iconic landscapes of the Yorkshire Dales.
Leyburn town
The de facto capital of Wensleydale, with good independent cafes, the popular Thursday market and easy connections to the surrounding villages. A pleasant place to spend an hour before or after the train.
Hawes and the Dales
Hawes is the main town of upper Wensleydale and not served by the railway, but it is well worth a separate drive. The town sits below Great Shunner Fell and is the starting point for some of the finest high moorland walks in the National Park.
SPECIAL SERVICES
Events and themed services
The Polar Express Train Ride
One of the most popular Christmas events in Yorkshire. Tickets sell out months in advance - book as early as possible at yorkshiredalesthepolarpressride.com.
Afternoon Tea Trains
Scones, sandwiches and cake served on the train as the dale rolls past the windows. A lovely way to spend a summer afternoon. Check the website for available dates.
Fish & Chips Trains, Gin Trains
Evening services with themed food and drink on board. The Gin Train is a popular event with a selection of gins served throughout the journey. Book ahead - these sell out.
Driver Experiences
Drive a real train. Choose from a Pacer unit, a 1st generation DMU or Class 14, 33, 37 or 47 locomotives. Or ride in the cab alongside the driver. Full details at wensleydale-railway.co.uk.
Model Railway Weekend, Industrial Diesel Weekend
Specialist enthusiast events drawing visitors from across the country. The Model Railway Weekend and Industrial Diesel Weekend are well established on the heritage railway calendar.
Kids travel for £1
Children travel for just £1 on standard services - making the Wensleydale Railway exceptional value for families. Standard timetable runs weekends and Bank Holidays, with additional services in school holidays.
Plan your journey
Join the line at Leyburn - the most convenient station from Pateley Bridge. Drive to Leyburn (45 minutes via Masham), leave the car, and take the train west to Redmire for Bolton Castle, or east towards Bedale for the market town.