York’s original railway station to open to public for one weekend only

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The former railway station will be among a number of York buildings opening to visitors in October.

By Richard Croft, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=8983649

The public will be granted free access to a number of historic buildings across York for one weekend in October as part of York Unlocked.

On October 5 and 6, the public will have the rare opportunity to visit more than 50 historic sites in York, including the city’s former railway station.

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York’s former railway station is a Grade II listed building opened in 1841. It featured the world’s first integrated station hotel, named The Royal Station Hotel in 1854 after a visit from Queen Victoria.

The old station was originally a terminus. However it later became a part of the London to Newcastle route, meaning through-trains calling at York had to reverse out of the station to continue their journeys, inconveniencing staff and passengers. A new station was planned and opened in 1877, becoming York’s current station.

The original buildings were then redeveloped into office buildings, however many of the original features remain visible.

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Visitors will be able to join tours to see the original station building on Saturday October 5.

There will also be a chance to see an old ballroom and station master’s office at the current railway station over the weekend.

York Unlocked is a charity which works with the owners of historic buildings to open them to the public. In its third year, the 2024 programme features over 50 sites.

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Other buildings included in this year’s programme include the clock tower at the former Terry’s factory, Holgate Windmill, and the 16th century Herbet House, which is home to York Gin.

Tickets will be released on 7 and 14 September. Entry is free, however the charity accepts donations.


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