Station | Community Rail Lancashire

Accrington Station is situated close to the town centre which sits in a valley surrounded by the hills and moorlands of Lancashire. The most prominent landmarks in the town are the town hall and the large twenty two arched curved viaduct which carries the railway high above the town. Built in 1867 to replace an earlier structure the stone structure cost £11,215 to construct. Accrington was once a junction station with a direct line to Manchester via Clifton Junction (now closed) joining the East Lancashire Line at the station.

Accrington Eco station – photo © Simon Clarke

A brand new Eco station has been built at Accrington on the site of the old Eagle Street car park. The station has been built using green technologies such as grey water collection, solar power & photovoltaic cells. The building itself has been constructed using recycled stone, reclaimed aggregates, crushed glass, recycled plastics and other sustainable materials.

A full Eco Station Design Report is available to download by clicking here.
Eden Business Analysis, a research company based in York, carried out a project to see how effective the Eco Station is in comparison to the old station. Read the full report by clicking here.

Accrington town centre has in recent times been redeveloped with the creation of new shopping precincts. Accrington once boasted many mills and was also an engineering centre with Platts and Prestige amongst others establishing large factories. The famous Accrington Pals Regiment was formed mainly with inhabitants from the town.

The world famous collection of Tiffany glass is housed at the Haworth Art Gallery on the outskirts of the town.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Accrington station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

A virtual history poster is also available and the short video can be viewed on this link: Virtual History

Address

Accrington Station
Eagle Street
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 1LN

Grid Reference

SD 757285 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Booking office open Mon – Sat 06.40 – 14.50, Sun 09.10 – 16.50)
+ Ticket Vending Machines – both platforms
+ Hourly service to Preston, Colne, Manchester (via Todmorden), York and Blackpool North
+ Free car park (10 spaces on Paxton Street side & 40 on Eagle Street side, including accessible spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ CCTV covering car park and booking hall
+ Long Line Public Address
+ Covered cycle storage and additional hoops
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Blackburn Road (services 1, 1A, 1B, 6, 7, 46, 61 & X41) and Eagle Street (services 11 & 241) (both 2 minutes walk from the station) – click here for bus timetables
+ The main bus station is approx 5 minutes walk from the station
+ Accrington Victoria Community Hospital (in-patients and minor injuries unit) approx 1.5 miles from station
+ The Haworth Art Gallery is about 3 miles from the station, click here for more information
+ Accrington’s traditional Lancashire market is held on Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays and the Market Hall is about 10 minutes walk from the station.

Gallery

Ansdell & Fairhaven is a joint station serving two small towns on the Fylde coast. The station first opened in 1872 as Ansdell but has been called Ansdell’s Gate, Ansdell’s Halt and finally in January 1906 it was renamed Ansdell & Fairhaven.

Ansdell has the distinction of being the only place in England to be named after an artist. Richard Ansdell RA, a renowned artist, who painted a large number of oils depicting hunting scenes.

Fairhaven is named after Thomas Fair, an early resident of Lytham St Annes. Its main claim to fame is an artificial lake, known as Fairhaven Lake or more formally as the Ashton Marine Park. Its other famous landmark is the Fairhaven United Reformed Church, which is of unusual design, being built in Byzantine style and faced with glazed white tiles, and commonly known as the White Church.

The station is only lightly used for the majority of the time but sees a phenomenal increase in patronage when the famous Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club hosts the British Open Golf Championship once every ten years.

Heritage Trail

An updated version of the Ansdell Heritage Trail has been produced and can be downloaded by clicking on the image below:

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Ansdell & Fairhaven station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Ansdell & Fairhaven Station
Woodland Road
Ansdell
Lancashire
FY8 1AG

Grid Reference

SD 345277 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Blackpool South and Preston
+ Waiting shelter with seating
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stops close to the Library and on the A584 main Blackpool Road – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ The White Church is about 10 minutes walk from the station – click here for more information
+ Details of The Royal Lytham & St. Annes Golf Club can be found by clicking here
+ Fairhaven Lake, home to a large number of wildfowl is 10 minutes from the station – click here for more information.

: Appleby Station – Richard Watts

: Appleby from the Station – Richard Watts

Address

Appleby Station
Clifford Street
Appleby
Cumbria
CA15 6TT

Grid Reference

NY686206 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Booking office open Mon – Fri 09:15 – 18:35, Sat 07:50 – 17:20)
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (25 spaces) £2.00 daily
+ Additional seating on platforms

Appley Bridge Station is a small station located within the Borough of Wigan. Once a busy thriving industrial village local employment included quarries, clay pits, paint and linoleum manufacture. The village contains several convenience shops, two churches, several pubs and a post office. It is said that the name Appley Bridge came from a large apple tree which was situated next to the bridge which was used to gain access to the village from the South over the River Douglas.

The railway station opened in 1855 by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway and did have a thriving goods yard in particular stone from local quarries. The village’s moment in the spotlight came on 15^th October 1914 when a meteorite fell out of the sky landing in a farmer’s field adjacent to the village. Plugged 18 inches into the ground the meteorite weighed almost 33lbs and was displayed in a local shop window.

Address

Appley Bridge Station
Appley Road North
Appley Bridge
Merseyside
WN6 9AE

Grid Reference

SD 524093 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Two trains per hour to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Car park (20 spaces)
+ Secure cycle storage

Other Information

+ Buses are available in the village – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Armathwaite Station – photo ©Peter Clarke

Address

Armathwaite Station
Station Road
Armathwaite
Cumbria
CA4 9PL

Grid Reference

NY504463 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Small free car park (4 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

Bamber Bridge station was built as part of the Blackburn / Preston Railway and opened on 1^st June 1846. Situated 8¼ miles from Blackburn the station used to have a very busy goods yard moving products from the local cotton mills, in particular from Dewhursts Cuerdon Mill who had their own private sidings.

The station is situated right in the middle of town and there is a good selection of shops adjacent to the station.

Worthy of note is the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway signal box sited next to the level crossing and the original East Lancashire railway station building which has recently been sympathetically restored by Lancashire County Council and now houses the South Ribble Pensioners’ Association.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Bamber Bridge station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Bamber Bridge Station
Station Road
Bamber Bridge
Preston
Lancashire
PR5 6EA

Grid Reference

SD 564258 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Limited peak service York and Preston & Blackpool North
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Free car park (10+ spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ Cycle hoops
+ CCTV
+ Community notice boards

Other Information

+ A frequent bus service from stops on Station Road (services 112, 117, 125, 126 & X61) – click here for bus timetables
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Bare Lane railway station serves the village of Bare, which is a suburb of Morecambe. It is located on the Lancaster to Morecambe Branch Line about half a mile after the line leaves the West Coast main Line.

The old station building dates from 1864 and became a private dwelling when staffing was withdrawn from the station. Both lines through the station are bi-directional and each platform has its own independent electronic platform screens to keep passengers informed of services.

There is only a single waiting shelter on platform 1, together with a canopy attached to the former station house. There is no shelter on platform 2 and that is something that the station adopters have in their action plan as an urgent aspiration.

The station adopters, Lancaster & District Conservation Volunteers, have recently designed a poster to be displayed at the station that commemorates the last days of steam at the station in July & August 1968.

There is a poster case for the adopters on platform 1, together with a couple of posters outlining the history of the station and showing it in around 1910 (platform 2). In addition, the former signal box compound is being regenerated by the adopters, under licence from network rail, and a large planting bed now occupies the footprint of the former signal box. A poster explains about the site for those interested. The group have also recently installed a ‘rain roof’, to collect water to help with the watering of the plants in this area of the station.

The station is mentioned in the walking leaflets produced by the Leeds, Lancaster & Morecambe CRP and they have provided posters and a leaflet dispensers for those who fancy taking on the linear self guided walks.

Address

Bare Lane Station
Bare Lane
Morecambe
Lancashire
LA4 6LL

Grid Reference

SD 454646 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Frequent service to Morecambe, Lancaster and regular service to Leeds
+ Small car park adjacent to Lancaster bound platform
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ CRP branded notice board
+ History posters

Other Information

+ Bus stops close by – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Morecambe Rail User Group
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Attractions

Happy Mount Park – a traditional park for people of all ages, try the café in the park.

The Promenade – stroll along the five miles of the promenade that borders the golden sands of the bay.

Self Guided Walks from station

Gallery

Bentham railway station serves the small town of High Bentham in North Yorkshire, England. It lies on the Leeds to Morecambe Line, between Wennington and Clapham. Bentham is close to the Forest of Bowland a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

The station was opened on 2 May 1850 by the “little” North Western Railway, later taken over by the Midland Railway. During part of the nineteenth century, it was known as Bentham High as the neighbouring settlement of Low Bentham also had its own station (although this only lasted until 1874). The station building, built in the 1950s, is now privately owned is the home of the Friends of Bentham Station and is the registered office of the Leeds, Lancaster and Morecambe Community Rail Partnership.

Address

Bentham Station
Station Road
Bentham
Lancaster
LA2 7LF

Grid Reference

SD 667689 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine – both platforms
+ Water filling station & toilet (07:00 – 17:00)
+ Regular service to Lancaster, Morecambe and Leeds
+ Free car park (10 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ CCTV
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Digital Information Screens

Other Information

+ Bus stops in town centre – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Bentham Station – for more information click here
+ For more information about the Forest of Bowland click here

Attractions

Bentham Heritage Trail – new extension starts at the station

Passing Places Cycle Trail – a public art project, part of the new Way of the Roses cycle route

River Wenning Walks – walk along the banks of the scenic River Wenning from High Bentham to Low Bentham

Livestock Market – a traditional farmers auction market specialising in cattle and sheep

Ingleton Waterfalls – a walk round the stunning water falls deep in limestone country

White Scar Cave – spectacular underground caverns with stalagmites and stalactites

Ingleborough – one of the mighty Three Peaks of Yorkshire

Whernside – one of the mighty Three Peaks of Yorkshire

Gallery

The rural station of Bescar Lane sits 4.5 miles East of Southport on the Wigan to Southport line. The station was opened on 9^th April 1855 by the Manchester and Southport Railway Company and was later taken over by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway. The location of the station which serves Scarisbrick does not encourage passenger usage as it is situated some distance from the centre of the village. Even the traditional station pub adjacent to the station has been converted into housing! The station once boasted a large goods yard serving the local farming community.

Address

Bescar Lane Station
Bescar Lane
Scarisbrick
Southport
Merseyside
L40 9QP

Grid Reference

SD 396145 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Trains to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Buses are available in the village – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ CRL branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Bingley railway station serves the town of Bingley in West Yorkshire and is 13.5 miles away from Leeds and 5.5 miles away from Bradford Forster Square on the Airedale Line operated by Northern Rail.

The Leeds and Bradford Railway opened the Leeds and Bradford Extension Railway from Shipley to Keighley on 16 March 1847. Bingley station opened on the first day, and remained the only intermediate station until Saltaire was built in 1856. The original station, near the Three Rise Lock, was of wood, but the Midland Railway (who had absorbed the L&BR in 1851) opened the current station on 24 July 1892.

Bingley was probably founded about the time of the Saxons; certainly its name is Saxon in origin, meaning ‘Bing’s clearing’, though this would not be the original spelling or pronunciation of Bing. Bingley is thought to have been founded around a ford on the River Aire. This crossing gave access to the villages of Harden, Cullingworth and Wilsden on the south side of the river. As well as the ford on the river, the other feature likely to have influenced Bing’s decision and to foster Bingley’s growth is the constriction of the Aire valley at the upstream side of the Bingley settlement.

Like most towns of the West Riding, Bingley prospered from the Industrial Revolution. The Bingley section of the Leeds and Liverpool Canal was completed in 1774, linking Bingley with Skipton, and with Bradford via the Bradford Canal. It travels through the centre of Bingley & then climbs dramatically up the side of the valley in the famous Bingley Five Rise Locks and not quite so famous Bingley Three Rise Locks. Several Woollen mills were founded and people migrated in from the surrounding countryside to work in the mills. Many came from further afield such as Ireland, especially in the wake of the Irish Potato Famine. A railway line was constructed through Bingley including a goods yard in the centre of Bingley bringing further trade. The Beeching Axe demolished the goods yard, though the station which recently celebrated its centenary, still serves trains to Leeds, Bradford, Skipton, Morecambe and Carlisle.

Address

Bingley Station
Wellington Street
Bingley
West Yorks
BD16 2NA

Grid Reference

SE 108391 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station
+ Booking Office open Mon – Sat 06.10 – 19.00 Sun closed
+ Ramped access to all platforms
+ Cycle storage available
+ Waiting rooms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ CCTV
+ Telephone and post box
+ Car park – 22 spaces including accessible

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Aire Valley Rail User Group
+ Friends of Station Group – contact communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com for details.
+ Close to Leeds Liverpool Canal and Bingley Five Rise Locks
+ Close (7 miles) to Leeds Bradford Airport
+ Renownedtheatre – Bingley Little Theatre
+ Annual live music event – Bingley Music Live
+ Buses close to station operated by Keighley & District (662, 760 & 727/9)

Blackburn was one of Lancashire’s original cotton towns. In 1880 it had a population of over 100,000. Just over a hundred years previously it stood at 5,000 and the huge rise is down to the growth of the cotton trade. Blackburn sits in the valley of the River Blakewater. The town was built where the Roman military road from Manchester to Ribchester crossed the river. In the doomsday book the town is called Blachebourne. The Railway station recently rebuilt is a major junction station for East Lancashire’s community railways. It is a staffed station complete with a booking office and there is a cafe in the main station entrance area.

