Steam Trains in West Yorkshire
Relive the Past on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Sep 29, 2009
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is Britain's last remaining complete heritage branch line. Rich in history, the line runs from Keighley to Oxenhope and each station presents a glimpse of the steam age in its glory days. A day's excursion on the railway can include highlights such as a visit to the Museum of Rail Travel, Oakworth Station, where the 1970s film The Railway Children was filmed, and a look around Haworth and the Brontë Parsonage Museum.
The History of the Worth Valley Railway
The line first opened on 15th April 1867 and was originally built to transport coal to the woollen mills in the area. The looms in the mills were run on steam power, so a constant supply of coal was essential. As the industrial age came to an end, many of the mills closed down and in 1962 British Railways decided the line was no longer needed.
After the combined efforts of locals and railway enthusiasts – and the formation of a Preservation Society – the line was reopened to passengers on 29th June 1968. A decision was made to recreate the atmosphere of a 1950s branch line and since that time the Railway has been owned, managed and operated by volunteers.
Haworth and the Talented Brontë Family
One of the most popular stops on the line is Haworth, the village that the famous Brontë family once called home. The village itself is full of character and offers an interesting variety of shops and tearooms. For those interested in the Brontës themselves, a visit to the Brontë Parsonage Museum is a must. The Museum was home to Charlotte, Emily, Anne and Branwell from 1820 to 1861. It's also where the Brontë sisters wrote their well-known novels, including Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall.
Today the Museum displays many of the Brontë manuscripts and letters as well as their furniture, clothes and personal possessions. There are also special exhibitions throughout the year, so it's worth checking the website for a list of current events. Entry to the Museum is Adults £6, Children (5-16) £3 and Concessions £4.50.
The Railway Children
Since the atmospheric recreation of the vintage railway, it has become popular with TV and film producers. One of the most famous stories filmed on the line is Edith Nesbit's The Railway Children. Scenes from the 1970s children's classic were filmed on Oakworth Station where children Roberta, Phyliss and Peter had several adventures and befriended Mr Perks, the station porter.
Visitors familiar with the film will recognise the area and might be interested in exploring the Railway Children walk, which links film locations between Oxenhope, Haworth and Oakworth. A map of the walk is available from the stations. Oakworth Station is also of interest as it has been restored to resemble a 1905 Edwardian station, complete with authentic advertising signs, gas lighting and coal fires.
Timetables and Fare Prices
There are several options for travel on the Wentworth Valley Railway. Prices are:
Adult Day Rover: £14 (This ticket offers unlimited travel for the whole day and includes free entry to the Museum of Rail Travel)
Adult Full Line Return: £9.40 (Allows one complete round trip of the line from any station)
Family Day Rover: £33
Family Full Line Return: £23.50
Children 5-15: Half Fare
Children Under 5: Free
For a current timetable of the Steam and Heritage Diesel trains running throughout the year, as well as further information on the Railway, visit their website.
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