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 19/11/2023
We are open on Sundays 10am - 4pm from Easter to December
Admission is FREE and trains only operate on event days (Charges apply for train rides)
Our next event is Christmas Fayre - Saturday 9th December 2023
This is our last event before we close for winter maintenance (NO trains operating at the event).

Saturdays opening 10am - 4pm is for special events.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 opening times.

We also offer bespoke private events on Saturdays (subject to volunteer availability). If you would like to book a private event please contact us.

We have a tripadvisor page on which you can see reviews from our visitors and are highly rated

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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 express steam locomotive built in 1875 - the Concorde of its day. Built by the North Eastern Railway in , who ran the Stainmore route through Kirkby Stephen East, it worked for fifty years before being withdrawn from service as 'out of date'. 
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 as we are current recipients of two grants from the fund.
'The Victorian Locomotive Experience' grant was awarded to enable us to restore NER stores van No 2, the last remaining C Class J21 60533, develop our education facilties and run steam gala events once the restorations are complete.
'West-side Story' grant will culminate in a gala event for the Stockton & Darlington 200th anniversary celebration. We are also delivering autism, dementia and carer group activities in addition to working with local schools and other community organisations. We are rebuilding the 1861 Stockton & Darlington Signal box at KSE which will be the oldest working signal box in the world. To learn more about work on this grant check out the facebook page and the blog about the grant.

How to Support Us

Kirkby Stephen East has been developed over the last 25 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.  

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