The historic Stanhope Station platform is looking its absolute best this summer thanks to several weeks of dedicated restoration work by volunteers from the Weardale Railway Heritage Volunteer Association. The team has meticulously restored vintage wooden benches, hand-painted classic platform signage, and installed beautiful seasonal planters.
The restoration aims to preserve the authentic late-Victorian and Edwardian aesthetic of the heritage line, which provides a major tourism boost to Weardale. Volunteers used traditional woodcraft techniques and historical color schemes to ensure the work is historically accurate.
“We want visitors to feel like they are stepping back in time when they arrive,” says project leader George. “The station is the gateway to Weardale for many, and we take immense pride in keeping our railway heritage polished and welcoming.”
The Weardale Railway is operating steam and heritage diesel runs throughout the summer season. New volunteers are always welcome to join the railway association.