Days Out: Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Situated just outside Skipton, in the stunning Yorkshire Dales, the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Steam Railway offers just that.

Run almost entirely by volunteers, it offers a glimpse into a bygone era and is a great day out for both steam enthusiasts and families alike.

Start your journey at Bolton Abbey station, which is just a one-and-a-half mile walk from the ruins of the stunning 12th Century Augustinian Monastery. This pretty little station has been lovingly recreated by volunteers in the original Midland Railway style of the 1800s and features a café selling locally made cakes, sandwiches and hot drinks, and a gift shop and free parking.

Nearly all services are hauled by magnificently restored steam locomotives, which draw in quite a crowd when they pull out of the station, puffing and hissing, filling the air with the evocative smell of steam.

The five-mile trip takes 40 minutes. There’s also the disused railway station of Holywell Halt around half way along the route which makes a perfect picnic stop. It’s a request stop only though, so make sure to let the train guard know.

Visit on September 10 and 11 and relive the nostalgia of wartime Britain when the railway takes part in the annual 1940s weekend. Watch out for the Home Guard, soldiers and airmen as they stage re-enactments at Bolton Abbey and Embsay Stations.

FACTFILE

Prices: Day rover tickets - adults £10, children £5, family ticket £25

Opening times: Steam trains run every weekend throughout September and October (check website for more details)

Car parking: Parking at stations

Tel: 01756 795189

Website: embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk