Come along, pull levers, ring bells and enjoy the experience!
Visiting one of our signal boxes is a great experience for both individuals and groups alike, volunteer-run and it’s FREE!
Our 20 lever frame is set up to act as 2 Signal Boxes in order to explain how Absolute Block Signalling is used to move trains across country.
You may join in with us and pull levers/ring bells as we explain the procedure. Once completed, for a donation, you can even be certified!
Settle Station Signal Box is run as a small working museum dedicated to mechanical-era railway signalling on the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
Dating from 1891, this type 2a Box cost £235 – today, that would be £38750. Taken out of use in 1981, it was decommissioned in 1984, and left until 1997 when the sorry looking building was rescued for preservation, reopening in April 1999. It demonstrates the principles of mechanical signalling still in use on the line today!
Admission is free, and the Signal Box is open on Saturdays from 10am until 4pm, but is closed over Christmas and New Year.
The current Armathwaite Station Signal Box was built to replace an earlier signal box which was destroyed by fire. The signalbox closed for rail operations on the 15th of January 1983. It was leased to the Friends of the Settle Carlisle Line (FoSCL) in 1992 and it has since been fully restored to its Midland Railway appearance (the yellow-and-red paint scheme is authentic).
It is a standard timber-built “Midland type 2b” design measuring 12’6 x 11’6 x 8’0. It was built (in kit form) in the Midland Railway Company’s signalling workshops in Derby, then erected on its current site at a cost of £260. It opened on the 16th of July 1899. It houses a 16-lever ‘tumbler’ locking frame. The signal box is still owned by Network Rail, but it is classed as a ‘non-operational heritage asset’. It is now maintained by a small but dedicated group of volunteers. The original lever-frame is still in position and the signal box has been furnished with a number of interesting exhibits relating to both the signal box and to the famous Settle-Carlisle Railway that runs right alongside.
You can keep up to date with us via our Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/people/Armathwaite-signal-box/100064781586943/ and contact us by email armathwaitesignalbox@gmail.com
Admission is free but, if you would like to make a donation to help cover the cost of maintaining this historic structure, it will be gratefully received as repairing and re-painting the woodwork is a never-ending task. The Signal Box is open to the public for accompanied tours most Sunday’s (usually 10:00 to 16:00) and access can also be arranged at other times with a few days notice via the button at the bottom of this page. In addition, if a FoSCL volunteer is working in the signal box or on the station when you visit Armathwaite, just ask if it is convenient to have a look round the signal box.
Gaining access to the Signal Boxes involves climbing/descending the steep and narrow staircase which are visible in the photographes. Regrettably, this means there is no wheelchair access to the Signal Box.
FREE guided walks for varying levels from stations on the Leeds-Settle-Carlisle Line – no need for a car and no need to book – just meet us at the station!
Why not plan a visit with your friends, organisation, community group or school party along the line?
A dedicated team of on train guides travel with pre-booked groups describing the stunning scenery along the line along with all the wonderful facts & figures you always wanted to know about the Settle-Carlisle Railway.
Explore, discover, relax and enjoy the magic of Ribblehead. We welcome railway enthusiasts, historians, walkers, the photographer, the geologist, the botanist, the cake eater and anyone looking for a great day out.
