Middleton Railway Trust
Leeds
The Middleton Railway is a hidden gem in the bustling city of Leeds.
Situated just 2 miles from the city centre, this historic little railway transports people to one of Leeds largest and most historic parks using historic steam and diesel locomotives, many of which have been built in the city itself.
This small railway has a huge history, being the oldest railway in the World. It was built back in 1758 to transport coal from local coal mines into the centre of the developing town of Leeds and was the very first railway ever to be authorised by an Act of Parliament and has operated trains every year since. This makes it the World’s Oldest continuously operating railway.
Then, in the early 1800s, increased prices caused problems for the colliery and its manager, John Blenkinsop, decided to use what were then called “Steam Carriages” to haul his coal trains and designed a rack system to allow small engines to haul heavy loads. Local engineer Matthew Murray built four such machines in 1812 and these were the very first commercially successful steam locomotives in the World, being built before George Stephenson built his first engine.
In 1960, the Middleton Railway became the very first standard gauge Heritage Railway in the UK, heralding the arrival of hundreds of such railways and preserved locomotives throughout the UK and Europe.
Since 1960, the Middleton Railway has developed as a tourist attraction and is very much a part of the community of South Leeds, providing educational opportunities in addition to being a popular destination during our operating season.
Our Moor Road headquarters is alongside junction 5 of the M621 motorway and has a small, free, car park. On street parking is also available.
Once inside the building, there are ladies, gents and an accessible toilet with baby changing facilities. The building itself, along with the whole site is also step free with two lifts to take visitors to the first floor when needed. Having purchased your all day ticket, you proceed into the shop/café area which sells tea/coffee etc and a selection of light snacks. There are also toys and souvenirs to be had.
From the café area, proceed into the “Engine House” which has a selection of Leeds built steam and diesel locomotives on display, some of which have access to the footplate, allowing you to see how they were driven. All these exhibits have a story to tell and in some cases there is an opportunity to get aboard and learn even more about how railways operated in days gone by. There are also various displays here, detailing the history of our railway and the locomotive builders of the city.
From the Engine House, proceed onto the station platform where your steam or diesel hauled train awaits you. This platform has a shelter and whilst waiting your train you can perhaps observed birds nesting in the boxes we have provided for them. Also visible is an insect hotel!
Unlike many railways, Middleton uses home-built coaches which are more suitable for use here than ex-main line railway vehicles. They are comfortable and with their many windows are very light and airy inside. Our trains always have at least one wheelchair carrying coach and our Guards are more than happy to assist with boarding using the ramps provided. Our trains run every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday Monday every 40 minutes between 10.30 and 12.30, then between 1330 and 1530. During the school holidays, the railway operates Wednesdays in July and August using our Heritage Diesel fleet. Special Timetables operate on Events Days. Full details of all our operating days can be obtained from our web site, www.middetonrailway.org.uk or by telephoning 0113 2710320.
The train departs Moor Road station and immediately runs underneath the M621 motorway before making its way to Middleton Park terminus, where the engine will run round its train before returning to Moor Road. From the terminus, visitors can take walks into Middleton Woods and up to the park itself, which has a children’s playground and café facilities. The walk through the woods is very pleasant and in the spring they whole area is covered with bluebells – a breath-taking sight. With trains back to Moor Road departing every 40 minutes until 3.30pm, there is plenty of time to walk through the woods and enjoy the facilities in Middleton Park before returning on a later train.
The Middleton Railway also offers a variety of special events throughout the year, culminating in the “Santa Specials” run every weekend in December when the man in the red suit visits the railway, giving presents for the children and mince pies and hot drinks for the adults.
The railway can also offer facilities for birthday parties and corporate events.
