There were some scary goings-on at Weardale Railway on Saturday (October 26) as the first of three Halloween events took place, and dozens of families got in the true spooky spirit.

Families and staff at the railway donned their best Halloween costumes, as there were activities throughout the day for those who made the journey to the tourist attraction. 

As part of three Halloween events that  Weardale Railway is running this spooky season, the train departed from Stanhope, before passengers got a Halloween quiz onboard. 

Those on the journey took in the stunning Autumnal views of Stanhope, Frosterley, Wolsingham, and Witton-le-Wear while on the train.

Other activities during the day included a ghost talk, a café serving Halloween treats, and a fancy dress competition. 

Children at the event all dressed up, with some brilliant costumes ranging from witches, bats, and a child dressed as Jim Carrey's 'The Mask'. 

While this wasn't the first Halloween event that Weardale Railway has run over the years, Wayne Dixon, who is the general manager at the railway, has seen the popularity of these types of special events rise considerably. 

He said: "It was great to see so many people dressed up today - it made the hour and a half of the journey fly by - it was a great atmosphere from the families that attended. 

"It's fair to say the popularity has grown since we came out of the pandemic - it's great to see.

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"We could have probably done more events but we wanted to make it special for those that attend our three events this Halloween."

These Halloween events come at a similar time to Weardale Railway's Dark Skies train event, which is sold out. 

During that event, there will be a train departing from Stanhope to a "unique location where you will disembark and enjoy stargazing using telescopes and while listening to our experts from the Bishop Auckland Astronomical Society."

You can find out about the other Halloween events and other events at Weardale Railway here.