Vintage Trains
Vintage Trains along the railway!
Step back in time and travel the old-fashioned way. Join us for a special series of weekends where some of our most historic and rarely seen carriages return to service, offering a true taste of heritage rail travel.
Climb aboard and take a trip back in time behind steam, travelling in a special selection of beautifully restored vintage coaches, some dating right back to Victorian times and rarely seen out in public service. These historic carriages form part of the Railway’s heritage collection and are lovingly cared for by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Trust and the Vintage Carriages Trust.
Every train will be steam-hauled, filling the Worth Valley with the sights, sounds and smells of a proper heritage railway in action. Along the line, traditional brass bands at selected stations will help set the scene, adding a cheerful soundtrack to a relaxed and proper day out.
Dates
6th & 7th June
13th & 14th June
locomotive
52044 L&Y Class 25 ‘Ironclad’
Built in 1887 by Beyer Peacock of Manchester, 52044 L&Y Class 25 ‘Ironclad’ is one of the oldest working steam locomotives on the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. Originally designed for heavy goods work across the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, the locomotive enjoyed a remarkable 72-year career before becoming one of the earliest privately preserved steam engines in Britain.
Best known to many as the famous ‘Green Dragon’ from the 1970 film The Railway Children, 52044 remains one of the Railway’s most iconic locomotives, combining Victorian engineering, preservation history and big-screen fame in one unmistakable engine.
rolling stock
Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Trust
Founded by a group of railway enthusiasts back in 1964, the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Trust cares for a unique collection of historic Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway locomotives and carriages, many dating back well over 100 years. From beautifully restored Victorian coaches to working steam locomotives, the Trust plays a vital role in preserving the rich railway heritage of Lancashire and Yorkshire for future generations to enjoy.
brass bands
Add a little music to your day, with brass bands performing on the platform at Oxenhope Station. If the weather decides not to play ball, they’ll strike up under the canopy at Keighley Station instead.
Performing Sunday 23rd July & Sunday 6th August
Linthwaite Brass Band
Linthwaite Brass Band, or Linfit Band as it is affectionately known if you are local, is located in the heart of the Colne Valley near Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
Our band is steeped in history and currently, we are in a comfortable position in the 4th Section of the British Brass Band Association league tables. We are a coiled spring ready to bounce into the league above. Along the way, if we can maintain our policy of promoting the talents of young (and older) players, then success will come to all, as shown in our history of contest achievements and the numerous players who have moved on to top-flight bands or become professional musicians. If we could entice them back to support the band again….
Performing Saturday 20th August
Clifton and Lightcliffe Brass Band
It is thought that the Clifton and Lightcliffe Band was formed in 1838 when most of the inhabitants of the villages around were employed in either agriculture or coal mining, the formation of the band was a way to escape from the hard work and poor conditions at that time.
In the early 1900’s the band competed and won a few major prizes at the famous Crystal Palace in London, where the National Brass Band Championships were held each year. More recently the band qualified for the National Championships in 2006, 2007, 2010 and 2011. In 2012 the band was promoted to the first section for the first time in its history and at the qualifying rounds in 2013 came a very credible 6th place.
In 2014 the band competed again in the first section and again managed 6th place which means they have now consolidated their position in the section.
Performing Saturday 12th & Saturday 19th August
The Haworth Band
The Haworth Band is a long-established and celebrated brass band situated in the picturesque Pennine village of Haworth in West Yorkshire – home to the literary ‘Bronte’ family and the Railway Children.
The Haworth Band strives to serve the local community and to provide a forum for musicians of any age who enjoy playing music in an ensemble. We endeavour to encourage the development of new players and provide instruments and musical tuition.
Performing Saturday 14th June
Lofthouse 2000 Brass Band
Lofthouse 2000 Brass Band was formed in 1999 with just a handful of musicians and a few instruments. Since then, it has grown into a flourishing organisation, helped by the brass tradition of supplying instruments and tuition to players for a modest subscription. The Lofthouse 2000 band family comprises two main bands: Brass Roots for those who are developing their skills, and the 2nd Section senior band.
EVENT INFORMATION
Regular fares are available, with full-line return on sale on the day at any booking office, along with single and return fares. Membership and Resident Railcard discounts are valid and usable on the day.
| TICKET | ON THE DAY | ONLINE 3 DAYS IN ADVANCE |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | £24.00 | £21.60 |
| Child (5-15) | £12.00 | £10.80 |
| Child under 5 | FREE | FREE |
| Family Offers | ||
| One Adult & One Child | £30.00 | £27.00 |
| Two Adults & Three Children | £60.00 | £54.00 |
| Resident Railcard & Members | £12.00 | N/A |
If you live in Postcode areas BD20, BD21, or BD22, you can take advantage of special reduced fares by having a Residents Railcard. The website has more information about how to apply.
These are the perfect spots to stop along the railway for a bite to eat, a brew, or a pint.
The Old Parcels Office at Keighley Station is a beautifully restored historic railway venue dating back to 1884, now serving as a vibrant café, bar and restaurant perched above the platforms.
With its unique blend of old-world charm and modern comfort, it’s a welcoming spot for freshly brewed coffee and hearty breakfasts, relaxed lunches featuring traditional favourites like steak & ale pie, and atmospheric evenings with hand-pulled real ales, craft drinks and Yorkshire-brewed delights
The Old Parcels Office will also be open on days when trains run.. Checkthe timetable to find out the running days.
