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.

When We're Open

Please note that Kirkby Stephen East is currently closed until further notice as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak. All our events for July and August have now been cancelled. 

On the 12th & 13th, and 19th & 20th of September, we'll be opening as part of the Heritage Open Days!

Join us in exploring the restorations of two historic rail vehicles, on intimate tours of the Kirkby Stephen East site.

On the 12th and 13th, we'll look at ‘The restoration of a unique 1902-built North Eastern Railway Bogie Stores Van at Kirkby Stephen East’.

On the 19th and 20th, we'll cover the ‘Restoration of the ‘NER Sand Wagon’ owned by the National Railway Museum – an imposter unmasked’.
 
Tours run hourly from 10.30am to 15.30pm. All participants must be pre-booked and each tour is limited to 8. In addition, limited refreshments (all sealed e.g. cans, crisps etc) will be available. 

You can book by clicking here.

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North Eastern Railway, who ran the Stainmore route through Kirkby Stephen East, it worked for fifty years before being withdrawn from service as 'out of date'.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. During the COVID-19 pandemic, our site has been closed and we have been without income. We have now been awarded £33,500 towards urgent works on our site and meeting fixed costs by the National Lottery Heritage Fund. 

How to Support Us

Kirkby Stephen East has been developed over the last 20 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.