New app looks to the future for Settle Carlisle Railway’s 150th anniversary
As the Settle Carlisle line celebrates 150 years of service along the iconic line, we are launching a new, free, digital app, Traxplorer, to guide passengers through one of the most scenic train journeys in Europe.
Traxplorer is a travel app that makes train journeys more fun and informative by providing information about what people can see through the window of the train, as well as providing live train times, historical information about lines, and user-friendly station guides. The app will also have the train times for when the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company’s trolley service will be onboard, and details of refreshments available.
It also offers games linked to travel, including achievements, leaderboards, and unlockable content to encourage exploration and interaction with the railway network. And to celebrate Halloween there will be a pumpkin hunt challenge – with virtual pumpkins along the line, which can be found in Traxplorer.
Passengers can log on at any point along the line, collect digital postcards for each station visited, and learn about points of interest along their route.
The free Traxplorer app is available to download from the Google Play and Apple Store now and will continue to have more activities, events and information added – so there will always be something new to discover.
The Settle-Carlisle Railway warmly invites you to join us on a steam locomotive-hauled journey from Bradford to Carlisle on Saturday, 4th October 2025, as part of the Railway 200 celebrations and Bradford City of Culture 2025.
Our journey starts in Bradford Forster Square and we travel by steam along the iconic Settle-Carlisle route, stopping to pick up passengers at Keighley, Skipton, and Settle.
As we cross viaducts, traverse valleys, and pass by the stunning Yorkshire Three Peaks — Pen-y-Ghent, Ingleborough, and Whernside — you’ll be immersed in one of the UK’s most picturesque rail journeys.
Our destination will be the historic border city of Carlisle, where you will have a few hours to explore the area. Take in Carlisle Castle, a key part of the border reivers, Carlisle Cathedral and its iconic starry ceiling, or Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery.
We will return via the same route, with a second chance to travel on the iconic Settle-Carlisle line
Steam haulage has been requested from Bradford Forster Square to Carlisle and return to Hellifield.
Don’t miss this unique opportunity to celebrate 200 years of railway history and Bradford’s cultural heritage. Book your tickets today and join us aboard The West Yorkshireman for a day filled with stunning scenery and timeless rail travel.
If you have any questions or queries, please do not hesitate to email us special@settle-carlisle.co.uk
Bradford Forster Square 08.45, Keighley 09.15, Skipton 09.30, Settle 10.50, Appleby
arrive 11. 50, Carlisle arrive 12.45.
Return Carlisle 16.25, Appleby 17.20, Settle 18.40, Skipton 19.40, Keighley 19.55, Bradford Forster Square
20.20.
Available Ticket Types
Premier Dining – £299 per person
Full English breakfast and a four-course dinner served at your seat.
Please note Premier Dining is not available from Settle
First Class – £189 per person
Morning tea or coffee with a breakfast roll and sweet treat.
Afternoon service of tea or coffee with sandwiches, a savoury selection, and a scone with jam.
Upgrade: Guarantee a table for two in Premier Dining and First Class for an additional £40 per person (subject to availability).
Please note, there are no junior-priced tickets for Premier Dining and First Class, however well-behaved children are welcome. If you would like to bring a child with you, you will need to buy a full-priced ticket.
Standard Class – £99 per person
Reserved seating, usually at a table for four.
Junior Standard Class (15 years and under) – £69
Children aged 3 and under can travel on laps free of charge, or purchase a Junior ticket for their own seat. Reserved seating, usually at a table for four.
When buying a ticket, you agree to our terms and conditions
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I get my ticket?
Your e-ticket will be emailed to you 3 days prior to the event
Are dogs permitted on trains?
Only guide dogs are permitted on board.
Are there toilets on board the train?
Yes, there is a toilet at each end of every carriage.
Can you accommodate vegetarians on board?
There is always a vegetarian option available, however we cannot provide gluten free or a full coeliac diet. We cannot guarantee that there will be no cross contamination with regards to allergies. Therefore, nut or lactose free diet options cannot be offered
Can I bring my own food and drink on board?
If you’re in standard class, you can bring your own picnic and drinks on board with you.
If you are in First Class or Premier Dining, you cannot bring your drinks on board
Can I have a refund if I decide not to travel?
If The Settle-Carlisle Railway Development Company cancels this trip then it will give a full refund to every passenger that has purchased a valid ticket for the journey, but no other liability shall be incurred by us.
When you confirm your booking, this constitutes acceptance of the terms and conditions. No refund or substitutions are available, other than due to cancellation by the organisers, which can happen on occasions.
Can you bring bicycles on board our trains?
We cannot transport bicycles due to a lack of available space.
Can you bring wheelchairs/mobility scooters on board our trains?
We can transport foldable wheelchairs on board but not mobility scooters, due to a lack of available space.
Do I have to pay the supplement in first class for two of us to sit together?
No, if you book two tickets without the table for two supplement then you would be seated next to each other, around a table for four, sharing with two other passengers
Do our trains have power sockets on board?
No, there are no power sockets on board.
Do our trains have Wi-Fi?
No, Wi-Fi is not available on board.
Have the carriages on the trains got disabled access?
No, full disabled access is not available, passengers would need to be able to step up onto the carriages and then walk to their seats. We can store collapsible wheelchairs at the ends of carriages.
I don’t have a printer – do I have to print my e-ticket out?
No, it is not essential to print out your e-ticket, as long as you have your seat/coach numbers and the timings you can board the train. The stewards will have a note of your name on the seating plan.
If I book for 2/3/4 people, will we be seated together?
Yes, we always sit parties together, if a large group books together then they will be at separate tables but would be as close together as possible and in the same carriage.
Is smoking permitted on board?
No, smoking and vaping is not permitted anywhere on board our trains.
Does my child need a ticket?
We have a junior ticket in standard class for ages 15 and under (children 3yrs and under may travel on your lap but if they do require a seat then a junior ticket price applies)
Do I need travel insurance?
We strongly recommend that all our passengers take out travel/cancellation insurance, as we do not normally give refunds, should you need to cancel or postpone your trip for whatever reason, whether your plans change due to ill-health, travel issues or weather conditions.
Are the prices shown for a one way or return fare?
The price is for a return journey
Can I request a forward-facing seat?
No. Unfortunately, we never know prior to departure which way round our train will be configured in relation to direction of travel, so this is not possible.
If I miss the train can I use my ticket for another day?
Unfortunately not. We always advise passengers to be at the station well in advance of the departure time.
If you have any other queries, please email special@settle-carlisle.co.uk
