Accessibility
Here at The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway, we are proud to welcome visitors of all ages and abilities to experience the magic of The Elf Explorer.
While some of our stations and rolling stock have historic origins and are unable to accomodate everyone, we are continually working to enhance accessibility wherever possible.
At A Glance
The Elf Explorer service includes an Accessibility Coach designed to provide dedicated space for wheelchair users and additional seating for carers, family members, and friends.
All stations, except Damems, offer ramped access to the train. An onboard ramp is also available in the Accessibility Coach. Please be aware that the ramp is steep, so extra care should be taken when boarding and alighting the train.
While there is level access between carriages, the connecting doors are narrow, making it difficult for wheelchair or mobility scooter users to travel between carriages.
Ambulatory wheelchair users are welcome to Book Seats in any part of the train, provided they can step up to the carriage from the platform. Mobility aids can be stored in the Guard’s Van and retrieved upon request. For safety reasons, wheelchairs and scooters should not be stored in aisles or vestibules or block any internal or external carriage doors.
If you book the accessibility seating for the Elf Explorer, you can also book a designated parking bay at Oxenhope Station. There are two parking bays closer to the station, and these are assigned for the Accessibility Seating.
On the day, if you require to drop off closer to Oxenhope Station before going to your pre-booked parking, ask the Parking Stewards, and they will direct you as close as safely possible.
Please visit our main webpage here for detailed information about our stations and parking, including surface descriptions and level access.
Most of our locomotive-hauled carriages were built in the 1950s and whilst fitted with toilets, access to them is impossible in a wheelchair as they are fitted with traditional narrow doors. Accessible toilets can be found at Keighley Station, Haworth Station, and Oxenhope Station.
Essential Companion Tickets are valid only with Day Rover tickets. While they are available for some special events, they are not applicable for special trains such as the Elf Explorer, Afternoon Tea, or Haworth Haddock.
You can book our Accessible Coach for The Elf Explorer service here by clicking the ‘Book Now’ button; upon completion of the form, a member of our team will be in touch.