CAUTION
The line is now live. Please use the proper pedestrian gate
when crossing the tracks. See update below
The original station house, which contains a Stockton and
Darlington Railway ceramic plaque, still exists today as a private
residence. It was located 20 chains to the West Because of its
location on a curve and incline; it was found difficult to start
passenger trains from here and therefore a new station was built to
the east.In the 1930’s this was the home of the LNER District
Engineer, whose offices were in Bishop Auckland.
The old station was close to the old A68 trunk road that runs
through the village. The new station was built adjacent to the road
connecting the village to Wear Valley Junction. Its accommodation
consisted of General Waiting room, Booking Office, Gents Waiting
room, Ladies Waiting room, WC and urinals. It closed to passengers
along with all of the other stations on the branch on 27th June
1953. Goods traffic would continue to be dealt with until 1st
November 1965.
To the west of the station there is a level crossing, which is
controlled from an adjacent ground frame and still in use today
(when trains run). Opposite the station were coal drops and a
wooden single road goods shed. Beyond the station and to the west
across the level crossing was another siding which included a
cattle and horse dock.
UPDATE Stanhope - Bishop
Auckland service ready to go!
The long planned daily community service to Bishop Auckland started
on Sunday 23rd May. There will be 6 return runs each weekday, 5 on
Saturdays and 4 on Sundays. In addition each Saturday, Sunday and
Bank Holiday will see extra runs hauled by No.40 steam or class 73
diesel locomotive. All Weardale runs are timed to connect with
Northern Rail services between Bishop Auckland and Darlington. For
now the Weardale service will terminate at a temporary platform
accessed along the road past B&Q and the Post Office depot.
There are plans to refurbish the main station and make provision
for all trains to connect there. The timetable and fares are
here.