Passengers leave the train at Wirksworth Station
...the heart of where it all began! Wirksworth is a large station at the northerly end of the line and is our main base. North of Wirksworth, the line climbs a steep incline to Ravenstor (for the National Stone Centre).
Current Opening Times
Operating Season: Open daily 09:45 to 18:00 on operating days, 10:00 to 16:00 on non-operating days
Winter: Open 10:00 to 16:00 Saturday and Sunday only
Brief History
Wirksworth Station was built along with the line in 1867. It was home to a beautiful Midland Railway station building with one platform. When passenger traffic ceased in 1947, the station building was mothballed before being demolished in the 1960's to make way for a stone loading dock. A shunter's cabin (a very small mess building) was erected on the station site instead to aid the stone traffic before this too was mothballed when the goods traffic ended in 1989. This cabin now forms part of our Wirksworth Station today.
See our history of the line page for a more indepth look at the station.
Taking a picnic on the platform
Train Services
You can catch the following services at Wirksworth Station:
- Services up the 1 in 27 incline to Ravenstor from Platform 3
- Services to Duffield calling at Idridgehay from Platform 2 (occassionally Platform 1)
A bite to eat?
Step inside our charming buffet car, a converted railway carriage, to relax during your day. The buffet car, normally open on operating days, serves a range of tea, coffee and cold drinks, along with selected hot and cold meals.
Little Trains
At the end of the car park you will find our little narrow gauge running on selected operating days. The short ride takes you through the big trains yard to the waterfall, which some say is the origin of the River Ecclesbourne.
Across from the Booking Hall is a miniature gauge railway which also operates on selected days. This line is a bit of fun for the family.
Getting smaller we have the Model Railway layouts located at the end of Platform 1. The layouts are currently in 00 and N gauge and are available for viewing on operating Saturdays from 10:00 until 16:00.
Our team of volunteers running the model railway display
Picnic and Play Area
Located above the yard at Wirksworth, the Picnic and Play Area is a perfect area for you to relax and have lunch whilst the kids play. It is located where you can watch the goings-on in the yard.
Museum
There is a museum at the station containing historic railway artifacts related to our line. The museum is normally open every day in the summer.
Book Shop
The Ecclesbourne Valley Railway Association operate a second hand book shop on the station, which is normally open on operating days.
Getting to Wirksworth Station
Please see our Finding Us page for directions.
A view across Wirksworth Station
Around Wirksworth Station
Wirksworth is a beautiful town with Roman origins. There are many interesting places to visit around the town, so why not venture out and we'll see you on a later train?
Heritage Centre
The Heritage Centre tells the story of Wirksworth and is located very close to the station.
The Factory Shop
Step inside an old mill to browse the range of clothes and accessories on offer at the Factory Shop.
Carsington Water
Carsington Water is a popular tourist attraction set around the reservoir. Here there are many walks, water sports and even cylcing activities. Carsington Water is situated just over a mile from the station.
There are many other attractions around Wirksworth so do not hesitate to ask at the Booking Hall if you would like a leaflet.
