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 15/11/2024
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 train operating event is Easter Saturday & Sunday 2025
See our events programme  page for 2024 season dates

Next Event -  Stainmore Railway and Kirkby Stephen Community Xmas Fayre Saturday 7th December 10am - 4pm  webpage for more details

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

Winter Maintenance Closure to Public 8th December - Easter
We welcome volunteers to help with our extensive work over this time and there is a lot happening if you want to get involved check out our volunteering page

• 

• 

• 

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

Online Shop

Featured Vehicle - North Eastern Clerestory 818

This exquisite example of a Victorian designed Clerestory Coach has been lovingly restored at Kirkby Stephen East was re-launched into passenger service in May 2024. No.818 is a 'composite' clerestory coach (having compartments for both passengers and the train's guard) absolutely typical of the kind of vehicle used for passenger trains over Stainmore between 1900 and 1945. It was built at York in 1902. The vehicle was sold by British Railways to the National Coal Board in 1949 for use by miners commuting to work at Ashington Colliery. It was rescued and restored by the Beamish Living Museum of the North and is on long term loan to SRC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT OUR OTHER ROLLING STOCK

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 since1997 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