Railway Stations as Holiday Homes

Dent Station is the highest mainline station in England at 1,150 feet above sea level. Located on the famous Settle to Carlisle line, it is reknowned as one the best known properties on one of the world's most scenic railway journeys.

Now in private ownership and following a comprehensive restoration and refurbishment in the autumn of 2006, Dent Station is available for hire as holiday accommodation on a weekly basis or longer by arrangement.

The station was first opened for public use on 6th August 1877. It was closed in 1970 and re-opened in 1986 at which time the station was sold by Railtrack.

Dent Station has a great railway history and many historians and railway enthusiasts will be familiar with the history and evolution of the Settle and Carlisle railway. Apart from being Britain's highest mainline station, it is unusual in that it is situated four miles away and 600 feet higher than the actual village of Dent. To the Northeast of the station is a matrix of snow fences created from old railway sleepers which were erected to try and keep snow off the tracks. Unfortunately these were not always successful and in the winters of 1947 and 1963 Dent Station became heavily snow bound. Unfortunately inevitable global warming means that such harsh winters are very rare these days. The recent refurbishments to the station and the incorporation of oil fired central heating and solar powered under floor heating and also a Rayburn aga means that irrespective of adverse conditions, visitors can enjoy the warmth, comfort and style of the station.

In the peak of its use, over 90 trains a day would pass through the station, though over time the east coast and west coast mainlines became more favourable and quicker routes to Scotland. Dent used to have a signal box and also a loading platform the remnants of which is still in place. This was principally used for loading cattle and coal but these facilities were withdrawn from the service in 1964 and the signal box demolished in 1981. The station itself was sold by Railtrack in 1985 and purchased by Neil Ambrose who restored the property over a period of some 20 years. In 2006 Robin Hughes purchased the station and has engaged the help of local craftsmen and experts to help restore the station to its former glory and also upgrade its living accommodation to make it a suitable, stylish, comfortable and inviting holiday accommodation for guests who want to explore the attributes of Dent and the surrounding Dales.

Photograph: Wikimedia Commons

The Old Station was once part of the King's Lynn to Hunstanton Railway Line and although the last train left Heacham Station on 3 May 1969, thanks to Dr Beeching's cuts, this quaint English railway station refused to fade away and has provided quality self-catering holiday accommodation for many years.

Since 1993, Terry & Judith Clay have owned and operated the old Heacham Station as a holiday site. Many have enjoyed this unique setting for a memorable holiday whether occupying the original Waiting Rooms or parking up their touring caravan.

Heacham Station Waiting Rooms (sleeps 2) truly take you back to a golden age long gone and affords guests an immensely relaxing experience.

This charming and unique holiday accommodation is very comfortable for two people for a relaxing and tranquil break.

In this modern age, it is not easy to find such a quaint haven for a couple to enjoy a restful get away from it all but you will find exactly that at the Old Station Waiting Rooms in Heacham.

The accommodation offered within the Waiting Rooms offers comfortable seating and a fully fitted kitchen set up with everything you need for self-catering.

The Station Masters House - A wonderful peaceful holiday base for both rail enthusiasts, holiday makers and nature lovers alike. The scale of the unique property naturally lends itself to larger families, family reunions, or groups of friends looking for something special.

This stunning 4 bedroom house, with spacious, airy rooms and classic country decor, has a real homely feel which exudes character and charm. Add to that the unique surroundings and you have a holiday home that fully deserves to be at the top of anyone's list.

The Station Masters House has been fully renovated and completely refurbished, offering high quality, self catering accommodation available all year round. This deceptively spacious accommodation sleeps 8 people in complete comfort!