Hellifield was on the 'Little North Western' line from Skipton to Clapham (see entries for Clapham and Ingleton Viaduct)and its first, modest, station was built in 1849. It boasted a magnificent overall glass roof. It was transformed when in 1880 the Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway made it a junction by extending their line from Blackburn through Clitheroe.
By this time it was on the Midland main line from Leeds to Glasgow over the Settle & Carlisle line, and therefore became an important junction, locomotive depot and goods yard.
The station of 1888 reflected this new role and its large single island platform with bays was served by a two storey stone station building and a large glass canopy supported by decorative iron columns.
Its later decline was arrested in 1994 by the Railway Heritage Trust, which raised over £500,000 for its refurbishment. The station is unstaffed. The buildings are in commercial use but open to the public at certain times. It now has more frequent train services.
It is a Grade II Listed Building.
By road: Off A65, north of Skipton
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