Two historic signal boxes along the Settle Carlisle Line are being opened to visitors as part of the national Railway 200 celebrations, and to celebrate 150 years of freight travel along the line.

Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company is working with volunteers from the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line and Armathwaite Signal Boxes to provide a unique family day out.

Both Settle and Armathwaite signal boxes will be open on 3, 24 and 31 May for a guided tour and hands-on experience.  

The family day out will also include a free signal box-themed activity pack for children and a special signalman badge to commemorate the unique experience.

The journey will take passengers through North Yorkshire and into Cumbria, named the most scenic railway journey in Europe by Lonely Planet.

Pete Myers, chair of the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company, said: “To have an even 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 the 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.”

Jill Tiernan, Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line volunteer, 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 they are magical places to visit, and this is an amazing opportunity to see two in one day – plus getting to travel across the Ribblehead Viaduct. This will be a great family day out.”

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Find out further details about the events and keep up to date with future news and projects from the Settle Carlisle Railway Development Company via their website.