For two weekends in September, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) is offering an exclusive opportunity to explore behind the scenes of one of England’s most iconic heritage railways, renowned for its association with the classic films The Railway Children and The Railway Children Return.
The railway will open its doors to passengers with Day Rover tickets, providing an immersive experience on the weekends of September 7th-8th and September 14th-15th, despite a temporary line closure.
A unique insight into KWVR’s railway operations
KWVR offers a rare opportunity to get up close and personal with the steam locomotives and engineering marvels that make the line famous. Visitors can take a guided tour of Haworth’s shed and engineering centre, where they’ll witness the daily preparation and maintenance of these colossal machines that run from Keighley to Oxenhope.
This is a chance to experience how these giants are kept operational, as the public will be able to see the technicalities of steam engine maintenance and repair. This behind-the-scenes insight is usually hidden from the public, making the Grand Tour a truly exceptional opportunity.
Cinematic connections at Oakworth station
Fans of the beloved Railway Children films will be thrilled to visit Oakworth Station, where much of the original movie and its sequel were filmed. The station maintains its Edwardian-era charm, providing a real-life glimpse into the world of porter Mr. Perks, one of the film’s cherished characters. Oakworth Station remains a central part of the KWVR experience, combining history with cinematic nostalgia.
Free museum access for ticket holders
Visitors with Day Rover tickets will also be granted free access to the two museums at Ingrow West Station, which house an impressive collection of railway memorabilia. From restored carriages to artefacts detailing the railway’s rich history, the museums offer a captivating journey through the development of rail travel in Britain.
As part of the tour, attendees can also visit Keighley Station, including its newly opened Water Tower Visitor Centre and the station’s signal box, which will provide even more historical insights into the railway’s operations.
Temporary closure of the Oxenhope section
Although the section of the line between Haworth and Oxenhope will be temporarily closed for repairs to Bridge 27, the railway will still operate services between Haworth and Keighley during the Grand Tour weekends. The repairs are necessary to replace the ageing bridge, and the full five-mile route is expected to reopen on September 21st, following the completion of the work.
Diesel trains and rare experiences
KWVR’s Marketing and Communications Coordinator, Tom Marshall, expressed excitement about the upcoming event, saying:
“We want to make sure that our visitors don’t miss out on full value while the section of line from Haworth to Oxenhope is closed for work on Bridge 27. Our visitors will have an almost unique opportunity to ride behind our diesel trains as well as step behind the scenes at the railway’s key centres.”
Marshall emphasized that the Grand Tour is an unparalleled opportunity for families to explore what it takes to operate a heritage railway. “Our volunteers are looking forward to showcasing the locomotives, rolling stock, stations, and services,” he added.
The KWVR experience: More than just a railway
In addition to its rich cinematic history and operational heritage, KWVR is a registered charity that operates with the help of over 500 volunteers. The railway runs through the beautiful Brontë Countryside in West Yorkshire, offering breathtaking views and a historical journey through six unique stations, each filled with character. The line regularly runs heritage steam and diesel services, especially during weekends, holidays, and summer seasons.
Beyond just the train rides, the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway is a living museum, providing visitors with a sensory journey through the golden age of railways. From the sights and sounds of steam engines to exploring vintage railway stations and historical museums, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
For further details on Day Rover tickets and the full programme of events, visit the KWVR website: www.kwvr.co.uk.
