Welcome to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway - Oxenhope - Haworth - Oakworth - Damems - Ingrow West

Step back in time and enjoy a train ride through the heart of Brontë country. Most services are operated by steam trains, but the railway also serves the local community, with many people using the morning diesel railcar services to do their shopping in Keighley.

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 Brontë.

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 re-opened to passenger traffic on 29th June 1968. The decision to recreate the atmosphere of a 1950s branch line has been hugely popular, not least with film makers and TV producers. Over the years, the Railway has appeared in many TV and film productions including Yanks, Sherlock Holmes, Last of the Summer Wine, Treasure Hunt, Sons and Lovers, Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em, Poirot, Born and Bred, The Royal, Where The Heart Is, A Touch Of Frost, Songs Of Praise, and Pink Floyd's The Wall.

The Railway is perhaps most famous for its role in the 1970 film version of Edith Nesbit's story The Railway Children To learn more about the making of this classic film, including details of the locations used, pictures showing the film being made, details of the locomotives and coaches used, memories of those involved, and much more - click here

The railway is justifiably proud that its painstaking attention to detail pays off so handsomely. It is a railway for all seasons, where winter visitors can see the stations bathed in gaslight and warm themselves in front of the coal fires in the waiting rooms. In summer, the station gardens are alive with blooms. Kingfishers, herons and dippers can be seen in the adjacent streams. Locally brewed real ale provides welcome refreshment in the on-train buffet car - more info here

The KWVR's first public timetable from 1968 - note the name "The Bronte Line"

The Railway has come a long way since 1968 and continues to thrive thanks to the efforts of many dedicated volunteer staff. If you want to learn more about becoming a volunteer on Britain's finest heritage railway - click here

Haworth Village is just a short walk away from the Railway station. The area is rather hilly and the easiest pedestrian route to the Parsonage and Old Village is to go out of the station, over the railway footbridge and straight up the cobbled lane. If you don't fancy the walk, there's a regular bus service to Haworth Main Street which stops just opposite Haworth Railway station by the Spar store. On certain summer Sundays and Bank Holidays, a special bus links Haworth station forecourt with Haworth village, Stanbury and Ponden Mill.

Car Parking

There are several pay & display car parks within easy reach of Haworth Village:

Next to the Bronte Parsonage (at the top of the village)
Off Sun Street (near the bottom of Main Street)
Opposite Edinburgh Woolen Mill (at the top of the village)

Please take care as some visitors to Haworth have had their visit spoiled because they overstay the time on their ticket and are subsequently clamped

Accommodation, Restaurants & Pubs, Walks, Local History and more

Up to date information from the Haworth Village Website - click here

Bus & Train Services

Information on local public transport services - click here

Taxi Services

Bronte Taxis are based just a few hundred yards from Haworth railway station and may be contacted on 01535 644442.

Live Haworth WebCam

See what's happening on Haworth's famous Main Street - click here

Keighley to Oxenhope in just 23 seconds

Images courtesy of Haworth Village Website - click here

KWVR Staff Website - sign in

Updated - 11.10am Monday 8th February 2010

Steam Gala - 12th to 14th February

The Great Northern Railway Class N2 0-6-2 tank No.1744 will head the line up for the February Steam Gala More details including fares and and Working Timetables here

Cream Teas on the Old Gents Saloon

On Saturday 1st, Sunday 2nd and Monday 3rd May, there will be a rare opportunity to enjoy Cream Teas on board the fabulous Old Gentleman's Saloon.

With the saloon away from the Railway for most of the year, don't dare miss this rare opportunity to travel in style. If you're quick, you could even pre-book all 15 places for your own exclusive get-together. Places are strictly limited and must be pre-booked by phoning 01535 645214.

"Railway Children 40"

A major event is being planned to celebrate 40 years since the making of the famous film The Railway Children here at the K&WVR. It will be held over the Bank Holiday weekend 1st, 2nd, and 3rd May, and will feature many of the locomotives and coaches used in the film, recreations of famous scenes, photographic displays, guided tours of the film locations (pre-bookable on 01535 645214), Cream Teas in the fabulous Old Gentleman's Saloon (pre-bookable on 01535 645214) and loads more.

There will also be a fabulous new book which describes the making of the film as seen through the eyes of the railway volunteers who were actually involved. It will include loads of previously unseen photographs showing the railway and all of the stars during the making of the film and give information on locations used. Watch out for more information.

Dining Trains

Bookings are now being taken for our 2010 dining trains, which now include Pullman services for Fathers Day and Mothers Day, an extended season of monthly Sunday Luncheon trains, and our popular Saturday evening White Rose Pullmans.

For more details click here or ring 01535 645214 during midweek office hours to make a booking.

Drive a Steam Locomotive

Bookings are now being taken for our new Footplate Experience courses. YES - now you can drive and fire a steam locomotive right here on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.

Full day courses are available NOW for a selection of dates throughout 2010 - more here

Guided Tours - Now Booking

We are now taking bookings for our new season of Guided Tours which offer a variety of dates and fascinating themes. For more click here

Diesel Locomotive & Railcar Updates

Updates on our fleet of diesel locomotives and multiple units, plus details of operating, restoration, special events and additional diesel hauled trains. More here

KWVR Train Simulator

This new version of the KWVR Add-On for the Microsoft Train Simulator features Bradford, Halifax and associated branches, including the Halifax High Level and the Bradford City Goods Branch. To order your copy please phone 01535 645214. To view some sample screen shots click here

Bachmann 'KWVR' Locomotives

The KWVR Trust has commissioned a limited edition OO gauge model of the War Department Austerity steam locomotive No. 90733 to commemorate the Railway's 40th Anniversary and the rebuilding of this unique locomotive.

There are now only a few left and they are sure to become collectors items. The package also includes replicas of the 'Remembrance' nameplates (see above) which the full size locomotive carried while in service on Remembrance Sunday. Download an order form here

NOW ALSO AVAILABLE IN HAWORTH SHOP

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