Diesel Service

at Middleton Railway
Leeds Available from Sat 4 Apr to Sat 26 Sept

Book Diesel Service tickets & ride behind historic diesel locomotives on Yorkshire's oldest railway line

Experience the power, character and nostalgia of vintage diesel locomotives at Middleton Railway - the diesel service offers a unique heritage journey along the world’s oldest continuously operating railway!

  • Ride behind one of Middleton Railway’s historic diesel locomotives through Leeds’ industrial landscape
  • Enjoy a smooth, powerful journey that showcases mid‑20th century locomotive engineering
  • Visit the Engine House museum to explore restored steam & diesel engines and historic exhibits
  • Relax with refreshments in the on‑site café and browse railway gifts in the shop
  • Take in scenic views on the route leading toward Middleton Park, with opportunities to disembark and explore

A diesel day at Middleton Railway offers a distinctive heritage experience - quieter than steam, but full of character, power and authenticity

  • Dates: From 4th April 2026
  • Age Restrictions: Suitable for all ages | Under 5's go free
  • Duration: Full return trip takes approx. 25 minutes
  • Departure Point: Middleton Railway Trust, The Station, Moor Rd, Hunslet, Leeds, LS10 2JQ
  • Tickets include: Return trip from Middleton Railway to Park Halt, travel behind a diesel locomotive, access to Engine House Museum, café and shop. Option to disembark at Park Halt & return at a later time. 

Ride behind historic diesel engines & discover a new perspective on Middleton Railway

A diesel day at Middleton Railway offers a distinctive heritage experience - quieter than steam, but full of character, power and authenticity. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the locomotives that defined mid‑century British industry and helped modernise rail travel.

  • Ride behind one of the  historic diesel engines as you take a journey from Moor Road to Park Halt.
  • Follow the original 18th‑century route once used to transport coal
  • Disembark and spend time in Middleton Park - maybe have a picnic!
  • Option to stay onboard and make the return journey back to Moor Road
  • At Moor Road, you can visit the cafe and shop
  • Explore the Engine House museum, featuring restored steam and diesel engines and interactive railway displays

Book your Diesel Service journey today & enjoy an unforgettable ride through living railway history!

Location

Middleton Railway

Middleton Railway Trust,
The Station,
Moor Rd,
Hunslet,
Leeds,
LS10 2JQ
Show on Google Maps

How to find us

By car:

  • From M621 Northbound:
  • Leave at junction 5, signed Hunslet and Beeston
  • At the end of the sliproad turn right onto the dual carriageway
  • After 100ish yards, take the 3rd exit at the roundabout (Moor Road)
  • You will see the entrance on the right.
  • From M621 Southbound:
  • Leave at junction 6, signed Middleton
  • At the end of the sliproad, turn left
  • Take the next left onto Moor Road
  • At the mini-roundabout, go right.
  • The entrance is on the left, just after the railway tracks in the road

By public transport:

  • There are no public transport services from Leeds City Bus Station or Leeds City Railway Station which will bring you directly to the door.

By bus:

  • There are various buses which will drop you on Dewsbury Road (2/3/200/201) or on Hunslet Carr (12/13), from where you will have a 10/15 minute walk.

By taxi:

  • Ask the driver to take you to Middleton Railway. The shop team can call for a taxi for your return journey if you wish.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Dog-friendly
  • Food and drink
More Info
Is Middleton Railway wheelchair accessible?

At Moor Road – Headquarters & Main Visitor Area:

  • The main car park is mostly surfaced with limestone chippings.
  • An asphalted section near the Engine House includes three marked disabled parking bays.
  • Level access to the Engine House is provided via a paved front ramp.
  • The front door remains open whenever the building is open to the public.

The Engine House

  • Level access is available throughout the ground floor.
  • Lifts provide access to the first floor.
  • A larger adapted toilet is available, equipped with handrails and a baby-changing unit (though not fully compliant with Changing Places standards due to the building’s age).
  • Breastfeeding is welcomed throughout the building, with clear signage displayed.
  • The café area offers movable tables and chairs, along with available high chairs.
  • Staff members are trained to assist visitors when needed.

The Display Hall & Platform

  • Level access is available throughout the display hall; however, locomotive cabs require climbing steps.
  • Benches are provided within the display hall.
  • The platform is accessible via a shallow paved ramp.
  • The platform surface is smooth asphalt with tactile paving along the edge.
  • Additional benches, including sheltered seating, are located along the platform.

On the Trains – Passenger Coaches

  • A wheelchair ramp is carried on board, and Guards are trained in its use.
  • Two passenger coaches can accommodate motorised wheelchairs.
  • One coach includes a balcony suitable for a non‑motorised wheelchair.

Special Trains

  • Some special events use goods brake vans, which are not wheelchair accessible.

At Park Halt – Destination Station

  • The station platform has a smooth surface and tactile edging.
  • Benches are available along the platform.
  • Level access is provided to and from the platform area.

Middleton Park Access

  • Footpaths from Park Halt lead directly into Middleton Park.
  • Access to the paths is level, though reaching the main park area involves a long slope.
  • Path conditions vary and are outside the railway’s control.
Where does Middleton Railway depart from?

Middleton Railway departs from the headquarters station at Moor Road.

Location: Middleton Railway Trust Ltd, The Station, Moor Rd, Hunslet, Leeds LS10 2JQ

Trips from Middleton Railway head towards Park Halt.

Location: 15 The Clearings, Belle Isle, Leeds LS10 3UU

  • Apart from Santa Specials, you are welcome to start or end your journey at either stations.
  • Tickets can be purchased from the guard if you start your journey at Park Halt.
Is there food and drink available at Middleton Railway?

Middleton Railway is host to an onsite cafe at Moor Road, offering a selection of hot and cold drinks, snacks, crisps and chocolate. 

  • You can also bring a picnic to enjoy at Middleton Park, which is accessible via the Park Halt line. 
  • Please dispose of your rubbish in the bins or take it home with you. 
Is Middleton Railway dog-friendly?

Well-behaved dogs are always welcome at Middleton Railway, and the best part? They travel free-of-charge!

  • Please keep dogs on leads at all times
  • Dogs are not allowed to sit on carriage seats
  • Water is available at Moor Road
  • Dog treats are available at the station
How long is the journey from Middleton Railway?

The track is just over 1 mile long.

  • If you complete a full return journey, you are onboard for approximately 25 minutes.
  • However, you can get off at Park Halt, and wonder around Middleton Park to break up your journey – just don’t miss the last service of the day!

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