The area between Leeds, Settle and Carlisle offers wonderful opportunities for some exciting days out with something for everybody.You can buy your ticket before you travel or simply turn up and pay – either at a staffed station or on the train.
If you are organising a day out for a group on the line, you can get help, advice and booking details by calling 017683 53200.For groups of 10 or more there are very good discounts on ticket prices on most days.
CARLISLE
In Carlisle there is much to do and see for all the family.Carlisle is a city steeped in history, which has been an important centre since Roman times.Places to visit include Carlisle Castle, which sits proudly overlooking the city.The castle offers medieval dungeons, passageways and chambers and was once home to Mary Queen of Scots.
The Norman Keep has panoramic views and hosts an exhibition on Bonnie Prince Charlie’s Jacobite Rising. There are special events throughout the year and guided tours.There is a wide range of shops to visit at The Lanes, the pedestrianised shopping precinct and at the covered market.To help you with your visit to Carlisle, the Visitors Centre is situated in the Old Town Hall in the pedestrianised area.
Hadrian’s Wall
Carlisle is the gateway city to the Western stretch of the Wall and once you arrive in Carlisle you are within easy reach of this epic World Heritage Site. The Hadrian’s Wall Bus departs from outside Carlisle station and will take you in comfort alongside the Wall and to the fascinating Roman forts and Museums. The bus, number AD122, runs every day throughout the summer.
For more information about the Hadrian’s Wall World Heritage Site look at www.visithadrianswall.co.uk
Alternatively, from Carlisle you could travel on the Tyne Valley line to Haltwhistle. This journey gives you a unique view of Hadrian’s Wall as you pass through Gilsland, with Poltross Burn Milecastle to your left about 10 minutes after going through Brampton Station. If you get off the train at Haltwhistle you can join the Hadrian’s Wall bus to travel up to the Roman Fort of Vindolanda, or you can continue to Hexham to catch the bus to Chester’s Fort.
Further information for visitors to Carlisle phone: 01228 625600.
ARMATHWAITE
Take a break on your journey by stopping off at the picturesque village of Armathwaite.Take time to go for a walk in Coombs Wood across the river and call in at one of the two pubs in the village afterwards.
LANGWATHBY
Langwathby village is just a short walk from the station and is centred around a village green and pub. The beautifully renovated station buildings now house Brief Encounter Restaurant, where meals, snacks and refreshments are available.
APPLEBY IN WESTMORLAND
Once the county town of Westmorland, Appleby is situated on a loop of the River Eden, and has a variety of historic buildings – St Lawrence’s Church, the 17th Century Almshouses and the Norman Castle.There are shops, cafes and public houses in the town centre and a small outdoor market every Saturday.
Alternatively, consider a longer walk with a Cumbria Tourist Board Blue Badge Guide – contact the TIC for details or click on www.cumbriatouristguides.co.uk to obtain more information. The swimming pool is open daily. Half day closing on Thursdays.There are bus links to Penrith and Brough – call 0870 608 2 608 for details.
Further information for visitors to Appleby:
Appleby TIC telephone: 017683 51177
There is a fairly steep hill when returning to the station from the town centre and you may need to allow time for your return uphill.Wheelchairs can be made available for use in Appleby by contacting Age Concern Eden tel. 01768 895438.
KIRKBY STEPHEN
Kirkby Stephen station in the Eden Valley is some 1½ miles from the town itself, although there is a local bus service linking the station with the town and surrounding villages.For details of the bus service call the TIC, but taxis are more readily available. Market day is Monday, wander around the selection of shops and antique shops, visit the Church or have a meal in one of the pubs or cafes.
Further information for visitors to Kirkby Stephen:
Kirkby Stephen TIC telephone: 017683 71199
GARSDALE
Garsdale station is situated at the head of Wensleydale in some of the wildest and most remote countryside in Britain.An occasional bus service operates from the station to Hawes (6 miles away), where the Dales Countryside Museum is well worth a visit. The picturesque town of Hawes includes a range of craft shops, cafes and restaurants for visitors to enjoy.
Further information for visitors to Hawes:
Hawes Tourist Information Centre: 01969 667450
RIBBLEHEAD
Situated between the three peaks of the Yorkshire Dales, Ribblehead has been made famous for its magnificent 24 arch viaduct. Ribblehead station now houses a Visitor Centre in the refurbished station building, from which there is a wonderful opportunity to view and photograph this landmark.A shop and light refreshments are available.
The Visitor Centre is closed on Mondays (unless by appointment) and it is advisable to check your train journey times as Ribblehead can be very remote during harsh weather.
Further information for visitors to Ribblehead and surrounding areas:
Ribblehead Station: 015242 42584 (9:30 – 16:30 every day except Monday)
Hawes Tourist Information Centre: 01969 667450
HORTON-IN-RIBBLESDALE
Visit this attractive Dales village popular with walkers and overlooked by the dramatic Pen-y-gent – one of the Yorkshire Dales three peaks. The village with its local pubs and cafe is situated close to the railway station.
Further information for visitors to Horton-in-Ribblesdale and surrounding areas:
Horton-in-Ribblesdale Tourist Information Centre: 01729 860333.
SETTLE
The beautifully kept railway station lies a few minutes walk from the town centre.In the centre of the town, the Market Square offers a variety of different goods and services from traditional to designer goods with pleasant pubs and cafes.The TIC in the Town Hall holds a wealth of information on the surrounding area.On Tuesdays there is the weekly market with half day closing on Wednesdays.
A ten minute walk from the town centre and well worth a visit is Watershed Mill which includes local crafts in the Dalesmade Craft Centre, the Rock and Fossil shop, the Edinburgh Woollen Mill and a spacious café.
Further information for visitors to Settle and surrounding areas:
Settle Tourist Information Centre: 01729 825192
Settle Website: www.settle.org.uk
SKIPTON
This popular market town provides a great day out for all the family.Explore the imposing medieval castle and the museum; take a boat trip on the Leeds-Liverpool Canal to see the breathtaking views of the Dales.Skipton has a wide range of different shops and places to visit with an outdoor market held on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.
Further information for visitors to Skipton and surrounding areas:
Skipton Tourist Information Centre: 01756 792809
KEIGHLEY
The Keighley and Worth Valley Steam Railway provides a fantastic day out for all the family.Stop off at any of the stations on the line and explore Haworth, the Bronte Parsonage Museum, the Museum of Rail Travel and Oakworth, which was the location for the original film “The Railway Children”.
Further information for visitors to Keighley:
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway: 01535 645214, Website: www.kwvr.co.uk
BRADFORD
Visit the National Museum for Photography, Film and Television, the various art galleries, or alternatively do some shopping at the wide variety of shops and markets in the city centre.
Further information for visitors to Bradford:
Tourist Information Centre: 01274 753678.
LEEDS
Things to do in the vibrant northern city of Leeds include visits to the Royal Armouries and the Thackray Medical Museum. Leeds offers an excellent centre for shopping, particularly the speciality shopping offered in the Victoria Quarter and at the Corn Exchange.Alternatively, stay overnight and enjoy the nightlife, clubs, cinemas and the theatre.
Further information for visitors to Leeds:
Gateway Yorkshire (Tourist Information Centre at Leeds station) telephone:0113 242 5242
