Northampton & Lamport Railway

The Northampton & Lamport Railway is situated 5 miles north of Northampton just off the A508. The railway offers a complete day out for families and rail enthusiasts alike. Re-discover the fun and romance of the steam age. SUNDAY SPECIAL You can ride on a train hauled by steam or classic diesel locomotive every Sunday and Bank Holiday from the start of March throughout the year until the end of December. As well as regular weekly openings, we have frequent fun weekends, and special events through the year. This year we have lined up three Thomas The Tank Engine Events, Father's and Mother's Day specials, Easter Egg Specials and Bank Holiday Weekends. We also have gala events for enthusiasts.

ROLLING STOCK

Our present motive power roster includes a number of working steam and classic diesel locomotives, some of which carry the 2E shed plate in honour of Northampton's steam depot which closed in the 1960's. Further locomotives can be seen in various stages of restoration. Our restored coaches provide a comfortable seat from which to view the Northamptonshire countryside. HISTORY ON YOUR DOORSTEP The Northampton to Market Harborough branch was designed by George R Stephenson and George Bidder and was opened in 1859. It had six stations and two tunnels (Kelmarsh 322yards and Oxendon 462 yards) along its 15 mile length. The branch carried goods and passengers throughout most of its commercial life, but had an erratic period in the 1960's and 1970's when passenger traffic was stopped and started a number of times. On 16th of August 1981 the line was finally closed by British Railways. THE PERFECT DAY OUT The railway offers a good value day out for all generations. Full facilities are provided including: Car parking facilities for all visitors. The Platform 3 Buffet Car (Located in a restored main line buffet coach). Souvenir shop with a wide range of railway souvenirs, books videos and toys. Ice creams, hot & cold drinks and light snacks are normally available. The Brampton Valley Way linear park provided by Northamptonshire County Council also runs along most of the Northampton to Market Harborough trackbed. A NEW ERA The end of one era saw the beginning of a new one. Only weeks after the closure of the line, a group was formed with a view to re-open the line between Market Harborough and Northampton. Three years later the Society started to re-build the railway in the old goods yard at Pitsford & Brampton Station. After years of hard work and fund raising, the first passengers were carried along the re-opened section in November 1995. The line was officially re-opened on 31st march 1996, and has been growing in popularity with the passing of every year. At present the line is just under a mile long, but work is in progress on the restoration of a bridge, the completion of which will allow the line to be extended.

PRIVATE CHARTERS AND EDUCATIONAL VISITS The railway can offer private hire of whole trains or individual coaches for birthday parties, receptions or corporate entertainment. School trip, youth group and society bookings are also welcome. Please ask at the Booking Office or send SAE for further details.

Location of Northampton & Lamport Railway From Northampton proceed out through Kingsthorpe along the A508. At Pitsford turn left towards Chapel Brampton. From the South proceed down either the A508 and turn right at Pitsford or down the A50 and turn left at Chapel Brampton. The Station can be found on the North side of the road about 1/3 way along from Chapel Brampton to Pitsford.