The Preston and Longridge Railway was opened in 1840 to facilitate the movement of quarried stone from Longridge to Preston originally as a gravity railway. The potential of the railway for transporting not just stone but large quantities of coal paved the way for the construction of steam powered cotton mills. In 1848 steam trains were introduced and passenger services continued until the 1930s. The railway line was finally closed in 1968.
Longridge railway station was built in 1872. When the railway line closed in 1968 the station building was retained. It was renovated in 2010 and houses Longridge Heritage Centre, Longridge Town Council Offices and The Old Station Café.
To celebrate Railway 200 Longridge Heritage Centre will be telling the story of the Longridge & District Railway and Longridge railway station with a newly refurbished exhibition and a display of railway artefacts.
On Wednesday 16th April between 10.00 a.m. and 2.00 p.m. we will be running a “Train Day” for families featuring our popular model railway and children’s activities.