All aboard the Gin Train!

The Wensleydale Railway is a heritage and tourist line, running from Northallerton to Redmire (through Bedale and Leyburn) in stunning North Yorkshire. Running heritage diesel engines and some steam trains too, the railway has a fascinating history and is now kept alive by a group of dedicated volunteers.

One of the many ways that this team support the Wensleydale Railway, is by organising "theme trains". Seasonal events are hugely popular (there's even a Santa train!), and they have also run a successful series of WensleyAle trains - an evening ride from Leeming Bar to Redmire and back, with real ale on board for passengers to sample and enjoy.

Most recently, one of these creative geniuses thought it would be a good idea to run a gin train - the same premise as the ale train, only with a range of craft gins to enjoy. That genius deserves a medal!

Gin is hugely fashionable right now, with craft distilleries popping up all over the UK, and of course the well-known greats such as Gordons, Beefeater, Tanqueray and Bombay Sapphire offer a timeless tipple enjoyed for centuries.

So it was with great glee that I ordered my ticket for the gin train, along with my friend who is another self confessed gin fan. Ordering was super simple - via EventBrite so streamlined, fast and a secure payment followed by an instant email with my tickets.

The tickets were £10 each for the fare, plus £15 each for five gins on board. Bargain really!

On the night we turned up and were ushered onto the train, a gorgeous diesel in remarkable repair, and handed our tokens and a tasting list. There were 13 gins on offer, many of which I had never heard of, and a full description of the flavours and how best to enjoy each one.

So as the train departed, we excitedly headed to the bar to try our first gin! Clearly most passengers had the same idea, and the queue was pretty lengthy, but for subsequent trips it was far more streamlined.

All of the staff were wonderfully friendly, full of great banter and genuinely keen to make sure we had a great night.

There was a selection of fantastic cheeses on board to purchase in a platter with grapes, celery and biscuits, and also snacks such as crisps and pork pies. A stroke of genius when we were already tipsy before we'd even reached Leyburn!

A raffle was being run to raise money for Zoe's Place Baby Hospice, and the railway itself, with almost £200 raised on the night. Not surprisingly train tickets and gin featured in the prizes - I was just disappointed not to have won!

The trip was an absolute hoot, with a brilliant atmosphere on board. We had such a giggle and enjoyed everything that we tasted. I have a new favourite gin that I need to seek out next time I go shopping; "Opihr Oriental Spiced Gin", which has heavy notes of black pepper and coriander, seriously different and mindblowingly delicious.

We were sad to return to Leeming Bar, but given that we were a little unsteady on our feet it was definitely well timed! One of the organisers mentioned that there would hopefully be another gin train early next year (I WILL be on it!) as well as potentially a Port & Cheese train for Christmas.

All I can say is, you simply must check out the events organised by this group of dedicated people. I had the best night and can't wait to go back! Well done team, I look forward to the next train.

L xx