Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

General information

Step back into a bygone era with a visit to the award-winning Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.

We will engage, enthuse and excite you … The sight and sound of powerful majestic steam engines, from the industrial workhorses of pits, collieries, docks and factory yards to the more glamorous locomotives which graced main lines … all lovingly restored by our team of volunteers.

We’ve got vintage Edwardian carriages, Victorian Director’s Saloons and original 1960’s slam-door stock to ride in.

We’re proud of our re-built Bolton Abbey Station & the delightful Victorian features of the restored Embsay Station. The rural request-stop Holywell Halt is a wonderful place to picnic, whilst our traditionally-uniformed friendly staff will leave you with some enduring memories of a special day out.

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is a volunteer-run, preserved Heritage Railway which does not receive any grants or subsidies towards running. It runs over part of the former Skipton-Ilkley line which was closed in 1965 and has steadily been rebuilt by the volunteers. Skipton is the next target.

Travel between Embsay station, built in 1888, and the award-winning station at Bolton Abbey. Your journey takes you through picturesque Yorkshire Dales scenery. Bolton Abbey station is the ideal stopping off point for a pleasant one and a half mile walk to the ruins of the 12th Century priory. Venture a little further to picnic on the banks of the River Wharfe, or in the shade of Strid Wood where you will find the Cavendish Pavillion for refreshments.

Station Facilities

Refreshments are available in the tearooms. Most services also include a Buffet Car serving a wide variety of local bottled ales, hot drinks and much more. Both stations feature gift shops, including the famous bookshop at Embsay station. There are picnic areas at all stations, including Holywell Halt, with facilities for the disabled at Bolton Abbey station. Ample free parking is available at both Embsay and Bolton Abbey stations. Bolton Abbey station also plays host to the Hambleton Valley Miniature Railway - a 71/4" gauge line within the site.

Train Services

Steam trains run every Sunday, with Summer services up to 7 days a week. Full details are available in the timetable. In addition to the steam services, there are Diesel services, Stately Trains and Special Events.

Stately Trains

On most running days, one of the Directors' Saloons will be attached, giving the opportunity for First Class travel in vehicles over 100 years old. Also, on selected Sundays in August, travel in the style your grandparents would have loved, using carriages from the historic Stately Trains collection which have been lovingly restored to their original magnificence, such as those built to haul first class passengers on the Great North of Scotland Railway and also including one reputed to have been the carriage of a princess. Treat yourself and travel in luxuary!

Charter services

It is possible to hire your own passenger train on non-operational days (see the timetable for details) at an econonmical cost. This is good for groups on days we would not normally operate and can be steam or diesel hauled.

Special Events

These take place throughout the year featuring events for the family and enthusiasts alike. These include a 1940s Weekend, Steam and Diesel Galas, Santa's Specials and we are looking to expand our events offering food, such as Fish and Chip Specials and Strawberry Specials.

Why not join us...

The Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway is run by the volunteers of the Yorkshire Dales Railway Museum Trust and new members are always very welcome. If you would like to keep up with the news and developments or help with the operation of the railway, why not join us?