Eden Valley Railway

About the museum

The Eden Valley Railway opened in 1862 as a freight and passenger line linking Penrith and West Cumbria with the north-east of England. It was mainly a mineral line, carrying coke and other freight, and passenger trains ran for about a century until the line closed as a through route in 1962. Regular traffic continued to Warcop, where an army camp and ranges kept the stretch from Appleby to Warcop open until the last military train ran in 1988.

The Eden Valley Railway Trust, a charity, was formed in 1996 to preserve the line and run it as a heritage railway. It is based at the original 1862 Warcop platform and has gradually extended the running line westwards towards Appleby. The current line is about 2.2 miles long and ends at Southfields, where there is no public access or station.

Visitors ride diesel trains from the 1960s, such as a Class 205 ‘Thumper’ diesel multiple unit or a battery-powered motor luggage van hauling a four-car Kent Coast Express set, with views over the North Pennines and the Eden Valley. The site also has a working signal box, two model railway layouts and an exhibition on the railway’s history and restoration. Converted vans house the ticket office, an emporium and a small refreshment room.

Highlights

• Hourly train rides from the original 1862 Warcop platform
• Class 205 diesel multiple unit and 1960s Kent Coast Express coaches
• Royal Train locomotive 47799 Prince Henry
• Working signal box
• Two model railway layouts, N gauge and OO gauge
• Exhibition on the history and restoration of the railway

Permanent exhibitions

• Railway history and restoration exhibition – A display on the history of the Eden Valley line and its restoration, shown in the railway’s vehicles at Warcop.
• Rolling stock and model railways – Diesel locomotives, coaching stock and two model railway layouts housed in converted railway vehicles.

Founded

1996

Operated by

Eden Valley Railway Trust

Admission & discounts

Warcop admission charges include unlimited travel on the hourly train service. Whether children under 5 pay is not stated.

Accessibility

• Wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking: no information
• Service dogs welcome: no information
• Tactile models & exhibits: no information
• Sign language tours: no information
• Easy-to-read materials: no information
• Audio description: no information

The railway lists wheelchair-friendly access and toilets including a disabled toilet. Well-behaved dogs are welcome but not on seats.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Hands-on stations

Two small model railway layouts are meant mainly for younger visitors, who are sometimes allowed to drive the N gauge train. Children must be supervised because the site is a working railway. The family ticket covers two adults and all children.

Getting there & parking

The railway is just off the A66 between Appleby-in-Westmorland and Brough. From the M6, leave at junction 40 and drive east on the A66 for about 18 miles, then turn at the Warcop junction and follow the road to the visitor entrance at the far end of the site. The railway advises against approaching through Warcop village because of narrow lanes and no signs. Sat nav postcode CA16 6PR.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Restaurant: not available
• Museum shop

The Buffer Stop refreshment room, in a converted railway van, sells hot and soft drinks, snacks and sometimes home-made cakes, with an indoor seating coach. The Warcop Emporium sells second-hand books, magazines and other goods in aid of the trust.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit