The Wensleydale Railway, Yorkshire Dales
An old 40 mile railway line, now partially restored, running through the Yorkshire Dales from Leeming Bar to Hawes, the historical home of Wensleydale cheese.
The Wensleydale Railway in the Yorkshire Dales
Enjoy a scenic journey along this railway line and stop off to visit its many foodie and tourist attractions (some more eccentric than others), along the way. Be warned, you may return with some delicious Wensleydale cheese but also a rather unusual teapot.
- Tour Wensleydale by train
- Take the Afternoon Tea special
- Visit the Wensleydale Creamery
Meet The Big Sheep in Bedale
Tuesday is market day in Bedale so alight here to do some shopping or to take little ones to the Big Sheep and Little Cow Farm Attraction.
Go to the Farmers’ Market in Leyburn
Leyburn is the location for the annual Dales Festival of Food and Drink which is held in June. If you’re visiting on the last Saturday of the month, you can wander around Leyburn Farmers’ Market. If you’ve ever yearned for an eccentric teapot, visit The Teapottery where you can buy teapots in all shapes and sizes and enjoy a cuppa in their café. Their range includes amongst others – an Aga, a steam train, a touring caravan, a Yorkshire range and for cheese-lovers, a Wensleydale teapot complete with mouse. You’ll also find The Little Chocolate Shop attraction where you can watch chocolate-making demonstrations.
See the Aysgarth Falls at Reedier
At Redmire Station, alight for some culture in the form of Bolton Castle and for nature-lovers, the Aysgarth Falls.
Tour the Wensleydale Creamery in Hawes
Once in Hawes, visit the famous Wensleydale Creamery and Museum to taste the cheese and to see it being made. There’s also the Dales Countryside Museum, Gayle Mill and Hawes Ropemakers. If you’re visiting on a Tuesday, the market will be in town.
Tips
- Check the Wensleydale railway website for special events including a Yorkshire Afternoon Tea Special
- Fancy trying some Yorkshire Ale? Visit the Black Sheep Brewery in Masham for a brewery tour and beer tasting or stop for a pint at one of the recommended pubs on The Yorkshire Ale Trail.
Cook’s Tip
When making a cup of Yorkshire tea, pour the boiling water over the tea bag and then walk away for a few minutes to let it brew. You’ll enjoy a far more delicious cuppa if you resist the temptation to immediately squeeze the tea bag with a teaspoon.
Where to Stay
The Priory Bed & Breakfast in Middleham – a beautifully furnished 17th century Priory with views towards the castle. There are 5 contemporary bedrooms with luxury bathrooms. Dog-friendly too.
The Old Town Hall in Redmire – lovely Bed & Breakfast, elegantly furnished and just 4 miles from Aysgarth Falls.
Eastbrook Cottage in Leyburn – a Bed & Breakfast in a pretty cottage offering one room. Dog-friendly and a short walk from the Wensleydale Brewery.
Dogs
They tell me I’m very welcome but there’s a maximum of one dog per fee-paying adult.
How to Find The Wensleydale Railway
The Wensleydale Railway, Leeming Bar Station, Leases Rd, Leeming Bar, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 9AR
Website: www.wensleydalerail.com
Explore
Find more Foodie Things To Do in the Yorkshire Dales. Discover more Train Dining Experiences and see our recommended Gifts for Train Lovers.
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.