Shibden Railway is located in the Shibden Estate, Halifax at the bottom end of the park, which contains Shibden Hall. Initially the train was established and ran by Brian Taylor, who went on to build and run Kirklees Light Railway in Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.
17 years ago the train was bought and ran by the current owner Kenneth Norris, who made moderate changes and improvements including extending the track to the far end of the park and installing an "X" Crossing. In 2006 the train was ran briefly by a third party. In May 2008 Kenneth took back responsibility and is again running Shibden Miniature Railway.
Trains are pulled by one of two Locomotives either Ivor an 0-6-0 Saddle Tank steam Locomotive or Ivan the Diesel Electric. Unfortunately at this time the third Loco is out of commision.
Track Layout. The 10 1/4 guage train runs in a figure of 8 around the bottom of the park, the ride starts at the station and runs down the track over the "X" crossing further down the park and returns back through the cutting over the crossing, running parallel with the boating lake continuing up the small hill and over the 2 bridges, then back around the bend and through the tunnel which is used to house the Locomotives and Rolling stock when the trains are not in use, the journey ends at the starting point back at the station.
In the park there are numerous other facilities including Shibden Hall Barn and Hall Cafe, Pitch and Putt and Boating Lake. Over the past 18 months there has been a vast refurbishment scheme after receiving a Herritage Lottery Grant. The Play area was completed in 2007 and boasts a wide range of play equipment, refurbished toilets and picnic area.
Due for completion shortly is the new Visitors Centre, which is loacated across the stream from the railway , adjacent to the carpark, facilities will include Cafe, Toilets, Rangers Offices and Event hosting facilities.
The boathouse has had a massive facelift and other work has been carried out on the Hall and surrounding Gardens. For more information see Calderdale council's Website. This work has vastly improved Shibden Estate and works should be complete shortly.