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List of closed railway lines in the United Kingdom

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

This list is for railway lines across Great Britain and Northern Ireland, which are now abandoned, closed, dismantled or disused. Within the United Kingdom, examples exist of opened railways which formerly constituted cross-country main trunk lines as well as many more which served more local, or exclusively industrial, needs.

Some of the included lines have re-opened, in part or in full, following a period of closure. Such reopenings have taken the form of independent preserved heritage railways, and of expansions to state-backed National Rail and local rapid transit/light rail networks. Many more of these lines have converted to cycleways, footpaths or highways.

England

[edit]
Name of line Builder(s) Route (from/to) Closure date Notes
Abbotsbury Railway Abbotsbury to Upwey 29 November 1952
Alcester–Hatton branch line Great Western Railway Alcester to Hatton,
via Great Alne
1947 (to passengers)
1951 (to all traffic)
Aldeburgh branch line Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Saxmundham to Aldeburgh via
Leiston and Thorpeness
12 September 1966 Part of the branch still open (freight only)
Aldridge–Brownhills branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Aldridge to Chasewater,
via Brownhills
1930 (to passengers)
1962 (to all traffic)
Part of the Line, (north of Brownhills) now preserved as the Chasewater Railway.
Allhallows-on-Sea to Stoke Junction SR Stoke Junction to Allhallows 4 December 1961 Southern branch off the Hoo branch line (off the
North Kent Line) (opened 14 May 1932)
Alnmouth–Alnwick branch line York, Newcastle and Berwick Railway YN&BR
(LNER)
Alnmouth to Alnwick 29 January 1968 (to all traffic) Most of the former branch now being restored from a resited Alnwick terminus, as the Aln Valley Railway.
Ambergate–Pye Bridge line Midland Railway (LMS) Pye Bridge to Ambergate, (via Butterley) 1968 A 312 Mile section of the line, now preserved forming the Midland Railway – Butterley.
Amesbury and Military Camp Light Railway LSWR Grately to Bulford Camp 1963
Ardsley to Laisterdyke line Great Northern Railway (LNER) Laisterdyke to Ardsley,
via Dudley Hill and Morley
3 July 1966 (to passengers)
13 March 1968 (to freight)
1981 (to all traffic)
Opened by the Leeds, Bradford & Halifax Joint Rly
before taken over by the GNR in 1865
Ashbourne line London & North Western Railway (LMS) Uttoxeter and Ashbourne to Buxton line 30 October 1954 (to regular passenger traffic)
October 1967 (to freight traffic).
Most of the line now survives as a walk/cycle path called the Tissington Trail
Ashover Light Railway Clay Cross Company Clay Cross to Ashover 14 September 1936 (to passengers)

31 March 1950 (to all traffic)

Axholme Joint Railway Goole to Haxey 15 July 1933 (to passengers)

5 April 1965 (to all traffic)

Axminster-Lyme Regis branch line London and South Western Railway (Southern Railway) Axminster to Lyme Regis via Combpyne 29 November 1965 (to all traffic)
Bacup branch line Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (LMS) Stubbins Junction to Bacup, via Rawtenstall, Clough Fold and Stacksteads 1966 (to regular traffic)
1972 (to all traffic)
Part of the former branch (through Stubbins Junction to Rawtenstall, via Irwell Vale), now preserved as part of the East Lancashire Railway.
Banbury and Cheltenham Direct Railway Great Western Railway Cheltenham to Banbury    
Banbury to Verney Junction branch line Buckinghamshire Railway (GWR) Banbury to Verney Junction (Where it joined the Varsity Line) January 1961 Freight services lasted until June 1966
Bank Top Colliery Line North Staffordshire Railway (LMS) Blythe Bridge to Bank Top 1965 Portion of the Line, now preserved as the
Foxfield Railway.
Mostly a Colliery Line, throughout its heyday.
Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale branch line Tees Valley Railway (LNER) Barnard Castle to Middleton-in-Teesdale 30 November 1964 (to passengers)
5 April 1965 (to all traffic)
Barnsley Coal Railway Stairfoot Junction to Nostell 1930 (to passengers)

1961 (to all traffic)

Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway London and South Western Railway (SR) Basingstoke to Alton 1932 (to passengers)
19?? (to freight)
Batley-Beeston Line Great Northern Railway (LNER) Beeston Junction to Batley, via
Tingley and Woodkirk
1939 (to passengers)
1964 (to all traffic)
Some parts of the Line still exist... Tingley Viaduct (still stands), as do both Tingley and Woodkirk train station sites (both of whom long overgrown), and Soothill Tunnel.
Tingley railway station, was also A Junction station on both the Loop Line, and the Ardsley to Laisterdyke line.
Bawtry to Haxey railway line GNR Bawtry to Haxey 1 April 1965
Bedford–Hitchin line Midland Railway Bedford to Hitchin 30 Dec 1961 (to passengers)

1964 (to freight)

Bedford–Northampton line Midland Railway (LMS) Bedford to Northampton 1962 (to passengers)
1981 (to all traffic)
Benwick Goods Railway Great Eastern Railway (LNER) 1966 (to all traffic)
Bexhill West branch line SER Crowhurst to Bexhill West 15 June 1964
Billingham-on-Tees to Port Clarence branch line Clarence Railway/
NER (LNER)
Billingham-on-Tees to Port Clarence/Seal Sands Power Station, via Belasis Lane and Haverton Hill 11 September 1939 (to passengers, east of Haverton Hill)
14 June 1954 (to regular passengers, west of Haverton Hill)
6 November 1961 (to all passengers)
2 November 1964 (to goods)
The line remains open to freight traffic from the chemical and biochemical processing plant cluster around Haverton Hill and Seal Sands
Birkenhead Dock Branch LMS Rock Ferry to Bidston Dock, via Mollington Street and Canning Street 16 February 1985 (to passenger traffic)
1987 (to regular goods)
2008 (to all traffic)
Entire branch line still extant, but disused
Birkenhead Railway Hooton to West Kirkby 17 September 1956 (to passengers)

May 1962 (to all traffic)

Birmingham Snow Hill to Wolverhampton Low Level Line GWR Birmingham to Wolverhampton 1972 (to passengers)

August 1992 (to all traffic)

Part reopened as part of the Jewellery Line. Part reopened as part of the West Midlands Metro
Bishops Castle Railway Craven Arms to Bishops Castle 1935
Bishop's Stortford–Braintree branch line Bishop's Stortford to Braintree 3 March 1952 (to passengers)

17 February 1972 (to all traffic)

Blenheim and Woodstock branch line Private (absorbed by GWR) Kidlington to Woodstock March 1954
Blyth and Tyne Railway B&TR/NER (LNER) A former network of primarily colliery lines in south east Northumberland and North Tyneside 2 November 1964 (to passengers, north of Backworth and Monkseaton)
1971-1983 (in stages, to all traffic on North Tyneside Loop)
Some of the former B&TR constituted part of the North Tyneside Loop which was officially incorporated into the Tyne and Wear Metro on 11 August 1980.
Much of the northern section of the network remains open for freight traffic serving the Port of Blyth and Lynemouth Power Station; as of July 2020, there is an active project seeking to reintroduce a Newcastle to Ashington passenger service using much of this surviving freight network.
A section of B&TR's original main line was reopened during the 1970s as a test track for the Tyne and Wear Metro rolling stock and is now largely preserved (between Percy Main and Middle Engine Lane) as the North Tyneside Steam Railway.
Bolton and Leigh Railway Kenyon Junction to Bolton 29 March 1954 (to passengers)

1969 (to all traffic)

Bordon Light Railway Bentley to Bordon 16 September 1957 (to passengers)

