Irlam Station and Transport Museum
A beautifully restored Victorian railway station, now a vibrant museum and cafe serving delicious homemade food.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great for families
Irlam Station and Transport Museum
Best Time
Lively atmosphere, great for families
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A beautifully restored Victorian railway station, now a vibrant museum and cafe serving delicious homemade food.
"So helpful and friendly. The food and special offers are amazing. We were there about four hours and we didn’t feel rushed."
Friendly Staff & Great Food
Staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. The food and special offers are amazing! :heart:
Explore the History
Don't miss the railway artifacts and historical facts about the area upstairs. :books:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Restored Station Building
Main Station Area
A beautifully restored building showcasing railway history and offering a cozy cafe experience.
Railway Artifacts and Signals
Museum Displays
Discover intriguing railway artifacts, including semaphore signals from different eras.
Homemade Food and Local Ale
Refectory Cafe
Enjoy delicious homemade food, cakes, and a selection of local cask ale in a comfortable setting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
A Welcoming Hub with a Rich Past
Discover Local History and Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Friendly Staff & Great Food
Staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. The food and special offers are amazing! :heart:
Explore the History
Don't miss the railway artifacts and historical facts about the area upstairs. :books:
Making the move to Manchester but currently a bit lost
Enjoy a Local Ale
Try the hand-pumped local traditional cask ale at the bar. :beer:
Perfect for Special Occasions
A great spot for celebrations like christenings or birthdays. :tada:
What are some good stations around Liverpool (preferably 1 hour or 1 hour and 30 mins away)
Tips
from all over the internet
Friendly Staff & Great Food
Staff are incredibly helpful and friendly. The food and special offers are amazing! :heart:
Explore the History
Don't miss the railway artifacts and historical facts about the area upstairs. :books:
Enjoy a Local Ale
Try the hand-pumped local traditional cask ale at the bar. :beer:
Perfect for Special Occasions
A great spot for celebrations like christenings or birthdays. :tada:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Irlam Station and Transport Museum for its incredibly friendly and helpful staff, delicious homemade food, and the warm, welcoming atmosphere of the sympathetically restored building. It's seen as a valuable community hub offering a delightful blend of history and good food.
"Hi we were there today 5 ladies for one of ladies birthday. So helpful and friendly. The food and special offers are amazing. We were there about four hours and we didn’t feel rushed. Thank you"
Janis
"Really nice place, a very comfortable cafe in an extremely well and sympathetically restored building. With some very interesting railway artefacts on display, Just had our grandson's christening here and very impressed. Staff really friendly."
Graham Jeffery
"I visited Irlam station. Partly due to my interest in railway history and secondly to see what a local charity had done to make this place into a welcoming place for people to visit. Be it for lunch, afternoon tea, or just to have a drink before waiting for train.
Irlam Station was opened by The Cheshire lines railway committee on 2nd September 1873 on their route between Manchester Central and Liverpool Central via Warrington Central and Hunts Cross.
It was renamed Irlam and Cadishead on 1st August 1879. Reverting back to Irlam on 6th May 1974.
It is now on the served by Northern rail Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Oxford Road service hourly Monday to Saturday. (Hourly from 08:30am Sundays). And hourly Transpenine express Liverpool Lime Street to Cleethorpes service Monday to Saturday only.
The Station building is now a Museum and excellent refectory serving excellent homemade food and cakes it has a bar serving a range of beers, wines, and sprits. It has a hand pump serving a local traditional cask ale.
Outside the station there is the old signal dox from Keighley Junction in The West Riding of Yorkshire. There is also a selection of semaphore signals from different parts of the railway era.
Upstairs there is another level containing information about the railway and historical facts about the area.
Irlam Station building and Refectory is open Sunday - Wednesday from 10:00am - 5:00pm
Thursday - Saturday 10.000am - 9:00pm."
