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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 - 11.05am Monday 12th May Haworth Village 1940s Weekend This hugely popular event takes place on Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th May and the Railway will once again be playing its part with extra steam trains, a specially themed evening dining train, and even a large group of 'Evacuees' travelling on the train.
Haworth will be very busy this weekend and parking will be tricky, so why not leave the car at Ingrow and travel by steam train to Haworth? There's even a connecting classic bus shuttle service between Haworth station and the village - timetable here Diesel Gala - 6/7/8 June The KWVR's Diesel Gala is now firmly established as one of the country's leading 'modern traction' events.
These classic diesel locomotives date back to the 1960s and are becoming an increasingly rare sight on the main line network. More details of the event and both in-house and visiting locomotives here Bachmann WD Model Announced Orders are now being taken for the eagerly awaited Bachmann OO gauge limited edition model of the KWVR's W.D. locomotive No. 90733. It is seen below on Bachmann's demonstration layout.
The model has been commissioned from Bachmann by the KWVR Trust as part of the Railway's 40th anniversary celebrations. Only 500 models are being produced and will be available in June. Order Form here Bachmann Press Release here Steam Gala - 27/28/29 June
Locomotives in traffic Main Line & Branch Timings Tickets & Fares Information Extra attractions & events Latest News & Updates For more details - click here KWVR re-runs 'Jolly Fisherman' Class 37 'Naming' at Diesel Gal Class 37 diesel electric locomotive No. 37087 belonging to Direct Rail Services is to be named in honour of the Railway's 40th Anniversary. More details here KWVR Train Simulator - Version NOW AVAILABLE - a new version of the KWVR Add-On for the Microsoft Train Simulator featuring Bradford, Halifax and associated branches, including the Halifax High Level and the Bradford City Goods Branch. To order, phone 01535 645214. View some sample screen shots here Guided Tours These new tours have been a phenomenal success with much favourable feedback from participants. Most are now fully booked but there are still a few spaces on Sunday 12th October. Phone 01535 645214 for more details. Cream Teas - 1 June
Dining Trains 2008
Wine and dine in style on board the prestigious 'White Rose Pullman' and 'West Riding Limited'' dining trains. To find out more click here
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There are now just TEN places left for cream teas on board the fabulous Old Gentleman's Saloon which featured in the classic 1970 film The Railway Children. The last event was a complete sell-out so phone NOW to secure your place on this historic saloon and follow in the footsteps of Roberta, Phyllis and Peter. 