The station frontage with the old station clock surrounded by ornate stonework survived the redevelopment and is worthy of note. Blackburn’s town centre, currently being redeveloped, boasts a good mix of retail outlets and its market is very popular. There are several buildings of note including the Town Hall and parts of Richmond Terrace. The museum highlights the history of the town and Corporation Park stands close to the town centre. Blackburn Cathedral with its famous lantern tower is situated close to the railway station and well worth a visit.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Blackburn station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Blackburn Station
Railway Road
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 1EY

Grid Reference

SD 684279 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (platform staff from first to last train – booking office open Mon to Sat 06.40 – 19.15, Sun 09.10 – 16.40 providing national rail information and tickets and other public transport information)
+ Hourly services to Clitheroe and 1/2 hourly to Manchester Victoria (direct), hourly to Manchester Victoria (via Todmorden), hourly to Colne, Preston, York and Blackpool North,
+ Car park (at rear of station 80 spaces including accessible) £2.00 per day
+ Waiting Room on platforms 1 & 2, and platform 4
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage (keys from Customer Service office)
+ Cycle hoops
+ Customer Information Screens
+ Public Address system
+ CCTV

Other Information

Bus station immediately across road at front of station – click here for bus timetables

+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Blackburn Cathedral is a 5 minute walk from the station – click here for more detail
+ Blackburn Visitor Information can be found in the New Market Hall a 5 min walk from the station – click here for more information
+ The museum is a 15 minute walk from the station and more information can be found by clicking here
+ The Leeds Liverpool canal runs through Blackburn and access can be gained close to the station – more information can be found by clicking here. The canal is the starting point for an historical cycle ride which also takes in the disused railway around Great Harwood – download the PDF by clicking here.

Gallery

Address

Blackpool North Station
Talbot Road
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY1 2AB

Grid Reference

SD 310366 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Blackpool Pleasure Beach station opened in April 1987 and was specifically built to serve the Pleasure Beach, Britain’s most visited theme park with in excess of six million visitors each year. The station is on the site of Burlington Road Halt which opened on 1st October 1913 and was served by a Railmotor service. Burlington Road Halt closed on 1st January 1949.

The station is at the south of Blackpool’s Golden Mile, 100 yards from the main entrance to the Pleasure Beach and close to the Sandcastle, an indoor water adventure park. It is also close to the South Promenade which has recently been upgraded as part of Blackpool’s sea defences and is home to a number of art installations such as the high tide organ.

Some ideas for places to visit and things to do in Blackpool:

At Sandcastle Waterpark there’s plenty of fun for kids young and old, all in a constantly balmy temperature! Thrill seekers can enjoy the world’s first indoor vertical dropslide – The Sidewinder, or dare to ride the Masterblaster – the world’s longest indoor waterslide. Click here for more information about the Sandcastle Waterpark.

Sandcastle Waterpark is situated on South Beach, in between South Pier and Pleasure Beach Resort.

If you need to get around then climb aboard one of Blackpool’s wonderful trams. The Blackpool Tramway now operates ultra-modern trams to improve journey times and the accessibility of the tramway, which opened in 1885, for all passengers. On certain days the wonderful heritage trams will run alongside the new vehicles – ensuring they can continue to be enjoyed for generations. Tram stops are located at regular intervals along the Promenade. More information about the Tramway can be found by clicking HERE.

Central Blackpool can offer many more places to visit including:

Stunning architecture abounds in the jaw-dropping Tower Ballroom, where you can also enjoy afternoon tea, and at the glorious Grand Theatre, designed by renowned theatre architect Frank Matcham in the 19th century and widely regarded as his masterpiece. Both run heritage tours so you can really experience the beauty of the buildings. Click HERE for more details.

Away from the front, Stanley Park is a masterpiece of landscape design and historical splendour. Enjoy Sunday concerts at the bandstand, a float on a boat on the lake, or simply admire the wonderful flora and fauna in the spot that’s been voted Blackpool’s favourite location. Click HERE for more information about this quiet haven.

The Tourist Information Centre is located at 1 Clifton Street, Blackpool. Just across the Promenade from North Pier, next to the Town Hall Building.

Address

Blackpool Pleasure Beach Station
Burlington Road
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 1NY

Grid Reference

SD 306328 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Blackpool South and Preston
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stops close to the station – visit Blackpool Transport for details
+ Rail User Group – Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Pleasure Beach Blackpool is 100 yards from the station – click here for more information
+ The Sandcastle Water Park is about 5 minutes walk from the station – click here for more information
+ The Solaris Centre is a short walk from the station and has art exhibitions and a cafe

Blackpool South station is the terminus of the South Fylde line. The station opened on 30th May 1903 as Waterloo Road station and was renamed as Blackpool South on 17th March 1932. Originally the station was a junction with the express Marton Line that came into the resort directly from Kirkham. There were four platforms and the line continued north to Blackpool Central station. There were extensive sidings to accommodate the many excursion trains which came every summer to Blackpool.

In 1964 this part of the line closed and the station became a terminus and the Marton Line closed to regular traffic in 1965; its track bed is now Yeadon Way and the M55 motorway. The station is a short walk from the promenade and Golden Mile and is also close to Bloomfield Road, home of Blackpool Football Club.

Some ideas for places to visit and things to do in Blackpool:

Central Blackpool can offer many more places to visit including:

The Tourist Information Centre is located at 1 Clifton Street, Blackpool. Just across the Promenade from North Pier, next to the Town Hall Building.

Address

Blackpool South Station
Waterloo Road
South Promenade
Blackpool
Lancashire
FY4 2FA

Grid Reference

SD 310340 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stops close to the station – visit Blackpool Transport for details
+ Rail User Group – Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Blackpool Football Club is about a 10 minute walk from the station – click here for more information
+ Close to the Waterloo District Centre and the Blackpool Enterprise Centre
+ 10 mins walk from George Bancroft Park and its climbing walls

Bolton Interchange is a transport interchange combining Bolton railway station and a four stand bus station in the town of Bolton. The station is located on the Manchester spur of the West Coast Main Line and is managed by Northern. The station is 11 ¹⁄₄ miles (18.1 km) north west of Manchester Piccadilly.

The railway station was originally named Bolton Trinity Street to differentiate it from nearby Bolton Great Moor Street which closed in 1954. The station was also known as “Bridgeman Street Station” and “Bradford Square Station”.

The entrance and ticket office are at street level, at which there is a bus interchange and taxi rank. A walkway leads to the platforms which are in a cutting. The main island platform has a buffet. The original main station building was demolished in the 1980s, but the Victorian buildings survive on the platforms. The clock tower was dismantled and rebuilt next to the new station.

The station is on the Ribble Valley Line, a local line running north to Blackburn and Clitheroe. There are services used by commuters from Wigan Wallgate and on the Manchester to Preston Line. Recent timetables provide a convenient connection (although a platform change must be made which is not possible for wheelchair users) at Hindley (Wigan, Kirkby and Southport bound trains from Bolton) for certain stations on the Atherton line (Daisy Hill, Hag Fold, Atherton and Walkden).

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Bolton station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address Bolton Station, Trinity Street, Bolton BL2 1BE

Grid Reference

SD 719087 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station 24 hours (Booking Office opening hours Mon to Sat 06.00 – 21.00, Sun 08.15 – 19.30)
+ Hourly service to Blackburn, Clitheroe and Manchester stations, Wigan and Southport (additional in peak)
+ Car park – not currently but station under development
+ Waiting rooms on all platforms
+ Full canopy giving shelter on all platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage on car park (keys from booking office)
+ BT payphone (cash & phone card)
+ Customer Information Screens on platforms
+ CCTV
+ CRP branded notice boards

To see National Rail’s new station facilities page for this station click here.

Other Information

+ Up to the minute train running can also be found by ringing 0161 228 0322 and entering code 2697 when prompted- for more information click here
+ Rail User Group – Bolton Rail Users Group
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Friends of Stations group – contact South East Lancashire CRP
+ Interchange facility with bus station outside of main entrance

Gallery

Brierfield station opened in February 1849 and was originally called Marsden Station serving a scattering of dwellings that formed the township of Marsden. The arrival of the railway and the nearby canal led to the area being quickly developed. Large Mills were constructed nearby with homes for the mill workers built nearby. In 1857 the station was renamed Brierfield.

The large mill adjacent to the station, Brierfield Mill was built by Henry Tunstill who was both a local employer and benefactor. At its peak the mill, built in 1834, housed 87,000 spindles and 2,000 looms. The gas works adjacent to the mill was originally built by the Tunstill family who sold it to the corporation in 1888.

The station once boasted a collection of buildings but now just the old Station Master’s house survives adjacent to the platform. Another survivor from Lancashire and Yorkshire days is the Signal Box which controls the level crossing.

An enthusiastic Friends of Station group exists here and their contribution to the station’s appearance cannot be emphasised enough.

There is great deal of countryside to explore in the Pendle area and the Walking in Pendle website has lots of ideas. Click HERE to see details of walks. In some cases you may need to take a bus to get from your station to the starting point of the walk, click HERE for details of local bus services.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Brierfield station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Brierfield Station
Halifax Road
Brierfield
Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 5PU

Grid Reference

SD 845364 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Colne and Preston
+ Single platform
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on Platform
+ Free car park (20 spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ Community notice board
+ Community art installation

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Colne Road at top of hill from station – click here for bus timetables
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Rail User Group – Save the East Lancashire Line Association (STELLA) contact communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com for more information
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Bromley Cross station is situated three miles from Bolton on the line to Blackburn and Clitheroe. Some of the original station buildings survive and the station clock is worthy of note, as is the signal box. The station has a large free car park and there is an overspill car park close by at the Media Arts College.

The name Bromley Cross derives from an old monument in the form of a cross known as Kershaw’s Cross which was situated on the edge of the West Pennine Moors. The name Bromley comes from a local family who were major landowners many years ago. There are still prehistoric remains on the hills around Bromley Cross, and a stone circle on nearby Turton Moor. There are good established walks into the West Pennine Moors from this area.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Bromley Cross station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address Bromley Cross Station, Chapletown Road, Bromley Cross, Bolton BL7 9PZ

Grid Reference

SD 729131 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Opening hours Mon to Fri 06.50 – 13.20, Sat 07:50 – 14:20)
+ Half hourly service to Blackburn and Manchester Victoria, hourly to Clitheroe
+ Car park (40 spaces including disabled on overflow at Media college)
+ Waiting room on Bolton bound platform (open during booking office hours)
+ Waiting shelter on Blackburn bound platform
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage on car park (keys from booking office)
+ BT payphone (cash & phone card)
+ Customer Information Screens on platforms
+ CCTV
+ Ticket vending machine
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Up to the minute train running can also be found by ringing 0161 228 0322 and entering code 2697 when prompted- for more information click here
+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ A number of buses pass the station (237, 320, 321, 537 & 563) – click here for the timetables

Gallery

Burnley Barracks Station opened on the 18^th September 1848 as the terminus of the East Lancashire Railway, closing a year later when the Colne extension opened. The area around the station developed quickly with industry, housing and of course the cavalry barracks. The station reopened in 1851. The cavalry barracks was transferred to the newly built Fulwood Barracks on the 5^th of December 1898. The home of the East Lancashire Regiment had fallen into a state of poor repair necessitating the transfer to Fulwood.

Nowadays this small station sits rather isolated in the middle of an area which has seen much demolition and development and surrounded by major roads. There is good access from the station to The Weavers Triangle on the Leeds Liverpool canal and a number of Lancashire cycleways pass the station.

Padiham Greenway

Burnley Barracks station is close to the Padiham Greenway, a cycling and walking route that has recently been constructed and that runs over the old track bed of the Padiham Loop Line from Padiham to the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool canal close to the station. The Greenway is just one section of a longer cycling route that takes in the whole of the loop line from Blackburn through to Burnley. A poster showing details the Padiham Greenway can be downloaded by clicking this link Padiham Greenway and there are two leaflets showing the full route and these can be downloaded by clicking the links below:

Cycling into Railway History – Blackburn to Clitheroe
Cycling into Railway History – Padiham to Rose Grove

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Burnley Barracks station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Burnley Barracks Station
Junction Street
Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 0HG

Grid Reference

SD 830327 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

This station is now a request stop – if you wish to alight at this station please inform the conductor and if you wish to board please make a clear signal to the driver.

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston & Colne
+ Waiting shelter
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Buses pass the station entrance on West Way – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Good access to the Leeds Liverpool canal – click here for more information

Burnley Central Station, originally called Burnley Bank Top, sits on high ground close to the town centre. The town dates back to Anglo Saxon times when the town was established on the banks of the River Brun. The river gave the town its name derived from Brun Lea ‘the field near the Brun’. The town was granted its market charter in 1400 and at this time had a population of around 600.

With the coming of the Industrial Revolution the population exploded with townsfolk finding employment in cotton mills, coal mines and foundries. By 1886 Burnley was the cotton weaving capital of the world producing more cotton cloth per year than any other town in the world. The Leeds Liverpool canal runs through the town on an impressive mile long embankment, well worth a visit.

The railway station was opened by the East Lancashire Railway Company in 1848. A short branch line ran from the station to Bank Hall colliery and the branch has now been revitalised as a cycleway and pleasant walk.

Address

Burnley Central Station
Railway Street
Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 1DA

Grid Reference

SD 839330 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (booking office open Mon to Fri 06.30 – 13:30)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Colne and Preston
+ Waiting Room (open during booking office hours)
+ Free car park (20 spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ Cycle storage

Other Information

+ Bus station is a 15 minute walk from the railway station – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Burnley’s new college is a 5 minute walk – click here for more information

Burnley Manchester Road railway station sits on high ground looking over the town centre. The line was built by the Manchester and Leeds Railway Company and opened on 12^th November 1849. The first station was called Thorney Bank but this was replaced by Burnley Manchester Road station in 1866.The station was closed by British Railways on 6^th November 1961 but was rebuilt and reopened during 1986, two years after the successful reintroduction of services between Leeds and Blackpool.

A new station has been built at Manchester Road part funded by the Interreg IVB project, along with Burnley Borough Council and Lancashire County Council. The building includes a booking office and this opened on 17th November 2014.

