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Welcome to the
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 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 - details and times here
Car Parking There are several pay & display car parks within easy reach of Haworth 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
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Updated - 10am Friday 18th July Steam Trains DAILY until 7th September Steam Locomotives In Traffic Friday 18th July - 41241 Saturday 19th July - 90733 Sunday 20th July - 90733 & 957 Monday 21st to Friday 25th July - 85 White Rose Pullman - Late Availability Due to a last minute cancellation, we have a table for four available in the Pullman Car for this Saturday evening's 1960s themed White Rose Pullman dining train. For more details phone 01535 645214. Northern Rail Extravaganza Compliments have been pouring in following the recent Northern Rail stakeholders event which was staged by the KWVR at Keighley on Sunday 13th July. Pictures here Cream Teas - Pullman Style Sunday 3rd August will be the last Vintage Train day of 2008 and Cream Teas will be served on board our fabulous 1930s Pullman Car. There's no need to book, just get your tickets and board the train. More here Royal Visit Crowns 40th Celebrations The first Royal Train to operate on the KWVR ran on Thursday 10th July 2008 when HRH The Duke of Kent visited the line as part of its year-long 40th anniversary celebrations. More here
The Railway Children On Stage
Bachmann WD Model Available
The Brontë Bus Company Visitors to Haworth may be interested to know that the village once had its very own bus company. The Brontë Bus Company commenced services in 1924, serving the local community and delivering livestock and groceries. It was particularly popular with the local people who travelled to Oxenhope and Haworth to work in the many Woollen mills. Also popular were the evening services from Haworth station forecourt for patrons of the Bronte Cinema on Haworth Brow.
The company ran services until 1955 then concentrated on running day trips to seaside locations, many of which left from Haworth station forecourt (see above). The company ceased operations in 1981. More details about this fascinating company here KWVR Train Simulator - Version 2
Sunday Luncheon Trains
Enjoy a traditional Sunday Lunch on board our 1950s restaurant car as you steam through Bronte Country. There are still a few places left for 14th September and 2nd November - click here Diesel Locomotive & Railcar Updates
All the latest news on our fleet of diesel locomotives and multiple units, plus regular operating and restoration updates and advance info on special events and additional diesel hauled trains - here
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To commemorate the KWVR's 40th Anniversary and the rebuilding of 90733, the KWVR Trust has commissioned a limited edition model of locomotive No. 90733 - order form 
A new version of the KWVR Add-On for the Microsoft Train Simulator is now available featuring 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 
