Celebrating 40 years of preserved steam heritage in 2008
 ![]() Keighley's preserved steam railway makes an ideal attraction for a family
day out, and as the line is relatively short (5 miles) the kids won't have time to get bored.
The railway is a great place to visit, even on a dull winter's
day, as it runs almost every weekend throughout the year as well as daily
during the summer months. Special events are held at intervals throughout the year, with the Thomas and
Santa specials proving extremely popular with the kids. The steam and
diesel galas are popular with enthusiasts and families alike.
Located adjacent to Keighley mainline railway station, the beautifully
preserved KWVR has featured in many TV and film productions. The line
was the setting for the well known "Railway Children", and has
seen a few Hollywood movie stars in its time too. Richard Gere visited
the area when filming the movie "Yanks". If you look closely
when the train passes the KWVR's carriage and engine sidings (near Haworth),
you may see an odd looking engine. This was an American steam engine which
was brought over specially for the film, but which unfortunately, is no
longer operational.
 Running
from Keighley to Oxenhope, the original terminus, the line is single track
apart from a passing loop about half way along. Built in 1867 to serve
the local mills, the original KWVR was bought out by the Midland Railway,
before being absorbed into the London, Midland & Scottish Railway
in 1924 which was then itself absorbed into the nationalised British Railway
system.
The line was one of the first in the country to be preserved, following
the decision to take the line out of mainline service in 1962. It was
not until 1968 however, that the modern day KWVR ran its first train services.
Among the many features, the line includes what is possibly the world's
smallest railway station, Damems Station, which is a request only stop.
The station is so small it's only one carriage long and passengers must
make sure they're in the right carriage if they want to get off! Tell
the guard before you depart if you want to get off at Damems.
 Ingrow
station features the Museum of Rail Travel with interesting exhibits and
railway memorabilia, while Oakworth retains many original advertising
signs. Haworth is the stop for the Brontė Parsonage Museum and the
church where many of the Brontė family are buried. The line terminates
at Oxenhope, where there is a "cafe carriage" and an exhibition.
Further information about times and prices can be found on the KWVR website.
There are plenty of good walks around the railway line, and some good vantage points from which to see and photograph the passing trains; particularly useful on gala days when many trains traverse the line.
 All-day "Rover" tickets are available on the KWVR, which are
exceptionally good value because if you retain your initial tickets, a
return visit within 6 months entitles you to "buy one get one free" on more Rover tickets.
To get to the railway, either travel by train to Keighley - the KWVR
is on platforms 3 and 4, adjacent to the mainline railway; or, by bus
from Leeds (stops right outside the station) on Keighley & District's
760 service. Buses also run to Keighley from Burnley, Bradford, Ilkley,
Halifax and surrounding local areas. If using the K&D bus services,
ask the driver for a Heritage voucher for 2-for-1 deal on rover tickets.
(Not available on gala or special events days).
For up-to-date timetable information, visit
the KWVR website.
For up-to-date public transport information and timetable details, visit WYMetro (also gives
train info!). |