Eden Business Analysis, a research company based in York, carried out a project to see how effective the new station is in comparison to the old station. Read the full report by clicking here.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Burnley Manchester Road station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

A virtual history poster is also available and the short video can be viewed on this link: Virtual History

Address

Burnley Manchester Road Station
Manchester Road
Burnley
Lancashire
BB11 1JZ

Grid Reference

SD 836321 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Mon – Sat 06:45 – 21:45, Sun 09:00 – 19:00)
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Hourly service to Leeds & York, Preston & Blackpool North and Manchester Victoria (via Todmorden)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Free car park (50 spaces including accessible)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ Customer Information Screens
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Buses pass the station entrance – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Good access to the Leeds Liverpool canal – click here for more information

Gallery

Burscough Bridge Station is situated on the Southport to Wigan line. It was built by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company and opened on the 9^th April 1855. The original station buildings survive in private use on the Wigan bound platform whilst Lancashire County Council constructed a modern transport interchange on the Southport platform in 2006, but these are currently out of use.

Up to 1962, when the route closed, trains from Southport could continue through Burscough Bridge Station round the Burscough curve to Burscough Junction and on to Ormskirk. The station is well situated close to the village centre which boasts a wide range of shopping outlets. It is worth noting that if one wants to connect with a train from Burscough Junction Station the walk will take about 20 minutes!

Recently nearby Martin Mere Wetland Centre has been linked directly to the station by a new footpath. The footpath link has been funded by Natural Tourism Demonstration Project, the Climate Change Fund and Groundwork and is a partnership project between the West of Lancs CRP and Martin Mere.

Address

Burscough Bridge Station
Station Approach
Burscough
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 0RZ

Grid Reference

SD 443124 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Twice hourly service to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Chargeable car park – 40 spaces £2 all day maximum (restricted number currently due to building works)
+ CCTV
+ Cycle storage – secure bike bins & cycle hoops

Other information

+ Buses are available outside the station and in the village – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Martin Mere Wetland Centre is approximately 1 mile from the station – click here for more information
+ Burscough Football Club is also close to the station – click here for more information

Burscough Junction station is situated on the edge of the town which is also served by Burscough Bridge Station. Built in 1849 for the Liverpool, Ormskirk and Preston Railway Company the line opened to passengers on the 2^nd April 1849.

Burscough town sits midway between Liverpool and Preston surrounded by good agricultural land. The draining of Martin Mere many years ago created acres of good farming land which in turn provided work for the local population and was influential in the growth of the town. The arrival of the Leeds Liverpool canal in the late 18^th century saw the town again develop rapidly and the canal carried all manner of goods including imported grain to the expanding Ainscough’s flour mill situated close to the station. The coming of the railway in 1849 only added to the town’s growth as industry was drawn to the area around the station where two main railway lines converged.

By 1914 over 100 trains per day called at Burscough Junction station. During World War 2 a large ordnance depot was built adjacent to the station. The town centre is about fifteen minutes walk from the station and has a good selection of shops.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Burscough Junction station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Burscough Junction Station
Junction Lane
Burscough
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 5SP

Grid Reference

SD 444115 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Regular service to Preston and Ormskirk
+ Single platform
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on Platform
+ Car park (8 spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Bus stops in village centre (15 mins walk) – click here for bus timetables
+ Burscough Bridge Interchange station is 1 mile from this station (15 minutes walk)
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Martin Mere Wetland Centre is approximately 2 miles from the station – click here for more information

Address

Carlisle Station
Court Square
Carlisle
Cumbria
CA1 1QZ

Grid Reference

NY402555 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Avanti West Coast

Facilities

Staffed station (booking office open Mon – Sat 05:00 – 20:00, Sun 09:00 – 20:00)
Served by intercity trains to the north and south and by local services from Leeds, Newcastle and Barrow
Car park (160 spaces with 7 accessible spaces) £12:00 daily
Additional seating on platforms
Refreshments and other shops
Cycle storage
Toilets
CCTV
Ticket Vending Machines

Situated at the junction of the West Coast route and the Cumbrian coast line, close to the Lancashire & Cumbria border and six miles from Lancaster the town of Carnforth was an original railway town which until the coming of the railway was just a small village. The station here was built for the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway and opened in 1846.

In 1937 the LMSR spent £53,000 on modernising the station and works were completed in 1938. When completed the station boasted the longest unsupported single piece concrete roof in Britain. In February 1945 the famous film Brief Encounter was filmed in part at the station.

In 1996 The Carnforth Station and Railway Trust was set up and after strenuous efforts rejuvenation of the station commenced in 2000. On 17^th October 2003 the Brief Encounters café and visitors centre opened and is proving a popular attraction at the station. The station is situated close to the town centre where there is a good selection of shops including a very well stocked second hand bookstore.

The Lancaster canal passes through the town and there are lovely walks along its towpath particularly to the disused Tewitfield locks which once lifted canal barges 75 feet. Nearby Wharton Crag has several circular walks and the site of the Iron Age hill fort is worth a visit.

In 2012 the Furness Line CRP installed some artwork on platform 2 at the station. This was a project in partnership with students from the Lancaster & Morecambe Art College and sponsored by a number of local businesses and attractions. Photographs of the artwork can be seen in the gallery on the right hand side of this page along with the name of the artist. More of the work of the Furness Line CRP can be seen by visiting their website at www.furnessline.co.uk.

Address

Carnforth Station
Market Street
Carnforth
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA5 9ET

Grid Reference

SD 496707 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Better than 2 hourly service to Barrow and Manchester Airport
+ Northern service to Morecambe/Heysham Port and Leeds
+ Car park at front of station operated by Northern (64 spaces including 4 accessible) £4.00 per day, season tickets available)
+ Covered platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage on car park (keys from Interchange office)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Bus stops at front of station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group (http://www.lasrug.btck.co.uk)
+ For more information about Carnforth Station Visitor Centre click here
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Attractions

Heritage Centre – the beautifully restored station buildings house a heritage centre famous for its Brief Encounter connections

Brief Encounter Refreshment Room – a loving recreation of the set for the café in the famous David Lean film, serving hot and cold refreshments

Leighton Moss – a RSPB wildlife reserve

Leighton Hall – ancestral home of the Gillow family

Gallery

+17

Address

Castleton Station
Railway Approach
Castleton
Lancashire
OL11 3EB

Grid Reference

SD 882105 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular services to Leeds, Manchester & Blackburn
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Customer Information Screens
+ CCTV

More Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Cherry Tree station is situated on the western fringes of Blackburn. Adjacent to the station is a newly restored goods shed which was once part of a thriving railway scene here. There is a small shopping area close to the station and the Leeds Liverpool canal is close by affording pleasant walks along the tow path.

Witton Country Park is close by with all manner of facilities available. Run by Blackburn with Darwen Council this excellent facility is well worth a visit. A branch line to Chorley once left the main East Lancashire just beyond the station.

Address

Cherry Tree Station
Green Lane
Cherry Tree
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 2TZ

Grid Reference

SD 658264 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelters with seating
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Station is start of the ‘Song Mine’ link to Witton Country Park
+ Buses stop immediately outside station on Preston Old Road – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ The station is about 20 minutes walk from Witton Country Park Visitor Centre where the 32 mile Witton Weavers Way starts – click here for more information.

Church and Oswaldtwistle station serves Church a suburb of Accrington and Oswaltwistle a small village five and a half miles from Blackburn. The station sits comfortably between the two and is served by Northern Rail’s East Lancashire Line.

Oswaldtwistle takes its name from Oswald and twistle. Twistle is an old English word meaning where brooks meet and it is rumoured that St. Oswald, King of Northumbria passed through, giving the area its full title of Oswald’s Twistle, which in time came to be Oswaldtwistle. However, it is more likely derived from the name of an Anglo-Saxon who farmed the land.

Oswaldtwistle, as most East Lancashire towns, was heavily involved in cotton manufacture and featured in the power loom riots of 1826 when local cotton mills were attacked in riots that lasted four days. The famous Oswaldtwistle Mills shopping outlet, based in Moscow Mill, is situated within five minutes walk of the station.

The village centre contains a range of shops and boasts a Civic Theatre which holds over four hundred people. Ryddings Park donated to the town in 1909 is also worth a visit. Foxhall bank nature reserve in the valley of Tinker Brook can be found half a mile south west of the station. This project created and established around an old industrial dye works has brought wildlife into the area in particular to the old lodge area.

Church is a suburb of Accrington and is a typical Lancashire mill town although several large areas of former terraced houses are being demolished and redeveloped as part of Hyndburn’s Elevate project. Local industries here at the turn of the century included coal mining, quarrying, cotton spinning and pottery manufacture.

Ethel Carnie Holdsworth

Ethel Carnie was born on New Years Day 1886 into a weaving family in Oswaldtwistle, Lancashire. When she was six years old, her parents moved to the growing textile town of Great Harwood, near Blackburn. She started part-time work at Delph Road Mill in Great Harwood at aged eleven and was in full-time employment at St. Lawrence Mill from thirteen. In her later articles for the Woman Worker, she described her experience as “slavery”.

Huckleberry Films, a local award winning Lancashire based creative film company have made a short animated film about her life and this can be seen on the the link below:

Address

Church & Oswaldtwistle Station
Market Street
Church
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 0DP

Grid Reference

SD 743283 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Market Street outside station entrance (services 1, 1A, 1B, 5, 5A, 6, 7, 8, 8A & 61) – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Oswaldtwistle Mills is five minutes walk from the station – click here for more information
+ Access to Leeds Liverpool canal is approximately 10 minutes walk from the station – click here for more details

Clapham railway station serves the village of Clapham in North Yorkshire, although it is about one mile from the village centre. The village sits at the base of Ingleborough, one of Yorkshire’s famous Three Peaks and is a well known starting point for the ascent of the mountain. Clapham is also close to a number of famous potholes and Gaping Gill has one of England’s highest waterfalls as Fell Beck falls 110 metres into the pothole and exits through Ingleborough Cave and forms Clapham Beck which runs through the village and joins with Austwick Beck and Fen Beck to form the River Wenning, close to the railway station, and then eventually into the Lune.

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

The station was opened by the ‘Little’ North Western Railway (NWR) on 30 July 1849 on their line from Skipton to Ingleton and became a junction the following year when the link along the Wenning Valley from Bentham was completed on 1 June 1850 to finish the route from Lancaster to Skipton. The station was formerly known in the national timetable as Clapham (Yorkshire), to distinguish it from Clapham (London), until the latter was renamed Clapham High Street.

The Ingleton route was subsequently extended northwards through Kirkby Lonsdale and Sedbergh to join the West Coast Main Line at Low Gill, near Tebay by the Lancaster and Carlisle Railway in 1861, but it never became the major Anglo-Scottish route the NWR had hoped. The line to Low Gill closed to passenger traffic on 1 February 1954 and completely in July 1966, although regular goods traffic had ended some months earlier. A sharp curve (with a permanent 35 mph speed restriction) marks the site of the former junction, immediately west of the station.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Clapham station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Clapham Station
Wenning Bank
Clapham
Settle
North Yorkshire
LA2 8DX

Grid Reference

SD 732677 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular service to Lancaster & Morecambe and Leeds
+ Free car park (10 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Payphone in waiting shelter

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ To see Clapham’s website click here
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Clapham station is on the very edge of the Forest of Bowland – for more information about this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty click here.

Attractions

Ingleborough Cave – the premier show cave in the Yorkshire Dales

Ingleborough Estate Nature Trail – a lovely nature walk with species of alpine plants from China, Tibet & Burma

Ingleborough – one of the mighty Three Peaks of Yorkshire

Gallery

+17

Clitheroe

Clitheroe is an historic and attractive market town within the Ribble Valley with many small specialised shops. The station is situated close to the town centre and overlooked by the old castle keep. Clitheroe Castle was probably built by Roger de Lacey between 1177 and 1194, although a castle is first mentioned on site in 1102. The castle has the smallest keep in the country and the view from the walkway around the keep is well worth the effort of climbing the limestone knoll where the castle perches rather precariously. Adjacent to the Castle is the Castle Museum which highlights the rich history of the area. The town itself boasts some interesting buildings and churches and there are several hostelries and restaurants for the traveller to find sustenance.

Clitheroe is situated in limestone country and the surrounding area is peppered with limestone quarries. There are beautiful walks into the Ribble and Hodder valleys (see below for rural bus links) and a favourite local walk involves climbing the broody Pendle Hill, home of the Lancashire witches, which dominates the skyline above the town. Walkers will be reward with fine views from the summit in particular up the Ribble Valley towards Ingleborough and Ribblehead.

Local Bus information

Clitheroe station is close to the bus station and details of local bus timetables can be found here or plan your journey on http:www.traveline.info/

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Clitheroe station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Clitheroe Station, Railway View Road, Clitheroe, Lancashire BB7 2ED
tel: 01200 429832

Grid Reference

SD 741420 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Ticket Vending Machine on Blackburn bound platfrom
+ Hourly service to Blackburn, Bolton and Manchester Victoria
+ Car park (at rear of station on Chester Avenue – 30 spaces including disabled – now chargeable)
+ Waiting shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV
+ CRP branded notice and running in boards

Other Information

+ Bus interchange 50 yards from station – click here for bus timetables.
+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Clitheroe Castle and Castle Museum are 10 minutes walk from the station, click here for more information
+ Annual Food Festival held in the town centre/Holmes Mill
+ Clitheroe Ramblers – a walking group based in the Ribble Valley

Gallery

Colne is an ancient market town steeped in history (parts of the parish church date back to the 11th century). Birthplace of Wallace Hartley (band master on the Titanic) and home of The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival.Colne, along with Nelson, was at the heart of the Lancashire cotton industry and there are many signs of this still around.

The town itself boasts an indoor and lively outdoor market and a number of other mill shops. Along with the town’s links to the Titanic, another claim to fame is the largest flagstone in the world, situated outside the Town Hall.

BEYOND COLNE

Why not visit Wycoller?

Wycoller is approximately 4 miles east of Colne and set on the edge of the area known as the Forest of Trawden. Wycoller is an attractive and historic village and a good starting point for a variety of walks. Click HERE and HERE to learn more about this Pendle Village.

