A Visit to Dewsbury Railway Station

There's a special kind of charm to an old railway station. It's a place where history and modernity intersect, where the ghosts of steam trains feel just a stone's throw away from the daily rush of commuters. Dewsbury Railway Station, located in West Yorkshire, is one such place. Opened in 1848, this station is a portal to the past, a relic of a time when Dewsbury was a true railway town, boasting four stations and several more in the surrounding area.

The station was built by the London and North Western Railway, which had acquired the lines from the original builders, the Leeds, Dewsbury and Manchester Railway. Interestingly, for a period between 1924 and 1969, the station was officially known as Dewsbury Wellington Road. While other local stations like Dewsbury Central, Dewsbury Market Place, and Thornhill have long since closed, this station remains a vital link for travelers heading to destinations like Leeds, Manchester, and York.

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A Blend of Past and Present

Walking through the station today, you can see a blend of old and new. The classic architecture of the main buildings and the ironwork of the footbridge evoke a sense of Victorian elegance. The footbridge, in particular, is a highlight, offering a fascinating view of the tracks and platforms, and it features lifts for step-free access.

The platforms themselves are well-maintained, complete with waiting rooms on each side, offering a bit of shelter from the elements. On Platform 2, you'll find a true hidden gem: The West Riding Refreshment Rooms, a pub that adds a unique touch to the travel experience. It’s easy to imagine a weary traveler from a century ago, sitting in the very same spot, enjoying a pint before their onward journey.

In the year leading up to the COVID-19 pandemic, the station was a bustling hub, serving approximately 1.622 million passengers, averaging over 31,000 per week. These numbers show that while the steam engines are gone, the railway remains an essential part of the town's life.

A trip to Dewsbury Railway Station is more than just a train ride. It's a journey into a rich and fascinating piece of local history.

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The station's Milton Walk entrance.

The connecting bridge is also a public right of way connecting Milton Walk
with the town centre via the station.

Platform 1.

Platform 2.

The West Riding Refreshment Rooms.

The station pictured from Wellington Road Bridge.

The station pictured from Platform 1.

The bridge is a fantastically maintained gem.

Taken from the end of Platform 2's canopy.

The bridge and platform 2 pictured from platform 1.

The connecting bridge taken from above platform 2.

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Ravensthorpe Station: A Quiet Enigma on the Huddersfield Line

Tucked away between Mirfield and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire lies Ravensthorpe Railway Station, a small suburban stop on the Huddersfield Line. With just 35,342 passengers in 2018-19 (around 680 people per week), it's fair to say Ravensthorpe is far from a bustling hub. You can't help but wonder if its fortunes would change dramatically with the addition of platforms serving the lines towards Wakefield, which conveniently branch off just before the station.

A Glimpse into the Past

Opened in 1890, this was actually the second station to serve the Ravensthorpe area. The first, on the Ravensthorpe branch of the Spen Valley Line, opened in 1869 but closed its doors in 1962. The current station was built with a keen eye on freight, featuring a goods shed added 42 years after the line's opening. It also boasted rather grand station buildings, which were listed for preservation before a fire led to their demolition and replacement with the basic shelters you see today.

A Character All Its Own

Ravensthorpe station possesses a unique character that's hard to put your finger on. Logically, its location within an industrial suburb of Dewsbury should give it the feel of a busy commuter stop. Yet, when you're standing on the platforms, there's an undeniable sense of rural calm, almost as if you've stumbled upon a countryside halt. It's this intriguing contrast that makes Ravensthorpe stand out.

Basic, But Functional

As for facilities, Ravensthorpe is no-frills. You'll find limited shelters on both platforms, but no toilets or ticket machines. Information boards and timetables are available, and the station is unstaffed. If you're heading to platform 2, access is via a bridge and steps.

The pictures below were taken on December 30 2019 with a Nikon d3300, Clicking any of them should open a link in another window to my Colin Green Photography store on Zazzle.

The lines to the left of the picture, there has never been a station serving
those line at this location, this may change as there are plans to demolish
and re-site the station just beyond the bridge in the picture, as part of plans to
put 4 tracks along this route.

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All the pictures remain the copyright of Colin Green.