Nearly two centuries since the birth of the first railway, Yorkshire still stands proud as a beacon of the rail era’s heritage. Sprinkled amidst its sprawling dales, historic towns, and industrial heartland are train stations that not only serve as transportation hubs but also as masterpieces of architecture and symbols of Yorkshire’s illustrious past. Here are some of the most beautiful train stations that Yorkshire has to offer.
York Station
Perhaps the most iconic station in Yorkshire, York Station is a magnificent testament to Victorian engineering. Opened in 1877, its sweeping curved platform, expansive roof, and intricate ironwork make it one of the finest railway stations in Britain. Located near the ancient walls of York, it acts as a gateway to a city steeped in history, from Roman times to the Viking era and beyond.
York’s is beautiful cathedral like architecture, though not the first; it replaced the original terminus of 1841, which was retained as the North Eastern Railway Head Office. For at least twenty years the old station, on its restricted site within the medieval city walls, had been regarded as inadequate for the rapidly-growing traffic. The new one was built on a spacious site just outside the walls but, despite being briefly claimed as one of the world’s largest, it has since required additional platforms as well as lengthening of the original ones. It had thirteen platforms when it opened and was at that time the largest in the world. Such an amazing piece of engineering.
Dr Emma Wells
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Huddersfield Railway Station
With its imposing Greek Revival façade, Huddersfield station is often likened to a stately home rather than a transportation hub. Twin columns frame its entrance, welcoming passengers into its grandeur. This architectural marvel, completed in 1850, is both functional and a testament to the pride of 19th-century railway builders.
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Hebden Bridge Station
Hebden Bridge Station offers a charming blend of the Victorian era and modern-day Yorkshire. Located in the Calder Valley, the station’s stone-built structure, ornate woodwork, and vintage signage transport visitors back in time. Modern amenities coexist alongside heritage, making for a unique railway experience.
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Scarborough Station
Opened in 1845, Scarborough Station holds a special place in the hearts of many, reminding them of summer holidays spent on the Yorkshire coast. Its elegant architecture, combined with the sounds of seagulls and the scent of the nearby sea, creates a nostalgic atmosphere for travellers.
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Saltburn-by-the-Sea
This coastal station exudes Victorian charm. The station is a relic of Saltburn’s 19th-century transformation from a fishing village into a popular seaside resort. Complete with its original canopies, ironwork, and vintage clock, the station is a nostalgic nod to Yorkshire’s seaside heritage.
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Settle Railway Station
A gateway to the scenic Settle-Carlisle route, Settle Railway Station is a picturesque starting point for one of Britain’s most beautiful rail journeys. The stone-built station, with its old-world charm, sits snugly amid the rolling hills and meadows of the Yorkshire Dales.
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A great place to take to the rails
From the grandiosity of York and Huddersfield to the rustic allure of Hebden Bridge and Settle, Yorkshire’s train stations are more than just transit points. They are monuments to a bygone era, retaining their architectural splendour and serving as a reminder of the region’s rich railway heritage. As we mark nearly 200 years since the dawn of railways, it’s worth taking a moment to appreciate these beautiful stations that have stood the test of time.
Honorable mentions
Dent Station
At 1,150 feet above sea level, Dent Station boasts the title of England’s highest mainline railway station. Its stone structures and isolated setting amidst the hills give it an ethereal charm. The stop is a great base from which to explore the Yorkshire Dales.
Ribblehead Station
Close to the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct, the station is a testament to the engineering marvels of the Victorian era. Surrounded by the Yorkshire Three Peaks, its landscape is nothing short of spectacular.
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Appleby Station
Located in Cumbria, but a gem of a station reached on the Settle-Carlisle line. Located above the historic market town, the station retains many of its original features. The nearby Eden Valley provides a picturesque backdrop.
Kirkby Stephen Station
Situated in the Eastern part of Cumbria, this station serves as a gateway to the Eden Valley. Its distinctive red brickwork and tranquil setting make it a memorable stop.
Garsdale Station
Located on the cusp of the Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria, this station offers a slice of seclusion. The Statue of Ruswarp by Joel Walker is a memorial to Graham Nuttall and Ruswarp the collie dog who were both key parts of the campaign to save the line from closure. It was unveiled on 11 April 2009.
Thank you for including Saltburn! It’s a lovely building and I’m old enough to have used it as a station and remember the special platform extension going into the Zetland Hotel.
Unfortunately trains arrive at two nondescript sidings nearby these days but the building is as good as ever. It’s amusing that there’s a pizza shop where the Gents used to be!
Very interesting, I will make an effort to visit some of them, if the pointless rail strikes END.