4 April 1966 (to all traffic)

Brampton Railway 28 March 1953 (to all traffic)
Brentford branch line Great Western Railway Southall to Brentford Dock 4 May 1942 (to passengers)
December 1970 (to regular freight)
Part of the Line still extant
Brightlingsea branch line Tendring Hundred Railway Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea    
Brill Tramway Brill to Quainton Road 30 November 1935
Bristol and North Somerset Railway Great Western Railway Frome to Bristol 1958-9 (to passengers)
1963 (to all traffic)
Bristol and South Wales Union Railway Bristol to Portskewett 23 November 1964
Bristol Port Railway and Pier Hotwells to Avonmouth 1922 (Hotwells branch) Portions of the line remain in use as part of the Severn Beach line
Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway GWR/
LSWR (Southern Railway)
Bodmin Road to Wadebridge (via Bodmin General, Boscarne Junction and Grogley) 1967 (to passengers)
197? (to freight)
1983 (to all traffic)
612-mile stretch of the line now preserved, as the
Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
Botley to Bishops Waltham branch line LSWR Botley to Bishops Waltham 1962  
Bourn and Essendine Railway GNR Bourne to Essendine 18 June 1951
Bourne and Sleaford Railway GNR Bourne to Sleaford 22 September 1930 (to passengers)

2 April 1965 (all traffic)

Bridport Railway GWR Maiden Newton to Bridport 22 September 1930 (to passengers)

1965 (to all traffic)

Buckinghamshire Junction Railway 8 Nov 1965
  South Eastern Railway (SR) Rochester Bridge Junction to Chatham Central 1 Oct 1911 SER branch from North Kent Line to rival LCDR's Chatham Main Line – closed with advent of SECR circa 1890s
Bumble Hole line GWR Old Hill to Blowers Green 1964 (to passengers)

January 1968 (to all traffic)

Buntingford branch line GER St Margarets to Buntingford 14 November 1964 (to passengers)

17 September 1965 (to goods)

Cambridge and St Ives branch line Cambridge to St Ives 5 October 1970 (to passengers)

May 1992 (to all traffic)

Forms part of the Cambridgeshire Guided Busway
Cambridge to Mildenhall line GER Cambridge to Mildenhall 1965
Camerton branch line Great Western Railway Limpley Stoke to Hallatrow 21 September 1925 (to passengers)
15 February
1951 (to all traffic)
Canterbury and Whitstable Railway (SR)   Whitstable Harbour to Canterbury North Lane 1952-1953 known as the "Crab and Winkle Line" – 1830–1952
Cargo Fleet to Eston branch line Cleveland Railway/
NER (LNER)
Cargo Fleet to Eston 11 March 1929 (to passengers)
3 October 1966
(to all traffic)
The line followed the northern section of the earlier Cleveland Railway mineral line which had originally continued south to Guisborough and Brotton via a number of inclines but this section was dismantled in 1873. The line paralleled an earlier branch which ran to the east of the settlement of Eston (known as the Eston Mines branch) and which carried an intermittent passenger service during the 19th Century.
Carlisle and Silloth Bay Railway Carlisle to Silloth 1932 (to passengers)

1964 (to all traffic)

Castleford–Garforth line NER Castleford to Garforth January 1951 (to passengers)

6 June 1998 (to all traffic)

Castle Donington Line Midland Railway 21 September 1930 (to passengers) Regular passenger service withdrawn and stations closed in 1930. Line remains open to freight and is occasionally used for diverted passenger services
Castle Eden Railway North Eastern Railway (LNER) Thornaby to Wellfield, via Thorpe Thewles 2 November 1931 (to passengers)
2 April 1951 (to goods)
1968 (to all traffic)
Stopping passenger services only ever ran over the line north of Redmarshall Junction, south of which they used the Stillington line to reach Stockton.
The southern section of the line was electrified as part of the NER's 1914 Shildon to Newport electrification project but was subsequently de-electrified by the LNER in 1935.
Most of the route reused as the Castle Eden Walkway.
Cawood, Wistow and Selby Light Railway Cawood to Selby 1 January 1930 (to passengers)

23 May 1960 (to all traffic)

Castleton to Bolton Line Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly Bolton to Castleton,
via Darcy lever, Bradley Fold and Broadfield
5 October 1970 (to all traffic) Four mile stretch of track (between Bury and Heywood) now preserved as part of the East Lancashire Railway.
Maryport and Carlisle Railway (Bolton/Mealsgate Loop) LMS Maryport to Carlisle,
via Baggrow and High Blaithwaite
1930 (to passengers)
1952 (to all traffic)
Chard branch line Bristol & Exeter Rly/LSWR (Joint) Chard Junction to Taunton, via Donyatt, Hatch and Thornfalcon 10 September 1962 (to passengers)
6 July 1964 (to goods)
3 October
1966 (to all traffic)
Charnwood Forest Railway Coalville to Loughborough 13 April 1931 (to passengers)