Getting there by bus and train is easy. From Nelson Interchange change onto the Transdev Mainline bus service to Trawden. This departs from bus stand 8 and runs every 30 minutes Monday to Saturday daytime or every 2 hours on Sunday. Route numbers are 20, 21, 22, 23, 26 and 27. For details of the bus services click HERE and go to timetables. From Trawden it is an easy 1½ mile walk to Wycoller along footpaths. Click HERE for more details.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Colne station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Colne Station
Primet Hill
Albert Road
Colne
Lancashire
BB8 9NX

Grid Reference

SD 881398 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine (in waiting shleter)
+ Hourly service to Preston
+ Car park (15 spaces including disabled)
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Cycle hoops
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Adjacent to Boundary Mill Stores – 5 minutes walk
+ Bus stops on Albert Road – outside the Crown Hotel (services 16, 20, 21, 22, 23, 14, 25, 27, 28, 29, 68 & 215) for bus times click here
+ Home to The Great British Rhythm & Blues Festival
+ Rail User Group – Save the East Lancashire Line Association (contact communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com for more information)
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Croston railway station was built for the Liverpool, Ormskirk and Preston Railway Company and opened on the 2^nd April 1849.The station sits on the edge of the village. Croston once a market town stands on the fast flowing River Yarrow, which runs through the village centre. The village has strong links with farming and agriculture and the architectural merits of Church Street are well known; the street has been described as being probably the finest example of a Lancashire village street.

At the end of the street sits St Michael and all Angels’ ancient church, which is well worth a visit. There has been a church here since 1075. The church tower stands 65 feet high and is topped with pinnacles and battlements, the tower houses eight bells cast between 1787 and 1882. One of the bells is inscribed; ‘I to the church the living call and to the grave do summond all’.

Croston has an attractive village centre and is well worth visiting – to get more details click this link: communityraillancashire.co.uk/destination-croston/

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Croston station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Croston Station
Station Road
Croston
Chorley
Lancashire
PR26 9SE

Grid Reference

SD 486192 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Preston and Ormskirk
+ Single platform
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on Platform
+ Car park (40 spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Station Road – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Darwen, a small market town, is four miles south of Blackburn and boasts a central market area, redeveloped in 1973, which sits alongside the old Market Hall. Like many other Lancashire towns the traditional skills and industry of the people of Darwen in cotton manufacture has had to evolve and the town now includes paper making, engineering and paint manufacture as its major industries.

Darwen’s railway station opened in 1847 and stands perched on the hill overlooking the town. On the opposite side of the valley from the station sits the famous Darwen tower and there are well marked paths to this vantage point where panoramic views of the surrounding country side and moorland can be gleaned. The tower was completed in 1898 to jointly celebrate Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee and recently won free access to the moors. Another famous Darwen landmark is India Mill with its graceful Italianate chimney which was built by Eccles Shorrock in 1867.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Darwen station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address Darwen Station, Atlas Road, Darwen, Blackburn, Lancashire BB3 0DE

Grid Reference

SD 693225 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket vending machines
+ Half hourly service to Blackburn and Manchester Victoria, hourly service to Clitheroe
+ Car park (30 spaces including disabled – chargeable and operated by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address (manual control from Blackburn station)
+ CCTV (operated by Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council)

Other Information

+ Main bus station is a 5 minute walk from the station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Darwen (Jubilee) Tower can be seen from the station – click here for more information and click here for a self-guide walk from the station to the tower
+ Darwen Town Trail – a trail that takes in the history of Darwen
+ Darwen Green Trail – a trail that takes you out into the countryside around Darwen.

Gallery

Address

Dent Station
Station Approach, off Coal Road
Cowgill
Sedbergh
LA10 5RF

Grid Reference

SD763875 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Small free car park (8 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

+16

The rather remote station at Entwistle was opened on the 1st August 1848 and has always been a country outpost. It is served by Northern Rail and is on the Manchester Victoria to Blackburn and Clitheroe (Ribble Valley) Line.

The station has had its moments in the spotlight. It was used as a location in Jeffrey Archer’s film First among Equals when it was renamed Middlewood and it became Middlewood again in Peter Kay’s Max and Paddy’s Road to Nowhere television series.

The location of the station makes it a popular starting point for the wide range of walks in the immediate area. Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council market the station as the gateway to the West Pennine Moors and there are good family walks, well marked round Turton and Wayoh reservoirs. Turton Tower, a grade one listed building, dating from 1400 is situated about two miles from the station. Details of local walks can be obtained from Blackburn Visitor Centre.

Lancashire By Rail

A series of films is being made for Community Rail Lancashire by a local creative film company Huckleberry Films which are designed to encourage people to Explore Lancashire by Rail. A film has been made for the Clitheroe Line and is about a circular walk from Entwistle station and takes in the Turton & Entwistle reservoir with an optional extension around Wayoh reservoir. This can be viewed by click on the link below.

A map of the route can be seen below and is with thanks to the Ordnance Survey who hold copyright for the mapping.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Entwistle station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address Entwistle Station, Overshores Road, Entwistle, Bolton, Lancashire BL7 0NG

Grid Reference

SD 727178 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Blackburn, Clitheroe and Manchester Victoria
+ Waiting shelter

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Way marked footpaths from station around Turton & Entwistle and Wayoh reservoirs are part of the 32 mile Witton Weavers way – click here for more details
+ Turton Tower is approximately 2 miles from the station and more detail can be found by clicking here.

Gallery

Gargrave railway station serves the village of Gargrave in North Yorkshire. It is 30 miles (48 km) north west of Leeds on the Leeds to Morecambe Line operated by Northern who also manage the station. The station was opened on 30 July 1849 by the ‘Little North Western’ Railway, later taken over by the Midland Railway. The original stone shelters survive on each platform, but the main wooden station building is now in private use.

Gargrave is a small village and civil parish in the Craven district. It is situated on the very edge of the Yorkshire Dales. The River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal both pass through the village. It has a population of 1,764. The station is approximately half a mile from the village centre, which has a number of small shops and cafes. The river bank is a popular beauty spot and the stepping stones across the river are make for a very picturesque scene.

Around half a mile south of the village on a fertile plain, there are remains of a Roman Villa, called Kirk Sink. The stones used to construct the villa were gradually removed and most likely used to make the present church which replaces it. The church is located just across from the Masons Arms pub in the southern half of the village.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Gargrave station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Gargrave Station
Church Street
Gargrave
Skipton
North Yorks
BD23 3NE

Grid Reference

SD 931536 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Step free access to platform 1 (Skipton & Leeds). Platform 2 (Lancaster & Carlisle) is accessed only by way of a footbridge
+ Car parking (approx 100 metres)
+ Shelters on both platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Payphone

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Attractions

Country Village – an unspoiled Yorkshire village

Canal towpath walks – the Leeds Liverpool canal is close to the station

Malham Village & Malham Cove – a village in the heart of limestone walking country

Gallery

Garsdale Station – John Barnes

Address

Garsdale Station
Garsdale Head
Sedbergh
Cumbria
LA10 5PQ

Grid Reference

SD788918 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

Gathurst station is on the outskirts of the town of Wigan, Greater Manchester. The semi-rural Gathurst is a recently refurbished two-platform station on the Southport line 2¾ miles north west of Wigan Wallgate station. The station also serves the nearby village of Shevington, indeed until 1973 was named Gathurst for Shevington.

The station also had exchange sidings served by a narrow gauge railway that ran from Gathurst across the River Douglas valley on a steel viaduct to the nearby ICI explosives factory at Shevington. Some remnants of the narrow gauge system can still be seen if you look closely.

Gathurst is close to the River Douglas and the Leeds Liverpool canal and is very well placed for good walking.

Address

Gathurst Station
Gathurst Road
Gathurst
Wigan
Greater Manchester
WN5 oLW

Grid Reference

SD 541071 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Southport, Bolton & Manchester (more frequent in peak)
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Giggleswick railway station serves the village of Giggleswick in North Yorkshire. The station is approx one mile from the town of Settle and is served by trains between Leeds and Morecambe. It is unstaffed and operated by Northern, who provide all passenger train services.

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

Opened by the ‘little’ North Western Railway in 1849, it was originally known as Settle Station, as it was the first station to serve the town. Following the completion of the Settle-Carlisle Railway, the station name was altered to Giggleswick in November 1877 to avoid confusion with the recently opened Settle station a mile to the east.

The parish church is named after St Alkelda. The present building dates mostly from the 15th century, but carved stones discovered during the restoration of 1890-2 indicated that a building existed on the site before the Norman Conquest. It is a Grade I listed building.

Giggleswick is famous for its Public School, built in 1897 in the Byzantine style and has quite a list of celebrities who attended or taught at the school. The late Richard Whiteley of Channel 4′s Countdown was a pupil and Russell Harty was an English teacher at the school at the same time. The internationally renowned operatic soprano, Sarah Fox, was born in the village and attended Giggleswick School.

Giggleswick is also famous locally amongst rock climbers for an excellent limestone crag, retro-bolted with many sports routes during 2005 & 2006. The crag may be found opposite the golf course (Settle Golf Club) on the B6480, North of Giggleswick.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Giggleswick station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Giggleswick Station
Station Approach
Giggleswick
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD24 0EA

Grid Reference

SD 802269 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular service to Lancaster/Morecambe & Heysham Port and Leeds
+ Free car park (20+ spaces)
+ Waiting shelter on Leeds bound platform
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Payphone on car park

Other Information

+ A limited bus service operates from the village – plan your journey here
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ To see Giggleswick School’s website click here
+ Giggleswick and Settle are close to the Forest of Bowland – for more information about this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty click here

Attractions

Settle – station is close to the market town of Settle

Countryside walking – gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and close to the Forest of Bowland

Victoria Hall – Settle’s beautiful Victorian Music Hall with a wide programme of drama, comedy & music

Yorkshire Dales Falconry Centre – an excellent birds of prey centre with flying shows.

Gallery

Hall I’ th’ Wood Station is situated in the Tonge district of Bolton. The station sits high on an embankment in a largely residential area. The village was first mentioned in the early 13^th century. The area was once part of a large forest where the second part of the village name originated, however the coming of the Industrial Revolution soon vastly reduced this resource.

The cotton industry rapidly established itself in the area with numerous mills springing up. Samuel Crompton who lived at Hall I’ th’ Wood Hall invented the Spinning Mule here and this development had a major impact in the cotton industry. It was capable of spinning very fine thread and was instrumental in moving forward cotton spinning in the area and beyond. Crompton’s old home is now a museum highlighting the cotton industry in the area, and in particular the Spinning Mule.

Address Hall I’ Th’ Wood Station, Crompton Way, Hall I’ Th’ Wood, Bolton BL1 8UF

Grid Reference

SD 727112 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Half hourly service to Blackburn and Manchester Victoria, hourly service to Clitheroe
+ Car park (approx 30 spaces including accessible)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Crompton Way – click here for bus timetables (services 525, 539 & 527)
+ Up to the minute train running can also be found by ringing 0161 228 0322 and entering code 2572 when prompted- for more information click here
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Hall I’ Th’ Wood is now a museum about the cotton industry and the Spinning Mule – get more information by clicking here

The railway arrived at Hapton in 1848 but the village here was probably developed during the Iron Age. A fortified manor house existed in 1242. Hapton Tower was built on the top of Hambledon Hill during the 16^th century by Sir John Towneley, but by the 18^th century the tower had been removed.

Hapton carved its living from cotton, coal and quarrying. The Leeds Liverpool canal passes through the village. In 1886 Hapton became the first small settlement in England to be powered with electricity. A tragic mining accident occurred at Hapton Valley colliery when on 23rd March 1962 a major explosion occurred with fatal results. The surrounding country side is good for walking and there is a local nature trail at Castle Clough. Here close to the railway can be seen traces of the areas industrial past with the old reservoir which supplied a cotton dye works clearly visible.

Padiham Greenway

Hapton station is close to the Padiham Greenway, a cycling and walking route that has recently been constructed and that runs over the old track bed of the Padiham Loop Line from Padiham to the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool canal close to the station. The Greenway is just one section of a longer cycling route that takes in the whole of the loop line from Blackburn through to Burnley. A poster showing details the Padiham Greenway can be downloaded by clicking this link Padiham Greenway and there are two leaflets showing the full route and these can be downloaded by clicking the links below:

Cycling into Railway History – Blackburn to Clitheroe
Cycling into Railway History – Padiham to Rose Grove

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Hapton station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Hapton Station
Manchester Road
Hapton
Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 7LG

Grid Reference SD 791317 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

This station is now a request stop – if you wish to alight at this station please inform the conductor and if you wish to board please make a clear signal to the driver.

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Buses pass the station entrance (services 23 & 24) – click here for bus timetables
+ Access to Leeds Liverpool canal is approximately 5 minutes walk from the station – click here for more details
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Headbolt Lane is a brand new railway station in Kirkby, that opened on 5th October 2023. The station is served by Merseyrail services from Liverpool Central station and also by Northern Railways services from Blackburn via Todmorden, Manchester Victoria and Wigan Wallgate.

Address

Headbolt Lane Station
Headbolt Lane
Kirkby
Merseyside
L33 1WD

Grid Reference SJ 417999 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Merseyrail Ltd.

The station is 36.25 miles north west of Leeds on the Leeds to Morecambe Line towards Carlisle and Morecambe. The Ribble Valley Line from Blackburn also meets the Leeds to Morecambe Line at Hellifield which is managed by Arriva Rail North, who provide all passenger train services. It is unstaffed, although the buildings are in private use and open to the public at certain times.

The first Hellifield station was opened by the “Little” North Western Railway in 1849. It was a modest structure, similar to those at Gargrave and Long Preston and sited 400 yards to the south of the present one. A much larger replacement (the current station) was built by the Midland Railway and opened on 1 June 1880, immediately to the north of the junction of the line from Leeds and the newly completed Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway route from Blackburn via Clitheroe. It soon became was a busy junction (as it was now located on the Midland Railway’s main line from London to Scotland), with trains going to: Clitheroe, Skipton, Leeds, Blackburn, Settle, Carlisle, Manchester & Morecambe. It was also the location of a busy locomotive depot and a large goods yard.

The line from Blackburn had its passenger service withdrawn on 10 September 1962, but remains open for freight and periodic diversions when the West Coast main line is closed north of Preston for engineering work. The adjacent locomotive shed closed the following year and local trains from the station to Carlisle ended in May 1970, although it continued to be served by expresses to and from Glasgow until 1975. Thereafter it was downgraded to unstaffed halt status and served only by stopping trains between Leeds and Morecambe.

