Longridge: from Romans to railways

Longridge railway station was built in 1872. When the railway line closed in 1968 the station building was retained. It was renovated in 2010 and houses the Heritage and Visitor Centre, Longridge Town Council Offices and The Old Station Café.

Our team of volunteers will be using the Heritage Centre archives along with their knowledge of Longridge to create this pop-up museum.

Follow the route of a recently discovered Roman road and learn about the locations of former railway lines, quarries and mills.

Retrace the steps of Cromwell as he marched from nearby Stonyhurst to Preston before the Battle of Preston in 1648.

Take to the skies with the story of a rainbow hot air balloon journey in 1849.

Rediscover the railway network and stations that linked Longridge to Preston and the private light railway that carried goods and passengers to Whittingham Hospital.

Learn about the role of the “putter-outers” in the early textile industry of Longridge as they travelled between warehouse and weaver.

Find out how stone quarried in Longridge connects our town with buildings, bridges and landmarks around the North West.

Discover the clubs, organisations and events that connected people and made the community of Longridge what it is today.

Visit our “Craft Station” and take part in art projects for all ages.

We will also be bringing out our popular model railway!

Timings & Tours

Saturday 07 September:

10.00 am - 3.00 pm

Location & directions

Longridge Heritage Centre, Station Buildings, Berry Lane, Longridge, Lancashire, PR3 3JP

Directions:

Longridge Heritage Centre is situated to the left of the Towneley Arms public house on Berry Lane. Bus services available from Preston, Blackburn and Clitheroe.

Contact on day:

Anna Crouch

Telephone number:

+441772437958

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

There is a pay and display car park adjacent to the Heritage Centre. Free parking is available at the Civic Hall on Calder Avenue - a five minute walk away.

Additional information

The Preston and Longridge Railway was opened in 1840 to facilitate the movement of quarried stone from Longridge to Preston originally as a gravity railway. The potential of the railway for transporting not just stone but large quantities of coal paved the way for the construction of steam powered cotton mills. In 1848 steam trains were introduced and passenger services continued until the 1930s. The railway line was finally closed in 1968.

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