12 December 1963 (to all traffic)

Cheadle branch line Cresswell to Cheadle 17 June 1963 (to passengers)

1989 (to all traffic)

Cheddar Valley line Great Western Rly Witham Friary to Yatton, via Cranmore,
Shepton Mallet, Wells, Lodge Hill and Congresbury
1963 (to passengers)
1971 (to goods)
1985 (to all traffic)
A 212-mile stretch of the line now preserved, as the
East Somerset Railway.
Chester and Birkenhead Railway C&BR/
Birkenhead Railway (London & North Western Railway and Great Western Railway Joint Line) (LMS/GWR)
Chester to Birkenhead Grange Lane/Monks Ferry/Woodside, via Mollington, Capenhurst, Ledsham, Hooton, Spital, Bebington, Rock Ferry and Birkenhead Town 5 November 1967 (to all traffic, north of Rock Ferry) Originally terminated at Birkenhead Grange Lane in 1840–1844, before being diverted to new termini at Monks Ferry (until 1878) and Woodside (until 1967).
Constituted the most northerly section of the GWR London Paddington to Birkenhead (for Liverpool) main line.
Line remains open south of Rock Ferry as part of the Chester branch of Merseyrail's Wirral line.
Chester and Connah's Quay Railway Chester to Shotton 1968 (to passengers)

1992 (to all traffic)

Chester Northgate to Hawarden Bridge line MSLR (LNER) Chester Northgate to Hawarden Bridge via Blacon and Saughall 9 September 1968 (to passengers)
199? (to all traffic)
The line was closed to all traffic during 20 April 1984 to 31 August 1986 but reopened again for goods until the early 1990s.
Chevington to Amble branch line YN&BR (LNER) Chevington to Amble 7 July 1930 (to passengers)
14 December 1964 (to goods)
6 October 1969 (to all traffic)
Though the branch opened for mineral traffic to Warkworth Harbour (Amble) in 1849, passenger services were not introduced until 1879.
Chippenham and Calne line Great Western Railway Chippenham to Calne 1965
Churnet Valley line North Staffordshire Railway (LMS) North Rode (via Leek, Cheddleton and Oakamoor) to Uttoxeter 4 January 1965 (to passengers)
3 July 1970 (to freight traffic)
1988 (to all traffic)
Part of the line (based at Rudyard) re-laid to 10+14 in (260 mm) Gauge, forming the Leek and Rudyard Railway.

Also, the line between Leekbrook Junction and Oakamoor Sand Sidings now preserved, as the Churnet Valley Railway.
Clayton West branch line L&YR (LMS) Shepley Junction to Clayton West (via Skelmanthorpe) 24 January 1983 (to all traffic) A Stretch of the branch, re-laid to 15-inch Gauge as the Kirklees Light Railway.
Cleator and Workington Junction Railway London and North Western Railway (LMS) Workington to Cleator Moor 196? (to passengers)
1992 (to all traffic)
Clevedon branch line Bristol and Exeter Railway Yatton to Clevedon 3 October 1966
Clowne Branch MR Creswell to Staveley 5 July 1954 (to passengers)

20 July 2013 (to all traffic)

Coalport branch line LNWR Hadley to Coalport 1952 (to passengers)

6 July 1964 (to all traffic)

Cockermouth and Workington Railway LNWR (LMS) Workington to Cockermouth 196?
Cockermouth, Keswick and Penrith Railway LNWR (LMS) Penrith to Cockermouth (via Blencow, Troutbeck, Keswick and Bassenthwaite) 6 March 1972 Most of the line, still remains, but now survives as a path
Coley branch line Great Western Railway (GWR) Southcote Junction to Reading Central goods depot July 1983 Used in part as a walking route, and in part by the A33 road
Colne Valley and Halstead Railway CV&HR Chappel & Wakes Colne to Haverhill 30 December 1961 (to passengers)
April 1965 (to all traffic)
Opened in stages from 1860 to 1863. In 1865, the GER opened a spur to Haverhill North and the LNER closed Haverhill South to passengers in 1924.

