The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway

When British Railways closed the line in 1962, local people and railway enthusiasts joined forces to try and save it.  A Preservation Society was formed and, after many years of volunteer struggle, the line finally re-opened to passenger traffic in 1968.

KWVR Society members decided to recreate the atmosphere of a country branch line of the 1950s. This has been hugely popular, not least with film-makers and TV producers, and the railway provides a working background for any period from Victorian times up to the present day. Over the years, the Railway has appeared in many TV and film productions including Yanks, Sherlock Holmes, Treasure Hunt, Poirot, Born and Bred, The Royal, Where The Heart Is, A Touch Of Frost, Songs Of Praise and many more.

The KWVR and the station at Oakworth were used as the location for the classic 1970 film The Railway Children. Be sure to stop off or look out at this delightful Edwardian gas-lit station.

The steep gradient up the Worth Valley from the Keighley terminus has been a challenge for locomotives ever since the line opened on 15th April 1867. The sound of a steam engine tackling this climb echoes from the steep sides of the valley, while great clouds of steam and smoke add drama to the scene. Many of the woollen mills that once stood close to the line have been demolished, but a few remain as reminders that the textile industry was the reason why the line was built. Like the railway, the mills relied on coal, and the trains were able to bring hundreds of tons up the valley each week to keep the looms working by steam power. The five mile journey is a powerful reminder of our industrial heritage, as well as being a unique way of enjoying the beautiful countryside immortalised by Charlotte, Emily and Anne Bronte.

Steam train services operate every weekend throughout the year and daily in summer. There are six superbly restored gas-lit stations, a fleet of steam locomotives and historic carriages, a Museum of Rail Travel at Ingrow, buffets at Keighley and Oxenhope - and even a CAMRA real ale bar on many trains. There are picnic areas at Keighley, Haworth and Oxenhope and many more quality facilities for visitors.

Whether you’re travelling on the KWVR as a convenient rail link between the National Rail network at Keighley and on to Haworth and Oxenhope, or as an enjoyable trip to the past on the country’s last remaining complete branch line railway, you’re sure to enjoy your time at the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.

The timetable is also available online (see below) and displays up to 2008, which is also the railway’s fortieth anniversary.

The KWVR is operated entirely by volunteer members of the Society. New volunteers are always welcome for any part of the Railway’s activities. If you’d like to join, call the volunteer liason officer John Hesselwood on 01484 348986.

Telephone 01535 645214