JUMP aboard Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam trains at the Kirklees Light Railway in Clayton West, near Huddersfield.
The light railway opened to the public in 1991 and runs for three and-a-half miles along the track-bed of an old Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway branch line.
The branch line originally opened in 1879 to serve the local community but closed to the public in 1983 amid dwindling traffic.
The journey from Clayton West to Shelley offers fine views of the Grade II listed Emley Transmitting Station and passes through the ancient Blacker Wood which is mentioned in the Domesday Book.
The trip also includes passage through the Shelley Woodhouse Tunnel which is the longest tunnel on any 15-inch narrow gauge line in Great Britain.
The railway is open at weekends and during school holidays from mid-February through to Christmas, allowing passengers to take a nostalgic ride behind the fleet of unique steam and diesel engines as they travel through the glorious countryside.
Younger visitors can run wild on the adventure playgrounds at both stations – with a brand new playground at Clayton West station – or in the sandpit and bouncy castle at Shelley (weather permitting).
There is a gift and model shop to browse, or you can simply relax with a cuppa and slice of cake in The Buffer Stop Café or the Shelley Tea Room.
With spacious outdoor picnic areas, visitors are welcome to bring their own food and make a day of it.
The railway is a dog-friendly attraction, so passengers can even bring the family pooch along for a ride or a walk along one of the many surrounding footpaths.
The railway is proud to host a full programme of special events throughout the year including Days Out with Thomas, Halloween Ghost Trains and Santa Specials.
For more information or to book tickets to an event, visit www.kirkleeslightrailway.com or call 01484 865727.
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