Carnforth Station Heritage Centre

The management of the Heritage Centre has been taken over by a new steering group with effect from early October 2024. Negotiations are ongoing with the landlord, volunteers and other interested parties. The Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar is an independent franchise and will continue to operate normal working hours.

 

Home of Brief Encounter

Our award winning Heritage Centre is located within a working railway station, famously featured in the classic 1945 film ‘Brief Encounter’ directed by David Lean and starring Celia Johnson and Trevor Howard.

As you stand on Platform 1 with its vintage suitcases and railway posters, you can almost imagine the era when steam trains frequently passed through.

 

 

In 1945, David Lean stood with cameras running and film lights illuminating the winter nights, as he directed scenes for what is still considered to be one of the best British films of all time.

 

 

Step into the Heritage Centre and soak up the atmosphere of bygone times, a Victorian railway station in which is displayed a wealth of railway memorabilia.

Move into the 1940s and into life on the ‘Home Front’ during wartime Britain.

 

 

Watch ‘Brief Encounter” in our vintage mini cinema complete with tip up seats. Learn about the fascinating life of David Lean and the iconic films that he directed.

If you feel like a bit of retail therapy, we have a shop that will delight the eye and the purse!

 

 

The station was lovingly restored in 2003 after lying derelict for many years. It is now ‘staffed’ by volunteers who care passionately about the Heritage Centre and will welcome you warmly.

 

But don’t just take it from us, these are from our Trip Advisor reviews:

 

“I was left with a feeling of warmth and welcome that is hard to explain”.

“Wow, just Wow – What a fabulous place”

“Fantastic visit to a bygone time. What is not to enjoy…. a perfect visit to something you will not see anywhere else”.

Welcome to an experience of total nostalgia.