In the Domesday Book, Hellifield is mentioned as Helgeflet; meaning ‘Holy Marsh or Stream’, translated from Saxon, the village also could have been dedicated to the Saxon Goddess ‘Hel’. There is also the possibility that the name derives from the Norse ‘The Farm of Helgi’. The village name changed over the years; in the 12th century, Hellifield was referred to as “Nether Hellifield” and in the 17th and 18th centuries the village was named “Hellifield Pele” and slightly later “Hellifield Cochins”. The modern spelling of Hellifield appears in the mid-19th century, on maps and drawings.

In medieval times it seems that the area between Hellifield and Long Preston was hunted by wolves, so men were employed to guide travellers between the two settlements. Livestock suffered until the extinction of the grey wolf. In the mid 19th century, the village was nothing more than a hamlet. The local workforce mainly concentrated within agriculture and associated trades. Cotton weaving did take place in the village and several weaving sheds were constructed in the area.

Hellifield is infamous among people from other villages for its over-the-top Christmas decorations that villagers adorn their houses with over the festive period. It has been said that the light which comes of these houses is so powerful that it can actually be seen from space.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Hellifield station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Hellifield Station
Station Road
Hellifield
Skipton
North Yorks
BD23 4HN

Grid Reference

SD 851572 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Step free access to all areas of station
+ Limited free car parking at entrance to station
+ Canopy gives shelter
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Shed24H Café at platform level – open Tue 10:00 – 14:00 & Wed to Sun 09:00 – 16:00 (closed Mon)

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ CRP branded boards on platforms

Attractions

+ Shed24H Café – get your fireman’s breakfast in the café on the station platform
+ Countryside walks – walks in the Ribble Valley

Gallery

The station was opened as Heysham Harbour (hence its current station code) by the Midland Railway on 11 July 1904. It was relocated to an adjacent site on 4 May 1970, and served boat trains for Belfast until the closure of the ferry route in April 1975. The train service was withdrawn on 6 October, but reinstated and the station renamed Heysham Sea Terminal, on 11 May 1987 to provide a rail connection with the daily sailing to Douglas run by the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company. The station acquired its present name on 28 September 1992.

As constructed, the station had three platforms, two signal boxes and an extensive goods depot and associated sidings to service the port complex (which dates from 1904). It handled a wide range of freight for export including livestock, parcels and latterly fuel oil from a distribution terminal operated by Shell. None of these types of traffic have been handled here since the early 1980s – all freight through the port, mainly containers, is worked by road.

Address

Heysham Port Station
Station Road
Heysham
Lancashire
LA3 2XE

Grid Reference

SD 402600 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by one train a day to/from Leeds via Morecambe for the Isle of Man sailing
+ Shelter on platform
+ Isle of Man Ferry – see steam-packet.com/

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Lancaster, Morecambe and District Rail User Group
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ For more information about the Isle-of-Man Steam Packet Company click here

Attractions

Heysham Nuclear Power Station – Visitor Centre with interactive exhibitions and pre-arranged guided tours (free)
St. Patrick’s Chapel – a ruined building standing on a headland above St. Peter’s Church. It has been designated as a Grade 1 listed building and is a Scheduled Ancient Monument.

Gallery

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station – photo © Richard Watts

Address

Horton-in-Ribblesdale Station
Station Road
Horton-in-Ribblesdale
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD24 0HH

Grid Reference

SD804726 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (10 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

Hoscar station is a true rural country station situated amongst large agricultural fields serving the villages of Hoscar and Lathom. Built as part of the Manchester & Southport Railway the station sits in between two railway crossings. The station tavern stands adjacent to the station just beyond the platform exit.

The station once boasted a goods yard which was used by local farmers to get their crops to the markets of Wigan, Manchester and Southport quickly.

Address

Hoscar Station
Hoscar Moss Road
Hoscar
Burscough
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 4BL

Grid Reference

SD 469115 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Trains to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

Huncoat station is situated close to the village centre. The village sits below the nearby Hameldon Hill. The doomsday book spells the village name as Hunnicot. The village was shown on Christopher Saxton’s 1577 map of Lancashire.

The Leeds and Liverpool canal reached Huncoat in 1801 and by 1830 the local brick making industry had been established. The original railway station at Huncoat was situated off Altham Lane close to what became the power station site. Huncoat coal pit was opened in 1885 when the first shaft was sunk to a depth of 850 feet. In 1902 the railway station was re located to its present site.

Between the two world wars the area alongside the railway developed rapidly, three collieries, two coke ovens and the world famous Accrington Nori Brick works all expanded and were served with a comprehensive network of railway lines. A viaduct of eight spans carried the branch from the station across Clough Brook into the industrial area. Production at Huncoat Colliery peaked in 1956 when 1,300 tons of coal was lifted in one day. In 1956 the massive power station was opened adjacent to the station and remained in use until 1984. The pit closed in 1968. The area covered by the old power station is now a green nature walk.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Huncoat station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Huncoat Station
Station Road
Huncoat
Accrington
Lancashire
BB5 6LT

Grid Reference

SD 772307 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Buses pass the station entrance (services 3 & 23) – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Address

Keighley Station
Station Bridge
Bradford Road
Keighley
Bradford
West Yorks
BD24 4HP

Grid Reference

SE 066412 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station
+ Booking Office open Mon – Sat 06.10 – 19.15 & Sun 08.45 – 18:00
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Ramped access to all platforms
+ Cycle storage available
+ Waiting rooms on platform 1
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Rail User Group – Aire Valley Rail User Group
+ Joint station with the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Kirkby Stephen Station – photo © Brian Haworth

Address

Kirkby Stephen Station
Wiseber Brow
Kirkby Stephen
Cumbria
CA17 4LE

Grid Reference

NY761066 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (30 spaces)
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Payphone

Kirkham & Wesham station serves the two towns but is closer to Wesham, properly called Medlar-with-Wesham. The station, opened in 1840, was originally located to the west of Station Road and named Kirkham Station. In 1890, it was rebuilt on the east side of the road and renamed Kirkham and Wesham. Historically the “Wrangway Brook”, beside which the railway was laid, has always been the boundary between Kirkham and Wesham.

There are two platforms, and fairly obvious signs of the former size of the station by way of disused sidings areas and blocked-off arches. The station ticket office is at street level with a wide staircase leading down to the platforms. Originally a cast iron and glass roof covered the platforms similar to Poulton-le-Fylde station. This was removed in the 1960s.

A large new workhouse, to replace the much older one in Kirkham, was erected in Wesham between 1903-7 designed on a pavilion plan by Charles S Haywood and Fred Harrison. Modern for its time, separate pavilions were provided for mothers and infants, and for infirm females, and also a two-roomed cottage for married couples. During the First World War the buildings were used as a Military Hospital and later became Wesham Park Hospital (specialist geriatric and psychiatric). The buildings which remain today are now the administrative home to North Lancashire NHS Trust, with the remainder being a much needed brown field site for housing development.

A history poster has been prepared for Kirkham & Wesham station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Kirkham & Wesham Station
Station Road
Wesham
Preston
Lancashire
PR4 3AA

Grid Reference

SD 419326 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (booking office open Mon – Sat 06.40 – 17.45, Sun 08:30 – 16.15)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly services to Blackpool South and Preston & Colne, Liverpool, Manchester Victoria and Blackpool North. A limited service operated by Avanti West Coast also serves the station
+ Waiting shelter on island platform with additional seating
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ A regular bus service operates from the front of the station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards

Address

Lancaster Castle Station
Meeting House Lane
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA1 5NW

Grid Reference

SD 471616 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Avanti West Coast

Facilities

+ Staffed station
+ Ticket Office (Mon – Sat 05.15 – 19.45, Sun 09.30 – 20.00
+ Services to Morecambe, Barrow and Leeds with Northern Rail and services to all areas of country with Avanti West Coast and Transpennine Express
+ Car parking for 147 cars – 24 hours £12.00 per day (£4.00 Sats & Suns)
+ Covered platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage on car park (keys from booking office)
+ Toilets on both platforms including disabled
+ Public Address
+ CCTV

Attractions

Lancaster Castle – see history come alive in the heart of Lancaster. England’s dark history, with tales of persecution, incarceration, punishment and execution, has been lived out over the centuries within the confines of Lancaster Castle!

Lancaster Priory Church – a Grade 1 listed building, located on a site which has seen Christian worship since Saxon times.

Maritime Museum – explore Lancaster’s golden age and rich maritime and natural history.

City Museum – housed in Lancaster’s former town hall the museum is home to the Kings Own Royal Regiment Museum

Judge’s Lodgings – an elegant Grade 1 listed building once home to Thomas Covell a notorious witch hunter.

Williamson Park – 54 acres of beautiful parkland with the Ashton Memorial and an Edwardian Butterfly House.

Duke’s Playhouse – a theatre and film venue.

The Grand Theatre – a venue for concerts, plays and shows.

Gallery

Langho station serves three villages, Old Langho, Langho and York. The railway station is sited in Langho and the views into, and across, the Ribble Valley are spectacular, in particular the view of the majestic and broody Pendle Hill.

The name of Langho is a shortened version of the ancient spelling Billangahoh which comes from a local tribe known as the Billangas of Brigantian origin. The village of Old Langho sits on the ancient Roman road to Ribchester. Its church, St. Leonard’s was built in 1557 using materials taken from the ruins of Whalley Abbey. The Black Bull one of the oldest half timbered hostelries in the area stands close to the church.

Old Langho is the original village and Langho village only came into being with the construction of Whalley New Road. Langho boasts two hotels, Mytton Fold Farm Hotel and the Foxfields Hotel. The famous Michelin starred Northcote Manor can also be found on the village outskirts.

York village sits perched on the ridge high above Langho and commands fine views over the valley across to Longridge Fell. The Lord Nelson a popular hostelry is situated in the tiny village.

The nearest phone boxes to the railway station are situated adjacent to the village post Office or adjacent to the Petre Arms.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Langho station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address Langho Station, Whalley New Road, Langho, Blackburn, Lancashire BB6 8EZ

Grid Reference

SD 705344 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Hourly service to Blackburn and Manchester Victoria
+ Car park (limited spaces on Royal Taj restaurant car park on Whalley New Road)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Whalley New Road (25 yards from station – 22 & C25) – click here for bus timetables, other buses stop outside the Petre Arms (280 & X80).
+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Mytton Fold Farm Hotel also has a golf course and more information can be found by clicking here.

Gallery

Address

Langwathby Station
Stoney Bank
Langwathby
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 1NZ

Grid Reference

NY573334 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (30 spaces)
+ Additional seating on platforms

Lazonby & Kirkoswald Station – photo © Peter Clarke

Address

Lazonby & Kirkoswald Station
High Seat Hill
Lazonby
Penrith
Cumbria
CA10 1DL

Grid Reference

NY548397 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Additional seating on platforms

Address

Leeds Station
New Station Street
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS1 4DY

Grid Reference

SE 299331 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Network Rail Ltd.

Facilities

+ Staffed station
+ Ticket office (Mon – Sun 00:45 – 00:00)
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Hourly service to Preston & Blackpool North and York
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV
+ CIS showing arrivals and departures
+ Multiple retail outlets on concourse and platforms
+ Ticket vending machines
+ Left Luggage Office
+ Lost Property Office
+ ATMs

Other Information

+ Cycle storage
+ Taxis and buses outside station entrance

Address

Littleborough Station
Station Road
Littleborough
Greater Manchester
OL15 8AR

Grid Reference

SD 938162 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Mon – Fri 06:45 – 13:15, Sat 07:45 – 14:15)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Regular services to Leeds, Manchester & Blackburn
+ Waiting Room (booking office hours)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Free car park (36 spaces including disabled)
+ Customer Information Screens

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Long Preston railway station serves the village of Long Preston in North Yorkshire. The station is almost exactly half way between Leeds and Morecambe. It is the last station before the Settle-Carlisle Line and the Leeds to Morecambe Line diverge at Settle Junction to the north of the village. Facilities at the station are somewhat basic – the original wooden station buildings were all demolished in the early 1970s and there are now just simple waiting shelters on each platform. It is unstaffed and passengers must buy their tickets on the train.

In 1086, Long Preston was known as Prestune, meaning ‘the priest’s farmstead or town’. But human occupation of the area around Long Preston goes back to prehistoric times as remains have been found at Victoria Cave on the hills above Settle. Also a stone axe head was found in the area of Bookil Gill. Later on ‘Long’ was added, referring to its linear development and distinguishing Long Preston from the many other Prestons.

The station was opened on 30 July 1849 by the ‘little’ North Western Railway, later taken over by the Midland Railway and expanded in 1875 with the commissioning of the Settle-Carlisle Line. It declined in the 1970s and 80s but is now seeing an increase in heavy freight and passenger traffic.

Between 1923 and 1935, Long Preston was the railhead for the construction of Stocks Reservoir built by the Fylde Water Board (FWB). Steam traction engines hauled material between the FWB depot, to the west of the current station, by road to Tosside where connection was made with a 3 foot gauge industrial railway system that served the dam construction project.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Long Preston station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Long Preston Station
Station Road
Long Preston
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD23 4NH

Grid Reference

SD 833578 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular services to Lancaster and Morecambe, Leeds and Carlisle
+ Free car park (10+ spaces)
+ Waiting shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Buses operate from the village – click here for bus timetables
+ To see the village website click here
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ The village has its own permanent Maypole on Maypole Green
+ Long Preston is close to Stocks Reservoir in the Forest of Bowland – for more information about this area of Outstanding Natural Beauty click here
+ Long Preston is also home to one of Rohan’s retail outlets – for more information click here.

Attractions

Countryside walking – close to the Forest of Bowland

Gallery

Lostock Hall station is situated 2¾ miles south of Preston. The original station was close to a large railway junction which linked services from Blackburn and Preston with destinations all over the county. The original station was closed and demolished in 1968 but was rebuilt and reopened in 1984.

