Middleton Railway

Middleton Railway Trust Ltd
The Station
Moor Road
Hunslet
Leeds
West Yorkshire
LS10 2JQ
England

Website

Official website

www.middletonrailway.org.uk

E-mail

All Enquiries

info@middletonrailway.org.uk

Telephone

Visitor hotline 10am to 8pm

0845 680 1758

Commercial enquiries line

0113 271 0320

All information is supplied by the venues or providers themselves and every effort is made to ensure it is correct. Please remember to double check opening hours with the venue concerned before making a special visit.

Steam locomotive awaits its next task outside the Engine House

Having been established by an Act of Parliament in 1758, the Middleton Railway, Leeds, can claim to be the oldest working Railway in the world. It also played host to the first commercially successful, revenue earning, steam locomotives which entered service there in 1812. The Middleton Railway Trust in Leeds has formidable claims to fame. It is the direct descendant of a waggonway which was constructed between Middleton and Casson Close, near Leeds Bridge, following authorisation by the first Railway legislation and Act of Parliament in 1758. In 1812 the first commercially successful steam locomotives commenced operation on the Middleton Railway. Included in the design was the Blenkinsop rack and pinion drive. This was the first regular revenue-earning use of steam traction, as distinct from experimental operation, in the world. More recently it became the first standard gauge railway to be taken over by a preservation society in 1960. A detailed history can be found in the book, "A History of the Middleton Railway" which can be obtained from the Railway's shop. The Trust is now an Accredited Museum and registered charity and has acquired a selection of industrial locomotives, known as the Leeds Collection these locomotives having been built in Leeds, and stock in keeping with its long history of service. The railway currently operates passenger services over approximately 1 mile of track between its headquarters at Moor Road, Hunslet, Leeds and Park Halt, which is on the outskirts of Middleton Park. The Railway hopes to extend the line so that it terminates near the park amenities and discussions are ongoing with Leeds City Council to work towards that aim. Further information about the park can be found on Leeds City Council's Middleton Park web page.
The railway is operated entirely by volunteers.

Venue Type:

Museum, Transport heritage site

Opening hours

April-November -Santa Trains December
Sat Trains 13:00 until 16:20 (Open 10:30)
Sun & Bank Hol. Mons Trains 11:00-16:20 (Open 10:30)
August Weds Trains 11:00 - 15:00 (Open 10:30)
December Santa Trains

3rd January- 2nd April 2011
The railway is closed for winter maintenance.

Admission charges

Adults £4.50
Children £2.50
Family Ticket £12.00 (2A + 3C)
Special Events may vary.

General services and facilities

Brochure or leaflet available with directions to museum
Guided tours
Information point provided
Pre-booking service for groups
Dogs welcome
Picnic area
Refreshments
Shop
Toilets

Children and families

Events and resources for children and families
Baby changing facilities

Disability access

Induction loops in lecture theatres
Touch exhibits
Parking for disabled available
Toilets for disabled
Wheelchair access to all public areas
Wheelchairs available for loan

Schools services and facilities

Member of staff available with responsibility for education
Printed/audio-visual information available for schools
Secondary school education service available
Education facilities available

Research and adult learning

Mail order service available

Commercial and hire services

Facilities for private functions and events
Meeting room available

Additional info

Train rides are available on all public opening days using heritage steam and/or diesel locomotives