Ribblehead Station on the Settle-Carlisle Line has been shortlisted in this year’s World Cup of Stations, a national competition celebrating Britain’s most remarkable and life-changing railway stations.
The contest marks the 200th anniversary of the world’s first paid passenger train journey, with 20 stations from across the UK selected for their unique stories and community impact.
Ribblehead’s nomination recognises not only its breathtaking location beneath the famous Ribblehead Viaduct but also its remarkable history of survival, restoration and community spirit.
Opened in 1876 (originally as Batty Green before being renamed Ribblehead a year later), the station has served as a lifeline for remote rural communities. It once hosted monthly church services led by the Vicar of Ingleton – complete with a harmonium tucked behind a billboard – and even acted as a weather station, with the stationmaster sending coded reports to the Air Ministry.
After being closed in 1970 during widespread rail cutbacks, Ribblehead’s future looked bleak until the determined Friends of the Settle-Carlisle Line led a passionate campaign to save both the station and the route itself. Their success saw the line reprieved and Ribblehead reopened in 1986.
Since then, the Settle-Carlisle Railway Trust has lovingly restored the building, transforming it into a Visitor Centre and tearoom run entirely by volunteers. With its roaring fire, homemade cakes and welcoming atmosphere, Ribblehead has become a favourite stop for travellers from across the globe.
Volunteer team leader Janet Benzie said: “It’s a very special place where you meet people from all over the world – everyone has a story about why they’ve come. It gives me something to get out of bed for in the morning and I look forward to it every week. I miss it in the winter – although not the weather!”
Visitors from countries including Australia, the Netherlands, China, Germany, Spain and the USA have all signed the guest book, describing Ribblehead as “truly unique” and “a must-visit gem of the Dales.”
Voting for the World Cup of Stations runs from Monday 13 to Friday 17 October, and supporters can cast their vote online at World Cup of Stations.
