When I first heard of the Yorkshire Wolds Railway it was because I was asking permission to use some images that were donated to them of a rail disaster that I wanted to use in my book, but when my book was completed and I wanted to launch it with a talk and book signing I thought what better place than here, although with it being a bit off the beaten track I had never actually been. Formed in 2008, it was built here to preserve the history of the Malton-Driffield railway line which closed in 1958 after over 100 years’ service.
So in Summer 2025 I arranged the book launch and drove up with all my kit into a fairly large car park into what looked like a small train depot and I was instantly struck by how happy all the volunteers were who were now helping me set up. These people obviously loved being there and I could soon see why. There were several small out-houses that contained toilets and a small book shop, a marquee set up for events (that was for me today!) and further up the path was the first of several train carriages.
Stepping up onto the platform I boarded the left hand side train to find the first carriage was the museum café, a well-stocked and friendly place that also served as the gift shop and information post. The volunteers behind the counter were very cheerful and chatty and were happy to talk about the museum like it was their own pride and joy which is fantastic to see.
Moving down the carriages there are a variety of items on display relating to this part of the Yorkshire area on the railway line that has long been closed, yet the history available to see here is magnificent. The old lamps, trackside equipment, station names, models and old paperwork were preserved now for all to see and clearly cared for.
Back outside on the platform there is an actual train that takes visitors on a short ride up and down the line so that passengers can see the workings of the carriage, the points changing and have a generally pleasant train ride experience. These rides have disabled access ramps and they go very slow, so it is a joy for the children who absolutely loved it from what I could see. The ride takes around 15 minutes and the staff member in there with you was more than happy to answer questions from his hand signalling to the general workings of the train.
Later on the book launch went very well and I had to do two talks in order to fit everybody in the marquee which is always a good feeling! It was great to see so many people passionate about a museum where they volunteered and I am looking forward to working with them again in future on other projects. This is one museum that doesn’t get the publicity it deserves yet it is a must for train enthusiasts and historians alike.
For opening times, the museum website says-
“The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday and Bank Holiday from 6 April until the end of October, and every Wednesday during school holidays from 10 – 4. The visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday from 9 April until the end of October from 10 – 4.”
It is situated just outside the village of Wetwang off the A166 York to Driffield Road, East Yorkshire. For further information their website gives more details and history of the railway - www.yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk
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Richard M. Jones is an author and historian specialising in disasters and shipwrecks along with two World Wars. Spending his time between Hampshire and Yorkshire, he has put up 18 memorials to victims of forgotten tragedies and published 23 books along the way.