Upcoming events.
Kirkby Stephen Rally Weekend
Aycliffe and District Bus Preservation Society on Tour over Easter Weekend 2026. Join us for an unforgettable journey to the world-famous Bus Rally at Kirkby Stephen and Brough in beautiful Cumbria.
The Cumbria Easter Rally, based in Kirkby Stephen and the surrounding villages, offers something for everyone. Hop aboard a classic bus for a scenic run from Kirkby Stephen to Brough and other nearby villages, including rides to The Fat Lamb, Ravenstonedale, and even meet trains arriving at Kirkby Stephen Station on the iconic Settle-Carlisle railway line.
Saturday Highlights:
Road Run at 4 PM from Brough: Take part in a convoy of classic vehicles touring the picturesque local countryside before returning to Brough.
Along the route, enjoy local shops, hospitality, side stalls, and entertainment at various stops.
Explore the stunning Eden Valley, soak up the atmosphere, and celebrate classic buses and vehicles in this family-friendly Easter event. Don’t miss out on this unique chance to combine a love of buses, countryside, and community!
Tees Cottage Pumping Station
We can’t wait to see our friends at Tees Cottage Pumping Station again throughout 2026! This historic gem has been keeping history alive for decades. Did you know? In 1849, Tees Cottage revolutionised Darlington’s water supply, providing cleaner, piped water to homes and businesses that had previously relied on contaminated wells, rivers, and rainwater tubs. By 1851, the clean water service extended to Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Yarm, thanks to its clear health benefits.
Visitors can explore some incredible machinery, including Lancashire Boilers from 1902, a 1904 steam-powered Beam Engine, and a 1914 Gas Engine, all still in operation and pumping water from the River Tees (though no longer supplying the town’s water!).
There’s plenty more to enjoy:
Blacksmith’s Shop demonstrations
Miniature Railway rides with the Cleveland Association of Model Engineers (small additional charge)
Refreshments in the Tea Room, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds
Mark your calendars – we’ll be back in 2026 to enjoy a day of history, steam, and community fun!
Leyland National 54
In May, We will be heading to Leyland National 54 for the Workington Transport Event.
Visitors can look forward to an excellent selection of locally built Leyland Nationals, alongside many other historic buses dating back to the 1930s. Vehicles will be on static display as well as operating a range of local tours in and around Whitehaven. These will include trips to the beach and St Bees, a run to Cockermouth for the newly re-opened Jennings Brewery, and a route taking in the recently upgraded Workington Bus Station. Notably, this is the first purpose-built, covered bus station in Britain and will celebrate its centenary in 2026.
The event will also celebrate the Leyland Titan, the double-deck successor to the National, which first entered service on the streets of London in 1976. While early examples were assembled at the Park Royal works in London, production later moved to the Leyland National factory at Lillyhall.
Tees Cottage Pumping Station
We can’t wait to see our friends at Tees Cottage Pumping Station again throughout 2026! This historic gem has been keeping history alive for decades. Did you know? In 1849, Tees Cottage revolutionised Darlington’s water supply, providing cleaner, piped water to homes and businesses that had previously relied on contaminated wells, rivers, and rainwater tubs. By 1851, the clean water service extended to Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Yarm, thanks to its clear health benefits.
Visitors can explore some incredible machinery, including Lancashire Boilers from 1902, a 1904 steam-powered Beam Engine, and a 1914 Gas Engine, all still in operation and pumping water from the River Tees (though no longer supplying the town’s water!).
There’s plenty more to enjoy:
Blacksmith’s Shop demonstrations
Miniature Railway rides with the Cleveland Association of Model Engineers (small additional charge)
Refreshments in the Tea Room, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds
Mark your calendars – we’ll be back in 2026 to enjoy a day of history, steam, and community fun!
Tees Cottage Pumping Station
We can’t wait to see our friends at Tees Cottage Pumping Station again throughout 2026! This historic gem has been keeping history alive for decades. Did you know? In 1849, Tees Cottage revolutionised Darlington’s water supply, providing cleaner, piped water to homes and businesses that had previously relied on contaminated wells, rivers, and rainwater tubs. By 1851, the clean water service extended to Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Yarm, thanks to its clear health benefits.
Visitors can explore some incredible machinery, including Lancashire Boilers from 1902, a 1904 steam-powered Beam Engine, and a 1914 Gas Engine, all still in operation and pumping water from the River Tees (though no longer supplying the town’s water!).
There’s plenty more to enjoy:
Blacksmith’s Shop demonstrations
Miniature Railway rides with the Cleveland Association of Model Engineers (small additional charge)
Refreshments in the Tea Room, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds
Mark your calendars – we’ll be back in 2026 to enjoy a day of history, steam, and community fun!
Tees Cottage Pumping Station
We can’t wait to see our friends at Tees Cottage Pumping Station again throughout 2026! This historic gem has been keeping history alive for decades. Did you know? In 1849, Tees Cottage revolutionised Darlington’s water supply, providing cleaner, piped water to homes and businesses that had previously relied on contaminated wells, rivers, and rainwater tubs. By 1851, the clean water service extended to Stockton, Middlesbrough, and Yarm, thanks to its clear health benefits.
Visitors can explore some incredible machinery, including Lancashire Boilers from 1902, a 1904 steam-powered Beam Engine, and a 1914 Gas Engine, all still in operation and pumping water from the River Tees (though no longer supplying the town’s water!).
There’s plenty more to enjoy:
Blacksmith’s Shop demonstrations
Miniature Railway rides with the Cleveland Association of Model Engineers (small additional charge)
Refreshments in the Tea Room, or bring a picnic to enjoy on the beautiful grounds
Mark your calendars – we’ll be back in 2026 to enjoy a day of history, steam, and community fun!
Hopetown Museum
We’re excited to announce that we’ll be heading to Hopetown on December 20th, from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM for their magical Christmas celebration!
Step into the story of Christmas past with a family-friendly interactive tour of North Road Station Museum, where history, mystery, and festive cheer come together for a truly unique experience. Once your tour ends, linger and soak up the festive buzz across Ho-Ho-Hopetown. Explore the beautifully lit heritage railway site by night, perfect for creating lasting holiday memories.
Indulge in delicious festive food and drink from pop-up stalls—hot chocolate, mince pies, and other winter warmers await as you enjoy the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Don’t miss A Hopetown Christmas Carol, the perfect way to get into the true spirit of the season.
Hop on with us for a day full of nostalgia, festive fun, and community cheer—we can’t wait to celebrate Christmas with you!
Christmas at Beamish
We’re delighted to announce that our 1964 Daimler bus will be returning to Beamish Museum to take part in the Beamish Christmas Evenings this December!
Dates & Times:
4th, 5th, 11th, 12th, 18th & 19th December 2025
5:00pm – 9:30pm
Immerse yourself in an extra-special enchanting evening at Beamish, where the museum transforms into a festive wonderland. Wander under twinkling lights, enjoy merry music and delightful decorations, and indulge in seasonal treats as you create magical Christmas memories with your loved ones. Explore the Edwardian town street, discover traditionally decorated homes and shops, and soak up the festive atmosphere.
During the daytime, our Darlington No7 will also be at Beamish as part of Christmas at Beamish, on display for visitors to admire—but please note it will not be running around the site.
Don’t miss the chance to see our classic buses helping to bring the magic of Christmas to life!