Part of the route, now survives as the preserved
Colne Valley Railway and the East Anglian Railway Museum is located at Chappel and Wakes Colne Station.
Coniston Railway Foxfield to Coniston 6 October 1958 (to passengers)

30 April 1962 (to all traffic)

Cornhill Branch North Eastern Railway
(LNER)
Alnwick to Coldstream 22 September 1930 (to passengers)
29 March 1965 (to all traffic)
Passenger services were temporarily restored during World War II to serve RAF Milfield. Destruction of a bridge during a storm in August 1948 closed the Ilderton to Wooler section before the remainder of the line, splitting it in two. The remaining Alnwick to Ilderton and Coldstream to Wooler sections closed on 2 March 1953 and 29 March 1965, respectively.
Corringham Light Railway Kynoch Thames Haven to Corringham via Kynochtown (now Coryton) 1952 Built under the 1896 Light Railways Act to link Kynoch's explosives factory to the London, Tilbury and Southend Railway at Thames Haven and to Corringham. Corringham section closed 1952, remainder in upgraded form serves Coryton Refinery. (1900/1-1952).
Cranleigh line Horsham & Guildford Direct Railway Horsham to Guildford via Cranleigh 14 June 1965  
Cranwell branch GNR Sleaford to Cranwell November 1926 (to passengers)

August 1956 (to all traffic)

Cromford and High Peak Railway        
Cross Gates–Wetherby line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Cross Gates to Wetherby via
Scholes, Thorner, Bardsey and Collingham Bridge
1964-65
Crystal Palace and South London Junction Railway London, Chatham, and Dover Railway (LCDR) Nunhead to Crystal Palace 20 September 1954
Cuckoo Line LB&SCR Polegate to Tunbridge Wells via Eridge 1965
Culm Valley Light Railway GWR Tiverton Junction to Hemyock 1963
Darlington and Barnard Castle Railway Darlington and Barnard Castle Railway (LNER) North Road to Barnard Castle 30 November 1964 (to passengers)
5 April 1965 (to all traffic)
Dauntsey–Malmesbury branch line Great Western Railway Dauntsey to Malmesbury 1962
Dearne Valley Railway Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Brierley to Doncaster 10 September 1951
Deerness Valley branch line North Eastern Rly Durham to Crook, via Ushaw Moor and Waterhouses 29 October 1951 (to passengers)
28 December 1964 (to all traffic)
Though line opened to serve collieries in 1858, a passenger services was not introduced until 1877 and only ever operated east of Waterhouses.
Delph Donkey LNWR Delph to Oldham April 1955 (to passengers)

November 1963 (to all traffic)

Derbyshire and Staffordshire extension Great Northern Railway 1964 (to passengers)

1968 (to freight)

Derwent Branch Maryport and Carlisle Railway Bullgill to Brigham 29 April 1935
Derwent Valley Railway North Eastern Rly Scotswood to Consett, via
Swalwell, Rowlands Gill, Ebchester, Shotley Bridge and Blackhill
1 February 1954 (to passengers)
11 November 1963 (to all traffic)
Derwent Valley Light Railway North Eastern Railway York to Selby, via Layerthorpe, Dunnington and Wheldrake 27 September 1981 (to all traffic) A short section of the line at the Yorkshire Museum of Farming is now preserved as a heritage railway (of the same name).
Devizes branch line Great Western Railway Patney & Chirton to Holt Junction, via Devizes and Bromham 1966 (to all traffic)
Devon and Cornwall Railway LSWR Exeter to Plymouth 1968 Opened in 1862. Closed between Meldon Junction and Bere Alston. Remainder of line still in use, mostly as a freight line.[1]
Part of the Line (between Okehampton and Yeoford) now preserved as the Dartmoor Railway.
Devon and Somerset Railway GWR Taunton to Barnstaple, via Dulverton, South Molton and Swimbridge 1966
Didcot, Newbury and Southampton Railway DN&SR Didcot to Shawford Junction 1967  
Doe Lea branch line Midland Railway 1930
Dover Marine or Dover Western Docks       For boat trains from Chatham Main Line / SER Main Line
Downham and Stoke Ferry Railway GER Downham to Stoke Ferry 22 September 1930 (to passengers)

