Iconic high-speed train to make historic visit to Weardale Railway
- kelseygarbutt
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Railway fans and families are in for a treat this summer as the legendary InterCity 125 High Speed Train (HST) makes a rare appearance on the scenic Weardale Railway.
For one day only – Sunday 17 August – the iconic HST, made up of power cars 43089 and 43159, will run a special service between Stanhope and Bishop Auckland West, taking over the line’s timetable for a day of excitement and nostalgia.
In partnership with the 125 Group, this modern classic of British rail travel – fondly remembered for its speed and sleek design – will be running a special all-day service, with adult tickets from £30 and children from just £15. All day rover tickets will enable passengers to travel on all the day's services; breaking their journey if they wish to explore the local area.
For those looking to travel in style, First Class tickets with afternoon tea are also available – but must be booked when purchasing a ticket. Prices start from £30 adult and £20 child allowing travel on the line all day.
This special appearance is made possible thanks to the 125 Group and Excursions by Rail, who are running a charter service from Stanhope to Edinburgh on Saturday 16 August. After returning that evening, the train will be stabled overnight in Stanhope - ready for its starring role on Sunday.
Among the power cars expected is the 43159 “Rio Warrior”, famed for its part in the world record-holding 148.5mph HST run, making this an unmissable day for rail enthusiasts and families alike.
Claire Gibbons, General Manager at Weardale Railway, said: “We’re absolutely delighted to bring this iconic train to Weardale for a day of nostalgia, excitement, and community spirit. It’s a fantastic chance for locals and visitors to experience a piece of rail history on our scenic line – we can’t wait to welcome people on board”.
With 2025 marking the 200th anniversary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway (S&DR200), Weardale Railway will lead a series of celebrations, including community clean-ups, the planting of 200 bulbs at each station, and 200 native trees and shrubs along the route. The Weardale Railway will also welcome rail tours as part of The Railway 200 Special, including journeys from Carnforth and London Kings Cross to Stanhope in autumn 2025.
As part of its growing visitor offering, Weardale Railway also provides hands-on driver experiences, giving rail enthusiasts the chance to take the controls of its Sentinel Locomotive, a 1993 Daw Mill workhorse, boasting 325 brake horsepower, an 8-cylinder Rolls Royce engine, and a 1,500-tonne hauling capacity. As featured on BBC Two’s Robson Green’s ‘Weekend Escapes’, the experience includes expert instruction, a six-mile round trip through stunning Weardale landscapes, and a commemorative certificate to mark the occasion.
The Weardale Railway is part of The Auckland Project, a regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination through its unique collection of heritage attractions, galleries, and gardens.
For more information on the HST day and to view the timetable, visit https://www.weardale-railway.org.uk/hst-running-day
