Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

About the museum

The line between Skipton and Ilkley was opened by the Midland Railway, and Embsay station dates from 1888. British Railways closed the route in 1965. A preservation society was formed in 1968, and in 1971 it won a long-term lease on the buildings at Embsay station.

Trains began running again between Bow Bridge Loop and Embsay in 1979, and Embsay station reopened in 1981. The railway was then extended step by step: Holywell Halt opened in 1987, the Stoneacre Loop was added in 1991, and Bolton Abbey station was reopened in 1997. Today the line is about 4 miles long and is run as a charity by volunteers.

Besides ordinary steam and diesel services, the railway offers dining trains, special events and family days. Embsay station has restored historic buildings and a small museum display in the waiting room on platform 2. Bolton Abbey station has a buffet, a gift shop and a bookshop, and is a short walk from Bolton Abbey Priory.

Highlights

• Steam and diesel trains on a 4-mile heritage line through the Yorkshire Dales
• Restored historic station buildings at Embsay and Bolton Abbey
• Dales Dining trains with afternoon tea, fish and chips or Sunday lunch
• Family events with children’s characters and winter Polar Express trains
• Historic carriages including a carriage built for Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee

Permanent exhibitions

• Steam and diesel locomotives – Preserved steam and diesel locomotives and historic carriages of the railway’s collection, which run on the line and can be seen at the stations.
• Platform 2 waiting room display – A small display of photographs and museum objects at Embsay station.

Founded

1968

Operated by

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (charity)

Admission & discounts

The prices shown are the day ticket prices published on the railway’s website for 2025. Standard and first-class day tickets are offered, and the vintage train needs a first-class upgrade. Single tickets can be bought at the booking offices on the day. Pre-booking is essential for Dales Dining and Santa trains.

Accessibility

• Partially wheelchair accessible
• Elevator: no information
• Accessible restroom
• Accessible parking
• 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

Blue Badge parking spaces are near both station buildings, and there are accessible toilets at both stations. Normal and dining trains usually have an adapted wheelchair space reached by a ramp; wheelchair spaces must be pre-booked by phone. Bolton Abbey station is the most accessible because of its higher platform. Wheelchairs cannot be boarded at Embsay station, where there are three steps into the carriages and a very steep ramp. The heritage carriages built for Queen Victoria and the Prince of Wales cannot take wheelchairs.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Baby changing facilities

The railway runs family events with children’s characters and winter Santa and Polar Express trains. Both stations have baby-changing facilities in the accessible toilets.

Getting there & parking

A Rail & Sail Skipton offer is listed on the railway’s website.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

The Bolton Abbey Station buffet (60 seats) is open on every day trains run. The Embsay station coffee shop (12 seats) is open on most weekends. A buffet car runs on selected dates. There are gift shops at both stations and an online bookshop. Embsay station has a picnic area on the lawn.

Events & venue rental

• Spaces for rent
• Weddings / ceremonies

Bolton Abbey station is a licensed wedding venue, and private charters are offered.

Plan your visit