Lostock Hall became a mecca for rail enthusiasts in the late 60s when the engine shed sited adjacent to the old station became one of the last working steam sheds in the country.

The station is close to the village centre which has a small shopping area.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Lostock Hall station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Lostock Hall Station
Watkin Lane
Lostock Hall
Preston
Lancashire
PR5 5NF

Grid Reference

SD 547255 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

Other Information

+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ A frequent bus service (109, 111, 113) passes the station on Watkin Lane – click here for bus timetables.
+ Friends of Station Group – Friends of Lostock Hall Station – contact communityraillancashire.crl@gmail.com for more information

The original Lytham station was opened on 16^th February 1846 along with the branch line from Kirkham and was the terminus. The station was about 500 yards from the current station, which opened on 6^th April 1863 also as a terminus. The station was rebuilt and opened as a through station on 1^st July 1874. The station ceased to be manned after the cut-backs of the 1960s and the station building became derelict. In 1986 it was restored and transformed into a public house, the Station Tavern.

Lytham was founded in about 600 AD. For many centuries the economy of Lytham was dependent on fishing and shrimping, until the advent of tourism and seaside health cures. The town is now a fashionable seaside resort and offers a more genteel alternative to nearby brash Blackpool. Notable Lytham landmarks include the Green, a strip of grass running between the shore and the main road; the recently restored Windmill and Old Lifeboat House Museum are to be found here. The Green overlooks the estuary of the River Ribble and the Welsh mountains.

Until the middle of the 20th century the Clifton family was the leading family in Lytham and two of the town’s main thoroughfares are named in their honour. Their estate on the outskirts of Lytham and Ansdell originally occupied a huge area. Lytham Hall, the family seat, remained in the family’s ownership until 1979, after which ownership passed to a number of corporate bodies. The grounds of the Hall are occasionally opened to the public for open-air concerts and plays. Several of the ornate gates to the estate and much of the distinctive pebble-dashed boundary wall survive.

Lancashire By Rail

A series of films is being made for Community Rail Lancashire by a local creative film company Huckleberry Films which are designed to encourage people to Explore Lancashire by Rail. A film has been made for the South Fylde Line and is about a linear walk from Lytham Station to St. Anne’s-on-the-Sea station. This can be viewed by click on the link below.

A map of the route can be seen below and is with thanks to the Ordnance Survey who hold copyright for the mapping.

A history poster has been prepared for Lytham station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link History Posters

Address

Lytham Station
Station Square
Lytham
Lancashire
FY8 5NJ

Grid Reference

SD 365274 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Blackpool South and Preston
+ Waiting shelter with seating
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stops close to the station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards

Manchester Victoria is the 2nd busiest railway station in Greater Manchester after Manchester Piccadilly. Victoria’s current usage level is approximately 7 million passengers per year. It is served by trains to the north, west and east of Manchester. The station originated in 1844 and was the first station in the UK using the name Victoria (by permission of the then Queen). Over the years the station grew in size to have a maximum of 17 platforms – it currently has 6 (excluding those used by Metrolink).

The current main station frontage buildings date from 1909 and feature some notable historic elements from the period of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway. These include a large tile map of the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, War Memorial, external canopies showing destinations served from the station by the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway, and traditional ticket office.

Much of the station was damaged by aerial bombardment in the 2nd World War and the roof and some other areas of the station were damaged by the 1996 IRA bombing.

Address Manchster Victoria Station, Station Approach, Todd Street, Manchester M3 1PB

Grid Reference

SJ 839 990 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed Station (platform staff 24 hours, booking office open Monday to Saturdays 06:30 – 22:00, and Sundays 08:00 – 22:15, providing national rail information and tickets and other public transport information).
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Seating on all platforms
+ Customer Information Screens
+ Public Address System
+ CCTV
+ Accessibility and Mobility Access: There is step-free access to all areas of the station – lifts are available.

Other Information

+ Outside the station and nearby on Corporation Street, bus links are available both within and out of the city centre. These include the FREE Metroshuttle Route 2 which links to Deansgate, Oxford Road, Spinningfields, and many other shopping and entertainment locations. Click here for bus timetables.
+ Victoria station is also an interchange for the Metrolink tram system. Click here for Metrolink timetables and route information.
+ The station is linked to the Manchester Evening News Arena, providing an easy means of transport to and from events that are held there.
+ Just outside the station is the Urbis centre, which is the home of the National Football Museum. Click here for more detail.
+ The station is within easy walking distance of the main city centre areas and attractions.
+ Shop till you drop in the Arndale Centre, the Triangle complex, the designer boutiques around King Street, or the independent shops found in the Northern Quarter.
+ Visit Manchester Cathedral, which dates back to Saxon times (click here for more detail), Manchester’s Victorian Town Hall (click here), or Manchester Art Gallery (click here).
+ You can also marvel at the modern architecture including the Beetham Tower, which was completed in 2006 at a cost of £150 million. It is the highest building in Manchester, the tallest residential building in Europe and the 7th tallest building in England. Click here for more detail.
+ Manchester is home to some of the North West’s finest restaurants, theatres, bars and nightclubs. Why not spend a weekend break is this fabulous city?
+ For more information on all there is to see and do in Manchester, please click here.

Gallery

Meols Cop station serves the Blowick area of Southport and was opened on 2^nd September 1887 as part of the Liverpool, Southport and Preston Junction Railway. The island platform with its small shelter is a pale shadow of the station buildings and infrastructure that once stood here.

A section of the line through the station to Crossens was electrified by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway in 1909 but this branch was closed in 1964.

Address

Meols Cop Station
Meols Cop Road
Southport
Merseyside
PR8 6AY

Grid Reference

SD 356171 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Trains to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Shelters on platform
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Ticket Vending Machine

Other Information

+ Buses stops close by – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Mill Hill Station is situated on the western outskirts of Blackburn. It was the last of the stations to be built on the East Lancashire line opening in 1887. The industrial area around the station was home to many cotton mills several of which still stand although not now used for cotton weaving. The large goods shed still standing adjacent to the station is testimony to the large amount of goods traffic that was once generated from this area.

The world famous Netlon Mesh system was developed in an old cotton mill in Mill Hill by the late Brian Mercer. Mercer from a long established cotton manufacturing family invented the Netlon process in the early 1950s and received the Queens award for Technology Achievment.

There is a small shopping street to the left of the station entrance.

Address

Mill Hill Station
Chapel Street
Mill Hill
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 2QY

Grid Reference

SD 670266 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Island platform
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelter with seating
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Bus stops immediately outside station on Chapel Street (services 3 & 4) – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards

Address

Mills Hill Station
Oldham Road
Middleton
Greater Manchester
M24 2HJ

Grid Reference

SD 887060 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular services to Leeds, Manchester & Blackburn
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Free car park (30 spaces)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Customer Information Screens

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Morecambe railway station serves a town that only came into being in 1889 when the villages of Bare, Poulton-le-Sands and Torrisholme combined and collectively became known as Morecambe. The current station opened in 1994 and replaced Morecambe Promenade station which closed at the same time. Morecambe Promenade station was closer to the town’s sea front and opened in 1903 as Morecambe. It was renamed Promenade in June 1924 and reverted once again to Morecambe in May 1968. The building is still standing and is now used as an entertainment and arts centre. The station is the terminus of the Lancaster to Morecambe branch line and also sees the Isle-of-Man Boat Trains en-route to Heysham Port.

Morecambe had a proud history as a thriving seaside resort in the mid-twentieth century. Whilst the nearby resort of Blackpool attracted holiday-makers predominantly from the Lancashire mill towns, Morecambe had more visitors from Yorkshire and Scotland.

One of Morecambe’s great attractions was the Art Deco, Grade 2 listed, Midland Hotel built by the London Midland & Scottish Railway in 1933 to the design of architect Oliver Hill and with sculpture by Eric Gill. The hotel has recently undergone a major refurbishment by owners Urban Splash and reopened in 2008.

Address

Morecambe Station
Central Drive
Morecambe
Lancaster
Lancashire
LA4 4DE

Grid Reference

SD 432641 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (booking office open Mon to Sat 07:45 – 14:45)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Approximately hourly service to Lancaster (some through services to Leeds)
+ Boat Train service to Heysham Port for Isle-of-Man
+ Pay & Display car park operated by Lancaster City Council adjacent to station (full refund on purchase of travel ticket)
+ Waiting room open during booking office hours
+ Additional shelters and and seating on platforms

Other Information

+ Bus stops at front of station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Morecambe Rail User Group
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ For more information about the Isle-of-Man Steam Packet Company click here
+ For more information about the Midland Hotel click here

Attractions

Happy Mount Park – a traditional park for people of all ages, try the café in the park.

Eric Morecambe Statue – bronze sculpture of the comedian, by Graham Ibbeson, stands on the promenade.

The Promenade – stroll along the five miles of the promenade that borders the golden sands of the bay.

The Platform – Morecambe’s premier entertainment venue.

Gallery

Moss Side station serves a tiny hamlet situated between Kirkham and Lytham. The station is about two miles from Wrea Green, a traditional Lancashire village, where a village green, church and pub can be found.

The station opened on 16^th February 1846 and was originally called Kirkham Road, this was later changed to Moss Side. The station closed in 1961 along with neighbouring Wrea Green. The station reopened on 21^st November 1983, with the aid of a grant from Lancashire County Council.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Moss Side station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Moss Side Station
Lytham Road
Moss Side
Kirkham
Lancashire
FY8 4NB

Grid Reference

SD 379302 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Blackpool South and Preston
+ Waiting shelter with seating
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stop immediately outside station (service 76) –click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Blackpool and Fylde Rail Users Association.
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Address

Moston Station
Hollinwood Avenue
Moston
Greater Manchester
M40 0JT

Grid Reference

SD 887030 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Regular services to Leeds, Manchester & Blackburn
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Customer Information Screens
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Nelson station opened on the first of February 1849. The town of Nelson was originally made up of two small villages but with the coming of the railway the railway station was given the name Nelson taking in both villages. The town quickly expanded and a reputation for fine weaving was established along with associated industries all of which produced a plentiful supply of traffic through the large goods yards.

Nelson station was refurbished in 2008 to form part of a new bus rail interchange for the town. Amongst the new facilities provided was a booking office located in the travel centre and operated by Lancashire County Council staff.

BEYOND NELSON

Why not visit Wycoller?

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Nelson station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Nelson Station
Hibson Road
Nelson
Lancashire
BB9 9SF

Grid Reference

SD 860376 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station but see below
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Bus station open from first bus/train until last bus/train
+ Hourly service to Colne and Preston
+ Waiting shelters on platform
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus station adjoins front of railway station – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Save the East Lancashire Line Association contact info@communityraillancashire.co.uk for more details
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards

New Lane Station stands amidst some of the most beautiful scenery West Lancashire has to offer. It serves the rural farming community and several small villages dotted about the surrounding countryside. Martin Mere wetland centre is situated about a mile from the station and is well worth a visit.

Address

New Lane Station
New Lane
Burscough
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 0RY

Grid Reference

SD 427131 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Trains to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms

Other Information

Built for the Liverpool, Ormskirk and Preston Railway Company the station is situated close to the busy town centre. The town is thought to have been founded by a viking called Orme around 840 AD. Whilst the town is surrounded by fertile fields, many growing the famous Ormskirk potatoes, other more unusual trades could be found.

In the early 18^th century Ormskirk was home to several famous clock makers such as Webster and the Parkin brothers who were makers of the distinctive Lancashire lantern clock which were different to any other clocks in England at the time. At the highest point of the town sits the beautiful church of St Peter and Paul. The church, rich in architectural heritage, is one of only three churches in the country to have both a tower and steeple.

Ormskirk also has one of the oldest and most traditional street markets its Royal Charter granted in 1286 by Edward the first. The market trades on Thursdays and Saturdays and consists of over 100 stalls.

For a map of Ormskirk town centre click HERE.

Station Refurbishment

In January 2009 work started to renovate the station buildings with the intention of bringing the outside back to its former Victorian glory and to develop the internal areas to meet the demands of the modern traveller. The design brief was given to Strzala Bright Seed Architects based in Manchester and the programme of works was carried out by Strategic Team Group, based in Stockport.

Funding for the project was a critical factor and a wide partnership was formed including: Lancashire County Council, Merseytravel, Railway Heritage Trust, West Lancashire Borough Council, NWDA, Network Rail through NSIP (National Station Improvement Programme) and the DfT through its Access for All programme.

The renovation of the station was completed in July 2009 and the newly refurbished station was opened on 31^st July 2009 by The Hon Sir William McAlpine, Chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust. The project was entered into the 2010 National Community Rail Awards in the Station Development category and on Friday September 24^th 2010 at a glitzy ceremony the project was awarded first prize.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Ormskirk station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Ormskirk Station
Station Approach
Ormskirk
Lancashire
L40 0RY

Grid Reference

SD 417084 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Merseyrail

Facilities

+ Staffed station
+ Ticket office (Mon – Sat 05:35 – 00:25), Sun 08:05 – 00:27)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Regular service to Preston and Liverpool Central
+ Single platform
+ Waiting room (open during booking office hours)
+ Waiting shelter
+ Additional seating on Platform
+ Car park (80 spaces)
+ Cycle parking
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus station is 5 minutes walk – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Address

Orrell Station
Church Road
Greater Manchester
WN5 8TH

Grid Reference SD 531039 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Parbold Station is situated on the Wigan to Southport line, seven miles west of Wigan and was built in the mid 19^th century by the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Company. The opening of the station radically changed the rural village opening up job opportunities for villagers in Wigan and beyond. The station was originally called Newburgh then Newburgh for Parbold, Parbold for Newburgh and finally Parbold.

The original Lancashire and Yorkshire station buildings were restored in 2004 by Lancashire County Council. Work carried out included roof repairs, replacement mullion windows, gutter restoration, shelter and seating upgrade and provision of a new booking office.

The village of Parbold dates back to at least the 12^th century and the name comes from the old English and means pear orchard.

