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A County Durham heritage railway has helped create lasting memories for families of children with special educational needs and disabilities through a specially tailored rail experience.
Weardale Railway, which holds a Gold Autism Acceptance Award from the North East Autism Society, teamed up with County Durham charity Little SENDsations to deliver an inclusive day out designed with accessibility at its heart.
The heritage railway experience was created for families of children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), offering a relaxing journey through the scenic Durham Dales that catered to each passenger’s individual needs.
Weardale Railway volunteers and staff helped families board comfortably and adapted services throughout the journey to meet individual needs
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Claire Gibbons, general manager at Weardale Railway, said: "We are incredibly proud to have welcomed Little SENDsations and their families to Weardale Railway.
"Everyone should be able to enjoy the unique experience of travelling on our heritage railway, and it was wonderful to see so many smiling faces throughout the day.
"Volunteers and staff went above and beyond to ensure every family felt comfortable and included, and seeing the children made it a truly special occasion for everyone involved."
Children and families travelled through the scenic Durham Dales as part of an accessible heritage railway experience organised by Weardale Railway and Little SENDsations
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Weardale Railway volunteers and staff supported families throughout the day, helping them board comfortably and adapting services as needed to ensure a welcoming environment for all.
A highlight of the experience came when the train paused outside the depot and engineers brought a large locomotive to the gates.
The sound of both trains blowing their horns together brought smiles and excitement, creating a lasting memory for attendees.
miles all round as families from Little SENDsations spend quality time together on a barrier-free day out with Weardale Railway in Weardale
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Families also enjoyed a picnic and outdoor activities at Stanhope, including a game of football, before heading home.
Many described the day as one where they felt "completely accepted and able to spend quality time together without barriers."
Kelly Ingram, speaking on behalf of Little SENDsations, said: "From the moment we arrived, every member of the Weardale Railway team showed such genuine kindness, patience and understanding.
miles all round as families from Little SENDsations spend quality time together on a barrier-free day out with Weardale Railway in Weardale
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"As a charity supporting families of children with additional needs, accessibility and inclusion mean everything to us.
"The support shown to our wheelchair users, the patience with children who communicate differently or simply needed a little extra time, and the willingness to adapt to everyone's individual needs made such a difference.
"Nothing was ever too much trouble.
"The feedback from our families has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are so grateful to everyone who helped make the day possible – and we can’t wait to return for Santa Express!"
Durham County Councillor Anita Savory also praised the event.
Weardale Railway and Little SENDsations teamed up to deliver an inclusive rail experience for children with special educational needs and disabilities
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She said: "This was a wonderful occasion for families with SEND children.
"The families visited our beautiful rural countryside and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity in a safe outdoor space as well as enjoying the train ride.
"Weardale Railway are proud to embrace and offer events of this type."
Weardale Railway and Little SENDsations teamed up to deliver an inclusive rail experience for children with special educational needs and disabilities, creating accessible and memorable days out for families
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Little SENDsations is a County Durham charity supporting children and young people with SEND, including those with complex needs and profound and multiple learning disabilities.
The charity provides inclusive activities and events built on lived experience, ensuring families feel understood, connected and valued.
Weardale Railway stretches 18 miles from Bishop Auckland to Eastgate and is part of The Auckland Project, the regeneration charity transforming Bishop Auckland into a leading visitor destination.
Weardale Railway and Little SENDsations teamed up to deliver an inclusive rail experience for children with special educational needs and disabilities, creating accessible and memorable days out for families
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The Auckland Project rescued the railway from administration in 2020 and has since invested in repairs and upgrades, supporting its operation and events calendar.
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Weardale Railway and Little SENDsations teamed up to deliver an inclusive rail experience for children with special educational needs and disabilities
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The railway now offers a wide range of heritage experiences, including afternoon teas, gin and cheese trains, family events and the popular Santa Express.
Visitors to The Auckland Project can also explore Auckland Palace, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, Faith Museum, restored gardens, and the historic 150-acre Deer Park.
To find out more about Little SENDsations, visit www.littlesendsations.org or follow them on Facebook.
Further details about Weardale Railway and The Auckland Project are available at www.weardale-railway.org.uk and www.aucklandproject.org.