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.

Reopening Post Lifting of Covid Restrictions

 Updated 17/07/2021
From Sunday 25th  July - 12th December 2021
We will open Sundays  10 am - 4pm for guided tours including the workshop
Volunteers will be wearing face coverings and practicing Covid Safe working.
There is still building work on site so we have portoloos which are not wheelchair accessible and we apologise in advance.
Our catering facility cannot reopen until the work on the toilets is completed but there will be cold drinks and snacks in the shop​

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

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North Eastern Railway, who ran the Stainmore route through Kirkby Stephen East, it worked for fifty years before being withdrawn from service as 'out of date'.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.

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 21 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.