This attractive, semi-rural, village lies in the valley of the River Douglas which is crossed by the Leeds to Liverpool Canal and at the bottom of Parbold Hill. The village has much to offer with a good selection of small shops and a number of public houses. Turn right as you leave the station and proceed to the Leeds to Liverpool Canal. Approaching the canal you will see the famous Parbold windmill and close to this is the Windmill Public house.

The village is dominated by Parbold Hill which is 120 metres above sea level. On the hill lies the famous and recently restored Parbold Bottle. This is a stone monument about 6½ feet high and so called because it resembles a bottle. It was built in 1832 to celebrate the passing of the Reform Act. Also on Parbold Hill is a viewpoint with commanding views of large parts of Lancashire, Merseyside and the Berwyn Mountains can be seen on a clear day.

The Leeds Liverpool canal was authorised in 1770 and work to construct started immediately but it was not completed in full until 1816. The section from Wigan to Liverpool was opened in 1777. The canal was built to transport coal, cotton, flour and other goods between the important port of Liverpool and the mills towns of East Lancashire and Yorkshire. The canal parallels the railway from Burscough all the way to Wigan and provides many excellent linear walks along the towpath. At Lathom, to the east of Burscough, the canal is joined by the Rufford Branch. Click HERE for more information.

There are some fine walks starting from the village and taking in Parbold Hill and the Canal. Details can be found by clicking HERE.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Parbold station and this can be seen by clicking on this link: History Posters.

A virtual history poster is also available and the short video can be viewed on this link: Virtual History

A series of audio files of staff from Parbold recorded around ten years ago can be listened to on this page: communityraillancashire.co.uk/audio-files/

Address

Parbold Station
Station Road
Parbold
Wigan
Lancashire
WN8 7NU

Grid Reference

SD 490107 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Booking Office open Mon to Fri 06:30 – 13:00)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Two trains per hour to Southport, Bolton & Manchester
+ Waiting room available during booking office hours
+ Shelters on platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Car park – 15 spaces
+ CCTV

Other Information

Address

Pemberton Station
Billinge Road
Greater Manchester
WN5 9HX

Grid Reference SD 556039 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

The railway station at Pleasington, as the name suggests, is situated in a very pleasant and rural suburb of Blackburn. The village lies within a wide sweep of the River Darwen and was established during Anglo Saxon times.The village is mentioned in the Doomsday Book as ’Plesigtune’ meaning Plessas people. Plessa was probably an Anglo Saxon landowner.

Pleasington’s Roman Catholic Priory, a grade one listed building with a magnificent rose window is well worth a visit and is one of the hidden gems of the area. Designed by a Manchester based architect John Palmer the foundation stone was laid on 6^th June 1813 and the priory opened on 24^th August 1819 at a cost of £20,000.

The locals at this time earned a living quarrying, farming and hand loom weaving. Some of the old cottages located around The Railway Hotel were probably used by hand loom weavers. As well as the Railway Hotel there ia another public house in the village, The Butler’s Arms which ia about a ten minute walk from the station.

Blackburn Rovers’ first football ground was established in the village in 1877.

There are excellent walks along the River Darwen to Witton Country Park and the Wildlife Trust for Lancashire maintains an area of woodland and a wildlife garden adjacent to Pleasington cemetery. There is also a Victorian walled garden here which attracts several species of butterflies.

Address

Pleasington Station
Victoria Road
Pleasington
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB2 5JQ

Grid Reference

SD 642262 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

This station is now a request stop – if you wish to alight at this station please inform the conductor and if you wish to board please make a clear signal to the driver.

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Hourly service to Preston and Colne
+ Waiting shelters with seating
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Adjacent to Pleasington Golf Club
+ A very limited (one a day each way) bus service operates from the station entrance (service 220) – click here for bus timetables, alternatively the 152 service operates from outside the Feildings Arms on Preston Old Road (15 minutes walk from the station).
+ Pleasington Priory is about a 10 minute walk from the station and more information can be found by clicking http://bit.do/STBb.
+ There is easy access from the station to part of the Witton Weavers Way, a 32 mile circular walk around the Blackburn area – click http://bit.do/STA7 for more information.

Address

Poulton-le-Fylde Station
Breck Road
Poulton-le-Fylde
Lancashire
FY6 7AA

Grid Reference

SD 349396 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Mon – Sat 06:15 – 19:30, Sun 06:45 – 18:10)
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Lift to platforms
+ Disabled toilet – needs Radar key
+ Coffee shop at platform level – Le Feast (05:15 – 15:00 daily)
+ Waiting room at platform level – open during office hours
+ Chargeable Car park (20 spaces) £2 all day maximum
+ Hourly services to Liverpool, Manchester & York

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Britain’s newest city is the gateway to three of Lancashire’s Community Rail routes and is well served by long distance trains to Scotland, Birmingham, London, Leeds and York. The city has much to offer and the details set out here are just some of the many things you can do.

The premier landmark for the city is St Walburge’s Church, designed by Joseph Hansom of Hansom Cab fame. At 94 metres (308 feet) it boasts the third highest spire in England and tallest of any parish church. The steeple is constructed from limestone sleepers which originally carried the nearby Preston and Longridge Railway, giving the spire a red tint during sunset. This striking landmark can be seen on clear days as you approach Preston from the Ormskirk and Blackburn directions.

Preston station is well located for a range of major shops, markets, theatres, restaurants and pubs. The city also has hidden away, a variety of specialist, independent shops such as Preston Health Food Store at 26 Guildhall Street and Halewood’s Bookshop at 37 & 68 Friargate, click HERE for more details of this excellent bookshop shop.

The main church located in the city centre is St. John the Evangelist Minster on Church Street and views of this can be seen by clicking HERE. Special events take place at the Minster, especially around Christmas time.

Some ideas for places to visit and things to do:

Harris Museum and Art Gallery is located in Market Square right in the heart of the city. Click HERE to find about more about the museum and special events and exhibitions.

The Museum of Lancashire located on Stanley Street offers much of interest, click HERE to find out more.

Ribble Steam Railway islocated on Chain Caul Road in Preston’s Dockland area. The railway is a short bus ride away using the 88C Orbit bus service from outside the main railway station, which takes you close to the railway centre. Click HERE for more information about when trains operate and details of special events.

Preston has some delightful parks and close to the station are Miller and Avenham Parks. In Avenham Park, Preston City Council has opened the excellent Pavillions Cafe with views across the River Ribble. For more details click http://avenhampark.org/. Close to Miller Park and right by the main railway line and its grand viaduct over the Ribble is the Continental, which offers good food and drink and a range of live performances and plays, click HERE for more details.

Winckley Square is set in the heart of the older part of the city and close to the station. Click HERE to find out more about this lovely square and the houses around it, for instance did you know that Edith Rigby one of the Suffragettes lived in this square?

The Queen’s Lancashire Regiment Museum located in Fulwood is also worth seeking out. You will need to take a no. 19 bus from the bus station to reach it. Use the link HERE to find out more about the museum and how to get there.

The Guild Hall and Charter Theatre located on Lancaster Road offers a range of entertainments ranging from plays to classical music and major sporting events. Click HERE for more details of what is on. Remember to check last train times before booking!

The Tourist Information Office is located in the Guild Hall Arcade on Lancaster Road. Click HERE to find out more about Preston.

Also well worth a visit is Preston’s other gem the Preston Playhouse on Market Street West, about 10 minutes walk from the station. The playhouse is the home of amateur dramatics and puts on a full range of plays throughout the year. The current programme can be viewed by clicking HERE. Remember to check last train times before booking!

Right in the heart of the city centre is Preston Market with the famous undercover Flag Market. To find out more click HERE.

Address

Preston Station
Fishergate
Preston
Lancashire
PR1 8AP

Grid Reference

SD 534290 – for a map visit http://www.streetmap.co.uk/ and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Avanti West Coast

For Avanti West Coast timetables click here and enter your journey
For Transpennine Express timetables click here

Live Departures

To get live arrivals and departures for your station click here.

Facilities

+ Staffed station (24hrs) booking office open Mon to Fri 05.30 – 22.00, Sat 05.30 – 21.00, Sun 08.00 – 22.00 providing national rail information and tickets and other public transport information
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Car park (24 hrs – 939 spaces including disabled)
+ Waiting Rooms available
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Secure cycle storage (keys from Customer Service office)
+ Cycle hoops
+ Customer Information Screens
+ Public Address system
+ CCTV

Other Information

+ Bus station approximately 15 mins walk from station, but some buses run from front of station – click here for bus timetables
+ See above for visitor attractions

Gallery

Address

Rainford Station
Junction Road
Rainford
Merseyside
WA11 8SJ

Grid Reference SD 580055 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Other Information

+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

The station takes its name from two local parishes, Ramsgreave and Wilpshire whose boundaries meet adjacent to the station. The station was opened in 1994 replacing an earlier station situated about a quarter of a mile further up the line which was closed in 1962. Car parking for 6 cars is available at the station.

The village centre boasts a range of shops and two hostelries the Rising Sun and the Bull’s Head (currently closed). Transdev operate a bus service on nearby Whalley New Road and bus stops for both directions are handily placed for the station. The nearest public phone box is five minutes walk from the station turning left at the Bulls Head. Ramsgreave and Wilpshire station is a good starting point for walks in particular towards the village of Mellor.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Ramsgreave & Wilpshire station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Along the Line

Along the Line is an art project at the station that was developed by Connecting East Lancashire in partnership with CRL, Child Action North West (CANW), Ribblesdale High School, Blackburn College and the Alzheimer’s Society. The art work was unveiled, virtually, on Tuesday 19th January 2021 and a short film about the project, produced by Huckleberry Films, can be seen here Along the Line. A news item about the launch can be seen on this link: communityraillancashire.co.uk/news/along-the-line-a-virtual-launch/ and two other short films by Huckleberry Films can be seen here: communityraillancashire.co.uk/lets-connect/

Address Ramsgreave & Wilpshire Station, Ramsgreave Road, Wilpshire, Blackburn, Lancashire BB1 9BP

Grid Reference

SD 68536 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Clitheroe, Blackburn and Manchester Victoria
+ Car park (6 spaces at station entrance – additional spaces on the Co-op car park)
+ Cycle hoop at station entrance
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CCTV
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Whalley New Road (50 yards from station) – click here for bus timetables (22 & C25)
+ Rail User Group – Ribble Valley Rail
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Gallery

Ribblehead station – photographer unknown

Address

Ribblehead Station
Off Low Sleights Road
Chapel-le-Dale
North Yorkshire
LA6 3AS

Grid Reference

SD765789 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (25 spaces)
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms

Rishton Station like many small stations is situated on the very edge of the township it serves and is three and three quarter miles from Blackburn. The old manor of Rishton was owned by the Petre estate and in 1835 was listed as being part of the township of Blackburn. By the 1870s industries such as coal mining, cotton, brick making and quarrying were established in the local area. Rishton was the first place where Calico was woven on an industrial scale.

The name Rishton means village amid rushes. The Leeds Liverpool canal opened in 1810 and passes through the centre of the town. The well known Riston Cricket club stands close to the station and The East Lancs Sailing Club has used Rishton Resorvoir since the start of the 20^th century. The well established Golf Club is close to the station and there are good established walks into the surrounding countryside including the Leeds Liverpool canal towpath.

Address

Rishton Station
Station Road
Rishton
Blackburn
Lancashire
BB1 4EY

Grid Reference

SD 723297 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston & Colne
+ Car park
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CRP branded notice boards

Other Information

+ Blackburn bound platform only accessible via footbridge
+ Bus stops (services 6, 7 & 152) on Blackburn Road (5 -10 minutes walk from the station) – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Rishton Cricket Club is five minutes walk from the station – click here for more information
+ Rishton Golf Club is a ten minute walk from the station – for more information click here
+ The Leeds Liverpool canal runs through Rishton – click here for more information

Address

Rochdale Station
Station Road
Rochdale
Lancashire
OL11 1DR

Grid Reference

SD 899126 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Mon – Thu 06:10 – 20:00, Fri & Sat 06:10 – 20:45, Sun 09:00 – 19:40)
+ Ticket Vending Machine+ Regular services to Leeds, Manchester & Blackburn
+ Waiting room
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Free car park (please note that this is along walk from the station)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Customer Information Screens
+ CCTV
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Rose Grove station is situated in the western suburbs of Burnley. The railway reached here in 1848 when the East Lancashire Railway Company opened a station. Originally named Rose Grove for Padiham, the station is situated in a cutting. Early reports confirm that the station was originally built to serve the town of Padiham.

At this time the areas adjacent to Rose Grove were agricultural but with print works and cotton mills developing at nearby Lowerhouse. Rose Grove’s development started in earnest when the railway expanded building an engine shed and large marshalling yards. Unlike many local Lancashire towns whose census figures showed large percentages of mill workers Rose Grove statistics showed the railway as being a major employer with guards, porters, firemen, platelayers and the like well represented.

The loco sheds closed at the end of steam during August 1968 and with the closure of the goods yards and de staffing of the station the railways presence in the town was drastically reduced.

Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth (1886 – 1967) was the last of her family to live at Gawthorpe Hall in Padiham, which can be found at the bottom of the Greenway (see below) and can be accessed from Rose Grove station. She was a talented embroiderer and lace maker and started the Gawthorpe Textile Collection. A short film has been made by Huckleberry Films about Rachel and this can be seen on this link: Rachel Kay-Shuttleworth

Padiham Greenway

Rose Grove station sits close to the Padiham Greenway, a cycling and walking route that has recently been constructed and that runs over the old track bed of the Padiham Loop Line from Padiham to the towpath of the Leeds Liverpool canal close to the station. The Greenway is just one section of a longer cycling route that takes in the whole of the loop line from Blackburn through to Burnley. A poster showing details the Padiham Greenway can be downloaded by clicking this link Padiham Greenway and there are two leaflets showing the full route and these can be downloaded by clicking the links below:

Cycling into Railway History – Blackburn to Clitheroe
Cycling into Railway History – Padiham to Rose Grove

A brand new film has just been made in partnership with Huckleberry Films and this can be seen on YouTube by clicking the link below;

In 2015 Lancashire County Council working with train operator Northern Rail carried out a £150,000 upgrade of the station facilities including new waiting shelter, additional platform seating, CCTV and an automatic ticket machine.

