Kirkby Stephen East is a historic station and steam railway, opened in 1861, and now cared for by volunteers of the Stainmore Railway Company. Explore our site to discover our history and ​get information about visiting us. ​

Imagine a place where time had stopped and you could enjoy a steam railway experience from the past? Well, you’re thinking about Kirkby Stephen East!

Savour the atmosphere of a country station as it would have been in the 1950s. You’re sure to learn lots on your visit and have an enjoyable time.

We are home to a number of historic Victorian and other vintage locomotives, carriages and wagons which are well worth a look. You can explore our station, which was built in 1861 and served the community here for 100 years, visit the glamorous 1930s buffet car (when trains are running) and wander around our small museum.

We are open to the public at weekends From Easter to December

Updated 22/05/2022
We are open on Sundays 10am - 4pm from Easter to December
Saturdays opening 10am - 4pm is for special events and additional days will be subject to volunteer availability
Vounteer working parties are on site on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and weekends if  you want to be part of our  volunteer team please contact us via our volunteer email
Our Facebook Page showcases our current projects  and gives up to date information about our opening time.

Support Stainmore Railway Company with a purchase in our online shop today!

Online Shop

Featured Locomotive - North Eastern Railway No.910

Kirkby Stephen East is home to a 145 year old express steam locomotive - the Concorde of its day. Built by the North Eastern Railway, who ran the Stainmore route through Kirkby Stephen East, it worked for fifty years before being withdrawn from service as 'out of date'. That was 95 years ago! It was preserved and is now part of the National Collection, owned by us all.

Learn about our other engines

Thank You

We're saying 'Thank You' to players of the National Lottery who supported us during the Covid Pandemic lockdown. We were awarded £33,500 towards urgent works on our site and meeting fixed costs by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. this money has been vital to help us reach our reopening day and survive lockdown.

How to Support Us

Kirkby Stephen East has been developed over the last 22 years through the dedication of volunteers and the goodwill of the community.

We are currently undertaking transformational projects to improve our educational offer and visitor experience. 

You can help us in several ways, including becoming a shareholder of Stainmore Railway Company for just £10.  

More Details