As a transport enthusiast, I’m always on the lookout for opportunities to see steam trains in action. So, when I heard that the famous A1 Peppercorn steam locomotive, Tornado, would be passing through Carnforth Station on its return from Peterborough, I knew I had to make the trip. Carnforth is a fantastic place for train lovers, and this visit gave me the perfect excuse to explore not just the station, but also its heritage and the nearby Carnforth Steamtown.
Carnforth Station: A Station with History
Carnforth Station is famous in its own right. This historic railway hub played a crucial role in the days of steam and gained worldwide recognition as a filming location for David Lean’s classic 1945 film Brief Encounter. The station’s Heritage Centre and Brief Encounter Café celebrate this legacy, allowing visitors to step back in time and experience a slice of railway history.
Inside the museum, you’ll find exhibits on the station’s history, its role in wartime, and, of course, the making of Brief Encounter. The original clock, seen in the film, still hangs above the platform, making it a must-visit spot for film and train buffs alike.
Watching Tornado at Carnforth
Seeing Tornado thunder through Carnforth was a spectacular sight. Built in 2008, this A1-class locomotive is a recreation of a long-lost class of steam engine that once ruled Britain’s railways. Despite being a modern build, it retains all the charm and power of the original engines, and watching it pass by in full steam was a real highlight.
Carnforth is an ideal location for trainspotters because it sits on the West Coast Main Line, meaning you get to see a mix of high-speed Avanti West Coast Pendolinos, Northern services, and even the occasional freight train alongside heritage locomotives like Tornado.
Carnforth Steamtown: Preserving Railway Heritage
Just a short distance from the station is Carnforth Steamtown, a site with a rich railway history. This former locomotive depot was once one of the busiest steam sheds in the country and is now home to a collection of vintage locomotives and rolling stock.
Though no longer open to the public as it once was, Carnforth Steamtown remains an important hub for railway preservation. The site is used by West Coast Railways, the company responsible for running many of the UK’s heritage rail tours, including the iconic Jacobite Steam Train in Scotland. They maintain and overhaul steam and diesel locomotives here, ensuring that classic engines like Tornado and others remain in working order for future generations to enjoy.
A Must-Visit for Train Enthusiasts
Carnforth is a fantastic place for any railway fan. With its combination of historical significance, active railway traffic, and links to heritage railways, it’s well worth a visit whether you’re catching a glimpse of a special locomotive or just want to soak up the nostalgia of a bygone era.
For me, seeing Tornado in action was a thrilling experience, and the visit reminded me why I love railway history so much. If you’re ever in the area, I highly recommend a trip to Carnforth Station and the Heritage Centre, and if you’re lucky, you might just see something special steaming through!