Exclusive Train Journey to Celebrate Bradford’s City of Culture Status
A unique steam train journey has been organised to commemorate Bradford’s status as the UK’s City of Culture. The special train, dubbed the West Yorkshireman, will depart from Forster Square in Bradford and travel along the picturesque Settle-Carlisle line, offering passengers breathtaking views of the Yorkshire countryside. According to a spokesperson for the BBC, the train will be hauled by the preserved locomotive LMS 7P Scots Guardsman.
The journey, which marks a special occasion for Bradford, will take passengers on a scenic route through the Yorkshire Dales, before reaching the historic city of Carlisle. During their stay, passengers will have the opportunity to explore Carlisle’s notable landmarks, including the castle, cathedral, and Tullie House Museum. The return journey will take the West Coast Main Line and the Bentham Line, providing passengers with a unique perspective on the region’s diverse landscape.
As reported by the BBC, the train’s operator was established in 1992 with the aim of supporting the Settle-Carlisle line, which at one point faced closure. The company works closely with volunteers to maintain stations along the route, ensuring the line remains a vital part of the region’s transportation network.
The West Yorkshireman steam charter is a rare treat for passengers, as steam trains do not regularly call at Forster Square station, which operates as a terminus. However, for this special occasion, passengers will be able to experience the thrill of a steam-hauled journey from this unique starting point.
"We wanted to mark these events in a special way – and what could be more spectacular than a steam engine pulling out of Bradford to take in the views along the Settle-Carlisle line?" a spokesperson for the train’s operator explained, as quoted by the BBC. This sentiment reflects the excitement and anticipation surrounding the West Yorkshireman’s maiden voyage.
The Settle-Carlisle line is renowned for its stunning scenery, winding through the Yorkshire Dales and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. As highlighted by the BBC, this special train journey provides a unique opportunity for passengers to experience the line’s beauty firsthand, while also celebrating Bradford’s status as the UK’s City of Culture.
The organisers of the West Yorkshireman steam charter have confirmed that all passengers will have the chance to enjoy the historic locomotive LMS 7P Scots Guardsman, which has been lovingly preserved to its former glory. As detailed by the BBC, this iconic steam engine will haul the train throughout its journey, providing an unforgettable experience for all on board.
The special steam train journey is set to be a memorable event, celebrating Bradford’s City of Culture status and the enduring appeal of the Settle-Carlisle line. With its stunning scenery, historic locomotive, and unique starting point, the West Yorkshireman steam charter is an unmissable experience for train enthusiasts and culture lovers alike, as reported by the BBC.