OPENING TIMES
| MON | Closed |
| TUE | Closed |
| WED | 09.00 – 17.00 |
| THUR | 09.00 – 17.00 |
| FRI | 09.00 – 19.00 |
| SAT | 09.00 – 19.00 |
| SUN | 09.00 – 17.00 |
The Tea Room at Oxenhope is perfectly situated alongside the platform, offering a charming place to pause and unwind.
Enjoy lunch and refreshment breaks throughout the day while seated inside a restored railway carriage that once sped along Britain’s mainline network. Choose from plenty of brews including Yorkshire Tea and barista-made coffee, along with hot sandwiches, cakes, sweets and treats, plus daily specials such as soup and pizza.
It’s the perfect spot to relax and watch the world go by.
OPENING TIMES
opens 9.30 am
until the last train departs for Keighley
The Buffet Car will be open on days when trains run, every weekend all year and during holidays.
Have a look at the timetable to find out the running days.
If you don’t have time to visit the Old Parcels Office, the Buffet is also open whenever passenger trains run. Positioned on the platform, the buffet is an old W. H. Smith bookstall; you can buy hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches and sweets.
Directly alongside the Buffet is a gift shop, selling books, souvenirs and lots of little gifts.
OPENING TIMES
9.30 am until 4.30 pm
The Buffet will be open on days when trains run, every weekend all year and during holidays.
Have a look at the timetable to find out the running days.
One of the things that makes the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway extra special is that most of our trains include a real-ale buffet car, complete with traditional hand pumps serving proper cask ale.
The buffet car also offers tea, coffee, soft drinks and a selection of snacks – but for many passengers, enjoying a good pint while watching the Worth Valley roll by is the real treat.
Ever wondered how real ale can be served on a moving train? Traditional cask beer contains natural sediment, so before each journey the beer is drawn from the cask into specially made containers on the train. This keeps it in top condition, ensuring a great pint every time.
We try to source our beers from local breweries, and on selected weekends you may find up to three different real ales available on board – though we usually have at least two to choose from.
OPENING TIMES
You can check on the timetable to see when the On-Train bar is conveyed by looking for the coffee cup symbol in the notes section.
Members & Local Resident Car holders can enjoy a discount on it too.
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is around 40 minutes from Leeds and 25 minutes from Bradford, and five of the six stations along the line have parking.
| STATION | ADDRESS | PARKING |
|---|---|---|
| Keighley Station | Station Bridge, Keighley. BD21 4HP | Limited free parking |
| Ingrow West Station | South Street, Ingrow, Keighley. BD21 5AX | Large free parking |
| Damems Station | Damems Lane, Damems, Keighley BD22 7AR | No Access |
| Oakworth Station | Station Road, Oakworth, Keighley. BD22 0DZ | Small free uneven car park |
| Haworth Station | Station Road, Haworth, Keighley. BD22 8NJ | Large pay & display parking |
| Oxenhope Station | Station Road, Oxenhope, Keighley. BD22 9LB | Large free parking & overflow |
On the Bus
Transdev Keighley Bus Company buses serve Keighley, Skipton, Ilkley, Bradford, Leeds and surrounding areas click here for times of these services and all services through Haworth and the Worth Valley.
Shortlisted for the accolade of “Britain’s Most Scenic Bus Route”, Transdev service B3 provides a link from Hebden Bridge Station on the line from West Yorkshire via the Calder Valley route to Manchester Victoria. The service operates hourly from Hebden Bridge to Oxenhope, Haworth and Keighley, click here for times.
By Train
Keighley station is on the National Rail network. There are fast electric trains to Leeds & Bradford Forster Square every 30 minutes Monday – Saturday with an hourly service on Sundays. In Addition, Keighley is also served by long-distance trains between Leeds, Lancaster, Morecambe and, Carlisle & London Kings Cross.
Northern operates local rail services through Keighley. For train times and fares from your local station to Keighley, visit National Rail Enquiries.
Due to the age and delicate nature of the vintage carriages used on Vintage Train services, dogs are not able to travel in some carriages.
All dogs travel free of charge.
You can learn more about our four-legged friends by visiting the railway on our Dog Policy Page.
As our Vintage Train coaches date back to a time when accessibility was sadly not considered in railway design, some passengers with mobility impairments may find boarding and travelling more difficult. These historic carriages have been carefully restored to their original condition, meaning access can be limited compared to modern trains.
Passengers travelling with wheelchairs or motorised scooters should also be aware that storage space on board is extremely limited, with room only available in the guard’s van. Please speak to a member of station staff before travelling, who may be able to assist.
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway welcomes visitors of all ages and abilities, and we are committed to making visits as enjoyable and accessible as possible wherever we can. You can find out more about it in the Accessibility Section of the website.
The vintage coaches used on our Vintage Trains were built long before modern pushchairs and buggies were ever imagined. As these beautifully restored carriages have been returned to their original condition, storage space on board is extremely limited, with room only available in the guard’s van.
If you are travelling with a pushchair or buggy, please speak to a member of station staff who may be able to assist before boarding.