Andrew McDonald
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The museum is located within Irlam Station itself. It's served by Northern Rail and TransPennine Express services. You can take the Liverpool Lime Street to Manchester Oxford Road service, or the Liverpool Lime Street to Cleethorpes service. Check local train schedules for exact timings. :train:
While the primary access is via train, there may be limited local parking options. It's best to check with local council resources or consider public transport for ease of access. :car:
The station building has been sympathetically restored, and efforts have been made to improve accessibility. It's advisable to contact the museum directly for the most up-to-date information on accessibility for specific areas. :wheelchair:
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Entry to the museum and the station building is generally free, as it functions as a community hub and cafe. However, you will need a train ticket to arrive by rail. :ticket:
The Station building and Refectory are open Sunday - Wednesday from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm, and Thursday - Saturday from 10:00 am - 9:00 pm. :clock:
The museum exhibits are part of the station experience and are typically free to view. Donations are always welcome to support the upkeep of the historical site. :gift:
🎫 compass Onsite Experience
You can find a selection of interesting railway artifacts, including semaphore signals from different parts of the railway era, and information about the station's history. :signal_strength:
Absolutely! The station features an excellent refectory serving homemade food, cakes, and a bar with a range of beers, wines, and spirits, including a local traditional cask ale. :coffee:
Yes, it's a great spot for families. The friendly atmosphere, interesting exhibits, and good food make it enjoyable for all ages. It's also been a venue for christenings and birthdays. :family_amp:
While not explicitly detailed, the station's role as a community hub suggests potential for local events. It's worth checking their local listings or social media for any upcoming activities. :calendar:
📸 📷 Photography
Yes, the sympathetically restored station building offers a charming backdrop. You can also find interesting shots with the old signal box and semaphore signals outside. Look out for 'Easter eggs' on signs! :camera:
The main station area with its architectural details and the displays of railway artifacts offer great photo opportunities. The cafe area also provides a cozy ambiance for pictures. :iphone:
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting on a weekend when the atmosphere is livelier. The outdoor signal box and semaphore signals can be particularly interesting for children to see up close. It’s a great, low-cost option for a family day out that combines a bit of learning with a tasty meal. :familyamp: :icecream:
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
Take your time to explore the upstairs exhibits detailing the area's railway history. Don't forget to sample the local cask ale at the refectory – a perfect way to reflect on the journeys of the past. The restored station building itself is a testament to the enduring appeal of railway heritage. :steamlocomotive: :railwaycar:
☕️ Cafe Lovers & Day Trippers
As a day trip destination, Irlam Station offers a blend of history, good food, and a pleasant atmosphere. It’s easily accessible by train, making it a convenient option for a short excursion. You can easily spend a few hours here, enjoying a meal, browsing the exhibits, and soaking in the ambiance. :coffee: :cake:
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Irlam Station's History
The station building itself has undergone a remarkable transformation. It's no longer just a transit point but a vibrant community hub. A local charity has lovingly restored the building, turning it into a welcoming place for visitors. This restoration has preserved its historical charm while making it a functional and inviting space for the community and tourists alike.
Beyond its operational railway status, Irlam Station now houses a museum and an excellent refectory. This dual purpose allows visitors to immerse themselves in railway heritage while enjoying modern amenities. The museum showcases various railway artifacts, and the refectory offers delicious homemade food, cakes, and a selection of drinks, making it a destination in its own right.
Experiencing the Refectory and Museum
Complementing the cafe is the transport museum, which features interesting railway artifacts. Outside the station, you can find the old signal box from Keighley Junction and a selection of semaphore signals, offering a tangible connection to railway history. Upstairs, there's an additional level dedicated to information about the railway and historical facts about the Irlam area, providing deeper insights for history enthusiasts.
Visitors often remark on the 'Easter eggs' hidden on signs, adding a fun element of discovery to the visit. The overall atmosphere is described as very nice and comfortable, with the sympathetically restored building providing a unique and charming setting. It's a place where history, good food, and community spirit converge.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit