Signalling a unique opportunity to visit two Settle Carlisle signal boxes in one trip to celebrate 150th anniversary of the line & Railway 200
Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is working with the Friends of Settle Carlisle Line volunteers at Settle and Armathwaite Signal Boxes to provide a unique family day out. The events also celebrate 150 years of freight travel on the line.
Both signal boxes will be open on May 3, 24 and 31 and visitors can travel on the 9.20 from Leeds and either the 9.07 or 10.58 from Carlisle and stop off at both boxes for a guided tour and hands-on experience before returning home to Leeds on the 15.04 from Armathwaite and 14.19 or 17.49 from Settle back to Carlisle.
The family day out will include a free children’s railway signal box-themed activity pack and guides on the trains to enhance passengers’ experience. A special signalman badge has been commissioned for the unique event.
The journey will take passengers through North Yorkshire and into Cumbria, named the most scenic railway journey in Europe by the Lonely Planet travel publishers.
Events to celebrate Railway 200 got underway on January 1 with trains blasting their horns at the same moment around the world. Arranging the opening of the two signal boxes is just one of a host of events planned on the Settle Carlisle line.
The first passenger line opened in Stockton in the North East and heralded the start of a railway revolution around the globe.
Chair of Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, Pete Myer said: “To have an event on our line, that gives people a real experience of how the railway was run, until quite recently, is a perfect way to celebrate Railway 200.
“We have worked closely with the Friends of Settle Carlisle Line on these three open days to ensure people can use the railway to attend and enjoy the scenic route through Yorkshire and Cumbria - and travel across the iconic Ribblehead Viaduct between the two signal boxes.”
Friends of Settle Carlisle Line Volunteer, and runner-up in the Community Rail Awards Outstanding Volunteer awards, Jill Tiernan said: “We have never had both signal boxes open on the same day, so people couldn’t see both in one visit.
“Working together we have created a unique opportunity for families and railway enthusiasts to see two beautifully restored signal boxes. I think signal boxes are magical places to visit and this is an amazing opportunity to see two in one day – plush travel across the Ribblehead viaduct. This will be a great family day out.”
For the latest information about Railway 200 events on the Settle Carlisle Railway, follow their social media and visit their website www.settle-carlisle.co.uk.
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CAPTION 1
Young visitor getting a hands on experience at Settle Signal Box
28 April 2025