As part of this upgrade and to raise the profile of the station in the local area Community Rail Lancashire introduced a multi school project called ‘Rose Grove Revived’

Two local schools Lowerhouse and Padiham Green took part in six classroom based sessions with CRL Resident Artist, Alastair Nicholson, where they researched the history of Rose Grove as a railway village and the Old Padiham loop line which is now a public greenway. Lowerhouse focused on the history of Rose grove station and how the railway shaped their community and Padiham Green researched the engine shed history and that of the Padiham loop. Both schools produced art work which was then displayed at the station.

Operation Stickleback

Rose Grove engine shed was one of the last steam loco sheds to close in the country and was an inspiration to Padiham Green School who after looking into the folklore of the shed wrote an innovative story of a journey a stickleback made from Rose Grove to Manchester via the Todmorden Curve. Both a book and DVD of this story were produced.

Rose Grove engine shed was once home to lots of steam engines which worked local lines delivering goods and passengers all over East Lancashire and beyond. The water used to fill up the water tanks of the steam engines was drawn from the nearby Leeds and Liverpool canal which ran alongside the rear of the engine shed. When the engines were sent away to Crewe Locomotive Works for repair it was said that the men who worked at Crewe could tell that the engine came from Rose Grove because when they came to drain the engine tanks they were full of sticklebacks which had been sucked in with the water from the canal.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Rose Grove station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Address

Rose Grove Station
Rose Grove Lane
Burnley
Lancashire
BB12 6EH

Grid Reference

SD 815322 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston, Colne & Manchester Vicrtoria (via Todmorden)
+ Waiting shelter
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Buses pass the station entrance – click here for bus timetables
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details

Rufford station, a typical country halt, is situated on the edge of Rufford village surrounded with fertile fields. The village itself is very spread but the many white walled cottages are very attractive. A well known attraction close to the railway is Rufford Old Hall, the ancestral home of the Hesketh family. This 16^th century Tudor building is one of the finest examples of this type of building in Lancashire and its hammer beamed roof of the Great Hall is outstanding.

St Mary’s Wharf sits close to the station adjacent to the Rufford Branch of the Leeds Liverpool canal and is well known locally for fine food. There are many attractive walks around the village and along the canal towpath.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Rufford station and this can be viewed by clicking on this link: History Posters

Mere Sands Wood

A project to support the Friends of Rufford Station and Rufford Church of England Primary School, to promote travelling by train to Rufford Station and visiting the woodland and water ponds of Mere Sands Wood is nearing completion and a leaflet has been produced by local artist Karen Allerton based on the art work created by the children in a number of sessions in school. The leaflet can be downloaded on this link Rufford to Mere Sands Wood Leaflet

Map

Address

Rufford Station
Church Road
Rufford
Lancashire
L40 1TB

Grid Reference

SD 466155 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Hourly service to Preston and Ormskirk
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Car park (20 spaces)
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ Bus stops on Liverpool Road (Hesketh Arms) – click here for bus timetables
+ Rail User Group – Ormskirk, Preston & Southport Travellers Association
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ Rufford Old Hall (National Trust) is about 20 minutes walk away from the station – click here for more information

Salford Central station is located within a rapidly developing commercial and residential area.

The station dates from 1843 and is one of the oldest in Greater Manchester. It recently benefitted from the first phase of a redevelopment and modernisation and was provided with a much improved entrance area and lift access to the two platforms.

Address Salford Central Station, New Bailey Street, Salford, Greater Manchester M3 5ET

Grid Reference

SJ 831 984 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed Station (booking office open Monday to Saturdays 06:25 – 19:35).
+ Ticket Vending machine
+ Seating on platforms
+ Customer Information Screens
+ Public Address System
+ CCTV

There is step-free access to the whole station with ramped access to platforms and ticket office. Lifts are also available.

Other Information

+ Outside the station bus stops provide access to the many routes which enter the city over the nearby Irwell bridge. These include the FREE Metroshuttle Route 3 which links to Spinningfields, St.Peter’s Square, Piccadilly station and many other shopping and entertainment locations. Click here for bus timetables.
+ The massive Spinningfields development is nearby. The development includes extensive and impressive new office buildings, restaurants and high quality shops.
+ Amongst the new buildings is the 16 storey Civil Justice Centre which for reasons obvious to those who see it has the nickname “The Filing Cabinet”
+ Adjacent to the Civil Justice Centre is the recently expanded (due to reopen in February 2010) Peoples History Museum. Click here for more detail.
+ The station is just a short walk to Deansgate with it’s many shops and restaurants, and the superbly renovated and extended John Rylands Library. Click here for more detail.
+ Also just a short walk away is the Castlefield area which contains many attractions including the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and the canals area where there is a great variety of bars and restaurants. Click here for more detail about MOSI.
+ Manchester Town Hall is also easily reached from the station by foot. Click here for more detail.

Salford Crescent station is located adjacent to Salford University.

Salford Crescent is a very busy interchange station giving passengers the opportunity to change between trains which serve the north (via Victoria) and south (via Piccadilly) sides of Manchester. The station dates from 1987 and has proven very successful both as an interchange, a means of accessing the adjacent University, and entry to the railway system for those living and working nearby. This success has meant that at times the station becomes very crowded and plans are being developed to redevelop and expand the station.

Address Salford Crescent Station, University Road West, Salford, Greater Manchester M5 4BR

Grid Reference

SJ 818 988 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

+ Staffed Station (platform staff from first to last train, booking office open Monday to Saturdays 06:30 – 21:45, and Sundays 09:10 – 16:00).
+ Ticket Vending Machines
+ Waiting Room
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Customer Information Screens
+ Public Address System
+ CCTV

Accessibility and Mobility Access: Access to the platforms is by means of a stepped ramp leading from a bridge which links to both sides of the railway tracks.

This station is not suitable for wheelchair users for access or to interchange between trains, as the ramps do not fit onto the platform properly. From Withington Street, across the footbridge and down a stepped ramp (32 paces, 1:8 slope with 18 steps of 12cm rise 170cm apart) to the ticket office. Or from University Road West up ramp (43 paces, 1:24 slope) or up 22 steps, across the footbridge (27 paces) and down a stepped ramp (32 paces, 1:8 slope, with 18 steps of 12cm rise 170cm apart) to the ticket office. Trains to Manchester and Manchester Airport leave on the right. Trains to Bolton and Wigan leave on the left.

Other Information

+ The station is a short walk from the Crescent (A6) which is served by numerous buses into and out of Salford and Manchester. Click here for bus timetables.
+ It is within easy walking distance of Peel Park and the River Irwell.
+ The Park dates to 1846. In 1866 the river burst its banks and the park contains an obelisk showing a flood level of 8ft 6in. Click here for more detail.
+ Salford Museum and Art Gallery is also nearby. The Museum contains “Lark Hill Place” which is reputed to be the finest recreated Victorian street of its kind. Click here for more detail.
+ Overlooking the park is the University of Salford’s Peel Building. This was previously known as the Salford Royal Technical College and one of its more famous students was L.S.Lowry. A number of his works feature in the park.
+ Queen Victoria and Prince Albert visited Salford in 1851 and their statues, located in front of the Art Gallery, commemorate this event.

Salwick railway station is situated on the Preston to Blackpool railway line, 5¼ miles west of Preston, and lies between Preston and Kirkham, near the village of Clifton. The station was closed on 2 May 1938 along with Lea Road railway station to the east, but was reopened on 8 April 1940 to serve the adjacent industrial complex and in particular the nearby nuclear fuel plant.

The area of “Clifton With Salwick” was in the Archdeaconry of Richmond in the Diocese of Chester. The etymology of Salwick is unclear. The “wick” may come from Old English wic, meaning an earlier Romano-British settlement specialised in farming; but the “Sal(w)” element is unclear.

Address

Salwick Station
Station Road
Salwick
Preston
Lancashire
PR4 0YH

Grid Reference

SD 462320 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Unstaffed station
+ Very sparse service to Blackpool South (4 trains a day) and Preston (3 trains a day)
+ Waiting shelter on island platform with seating
+ Long Line Public Address

Other Information

+ A limited bus service operates from the Boltons Cross in Salwick village centre, about 20 minutes walk (service 77) – click here for bus timetables.
+ Friends of Station – visit communityraillancashire.co.uk/station-adoption/ for more details
+ CRP branded notice board

Address

Settle Station
Station Road
Settle
North Yorkshire
BD24 9AA

Grid Reference

SD817634 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk or Google Maps and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (booking office open Mon – Sat 09:15 – 18:00, Sun 09:45 – 18:00)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Served by trains on the Settle to Carlisle route
+ Car park (40 spaces) £2.00 daily
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platform
+ Toilets
+ Tourist Information
+ Payphone

Address

Shipley Station
Station Road
Shipley
West Yorkshire
BD18 2JL

Grid Reference

SE 150374 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Booking office open Mon – Sat 06.10 – 19.15, Sun 08.45 – 16.00)
+ Ticket vending Machine
+ Waiting shelters
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Long Line Public Address
+ CIS
+ CCTV
+ Lifts to all platforms
+ Refreshments
+ Cycle storage

Other Information

+ Interchange point for services to Skipton, Bradford Forster Square

Skipton railway station serves the town of Skipton in North Yorkshire. The station has four platforms and links Skipton to Leeds, Bradford, Carlisle and Morecambe. It is staffed on a part-time basis and a ticket office is available at most times. There are four seated waiting rooms available and luggage trolleys, along with a small café, toilets, a post box and a pay-phone.

The original station was opened on 7 September 1847 by the Leeds and Bradford Extension Railway, as a temporary terminus of its line from Bradford.The line was extended to Colne a year later on 2 October 1848.Initially, passengers would leave the train at Skipton for onward travel to the villages of Wharfedale by horse-drawn coach. There are still over 20 hotels clustered around the station, including the historic Herriots Hotel (formerly the Midland Hotel).

The next year, the ‘Little North Western’ Railway opened a line from Skipton to Ingleton on 30 July 1849 (which was eventually extended to Lancaster and Morecambe in 1850).On 30 April 1876, Skipton station was relocated a quarter of a mile northwest of its original location. By now, both the Leeds and Bradford and North Western railways had been absorbed by the Midland Railway. The new station coincided with the opening of the Midland’s Settle-Carlisle Line, which made Skipton a station on the London St Pancras to Glasgow main line.

On 1 October 1888 platforms 5 and 6 were added to serve the Skipton to Ilkley Line, which opened that day. These platforms were at a slightly higher level on a rising gradient, as the new line ran southwest of the existing line and then crossed over it by bridge eastwards. These platforms were also later used by the Yorkshire Dales Railway, a short branch to Grassington from 1902 to 1930. Passenger services to Ilkley ceased on 22 March 1965, after which platforms 5 and 6 were closed to passengers and their access subway was bricked off. The line to Colne closed on 2 February 1970 and its tracks have since been lifted. An organisation called SELRAP is campaigning for the re-instatement of the link and runs occasional charter trains between the two stations, using a long diversionary route to point out the eleven mile ‘missing link’.

History Posters

A history poster has been prepared for Skipton station and this can be viewed by clicking on the thumbnail below or on this link: History Posters

Address

Skipton Station
Broughton Road
Skipton
North Yorks
BD23 1RT

Grid Reference

SD 983513 – for a map visit www.streetmap.co.uk and enter the grid reference.

Operator

Northern (DOHL)

Facilities

+ Staffed station (Booking Office open Mon – Sat 05.50 – 18.20 & Sun 09.00 – 16.30)
+ Ticket Vending Machine
+ Limited disabled access & steep subway to platforms
+ Car parking for 100 cars
+ Cycle storage available
+ Waiting rooms on all platforms
+ Additional seating on platforms
+ Refreshments available on concourse

Other Information

+ CRP branded notice boards
+ Rail User Group – Lancaster & Skipton Rail User Group
+ Close to Leeds Liverpool canal
+ Short stroll to Skipton Swimming Pool and Aireville Park (childrens play facilities, pitch & putt etc.)
+ 15 mins walk to the town centre
+ Large open market on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays
+ Skipton Castle open to the public – click HERE for more details

Attractions

Skipton Castle – one of the best preserved medieval castles in the country

Street Market – a good old fashioned market on the High Street (Mon, Wed, Fri & Sat)

Canal trips and boat hire – a bustling marina on the Leeds Liverpool canal

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway – short bus ride from Skipton station (No. 14 every hour Mon – Fri from 09:00 to 15:00 & 16:20)

CRL - Community Rail Lancashire

Accrington

Gallery

Ansdell & Fairhaven

Appleby

Appley Bridge

Armathwaite

Bamber Bridge

Bare Lane

Attractions

Gallery

Bentham

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

Attractions

Gallery

Bescar Lane

Bingley

Blackburn

Gallery

Blackpool North

Blackpool Pleasure Beach

Blackpool South

Bolton

Gallery

Brierfield

Bromley Cross

Gallery

Burnley Barracks

This station is now a request stop – if you wish to alight at this station please inform the conductor and if you wish to board please make a clear signal to the driver.

Burnley Central

Burnley Manchester Road

Gallery

Burscough Bridge

Burscough Junction

Carlisle

Carnforth

Attractions

Gallery

Castleton

Cherry Tree

Church & Oswaldtwistle

Clapham

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

Attractions

Gallery

Clitheroe

Clitheroe

Gallery

Colne

Croston

Darwen

Gallery

Dent

EMPTY

Gallery

EMPTY2

Entwistle

Lancashire By Rail

History Posters

Gallery

Gargrave

Attractions

Gallery

Garsdale

Gathurst

Giggleswick

The station has recently been branded as a Gateway to the Forest Of Bowland with promotional materials on the station publicising the walking and cycling opportunities.

A copy of a poster promoting the walking and cycling routes can be downloaded by clicking here or visit forestofbowland.com/Bentham-Line for more details.

Attractions

Gallery

Hall I’ Th’ Wood

Hapton

Headbolt Lane

Hellifield

Attractions

Gallery

Heysham Port

Gallery