1982 (to all traffic)

Driffield to Malton line North Eastern Railway Malton to Driffield,
via Wharram, Burdale and Wetwang
1958 (to all traffic) Part of the line is being rebuilt as the heritage Yorkshire Wolds Railway.
Duffield–Wirksworth branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Duffield to Wirksworth
(via Hazelwood, Shottle and Iridgehay)
1947 (to passengers)
196? (to goods)
1989 (to all traffic)
Entire branch line now preserved as the
Ecclesbourne Valley Railway.
Dungeness branch line South Eastern Railway Appledore Junction to Dungeness,
via, Lydd Town
1967 (to passengers) Part of the line still open to serve Dungeness Power Station
Dunstable Branch Lines London and North Western Railway (LNWR)/Hertford, Luton and Dunstable Railway Leighton Buzzard to Welwyn via Dunstable 26 April 1965 (to passengers)

1990 (to goods)

Track between Leighton Buzzard and Dunstable removed shortly after passenger services withdrawn.

Line between Dunstable and the Midland Main Line (at Luton) remained open until 1990. Luton to Dunstable Busway uses the old trackbed.

Durham to Bishop Auckland Line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Durham to Bishop Auckland, via Brancepeth and Hunwick 4 May 1964 (to passengers)
10 August 1964 (to goods)
1968 (to all traffic)
Durham to Sunderland line Durham and Sunderland Railway/
NER (LNER)
Durham Elvet/Shincliffe Town to Sunderland, via Pittington, Hetton, Murton and Ryhope 1 January 1931 (to passengers, west of Pittington)
5 January 1953 (to passengers, east of Pittington)
11 January 1954 (to all traffic, west of Pittington)
3 April 1960 (to all traffic, west of Hetton)
11 November 1964 (to all traffic, west of Murton)
1991 (to all traffic, east of Murton)
The line originally terminated outside of the City of Durham at Shincliffe Town station but the section between there and Sherburn House closed on 24 July 1893 when the route into Durham Elvet opened.
Partially converted to footpath (part of the Hart to Haswell Walkway, east of Murton).
Dursley branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Coaley Junction to Dursley 1962 (to passengers)
1968 (to freight)
1970 (to all traffic)
Easingwold Railway Alne to Easingwold 29 November 1948 (to passengers)

30 December 1957 (to all traffic)

East and West Yorkshire Union Railway Stourton to Lofthouse 1 October 1904 (to passengers)

3 October 1966 (to all traffic)

East Kent Light Rlys       A series of lines built under the 1896 Light Railways Act from 1911 to 1917 around the East Kent Coalfield. Closed with decline of coalfield.
Part of the line, between (Shepherdswell and Eythorne) now preserved as the East Kent Railway.
East Lincolnshire line Great Northern Railway (LNER) Boston to Grimsby, (via Firsby, Louth and Ludborough) 1970 (to passengers)
1980 (to all traffic)
A Section of the Line, now preserved forming the Lincolnshire Wolds Railway.

Whilst other part of the line from Boston to Skegness remains open (as part of the national network).
Eden Valley line Stockton and Darlington Railway (LNER) Penrith to Kirkby Stephen (via Temple Sowerby and Warcop) 1962/63 Part of the line, now survives (between Appleby East and Warcop) as the preserved Eden Valley Railway.
Elham Valley line SER Canterbury West to Folkestone West, via
Bishopsbourne and Elham
1947 Opened in 1890 by SER, lasted until 1947. Branch Line ran for 16 miles
Elsenham & Thaxted Light Railway Elsenham & Thaxted Light Railway Elsenham to Thaxted 15 September 1952 (to passengers)
1 June 1953 (to all traffic)
Last rail line built in Essex (1913), until the construction of Stansted Airport railway station (1991)
Ely and St Ives Railway GER Ely to St Ives 2 February 1931 (to passengers)

5 October 1964 (to all traffic)

Eryholme–Richmond branch line Y&NR Eryholme to Richmond 1969 Opened in 1846. Catterick sub-branch constructed during WWI
Exe Valley Line GWR Dulverton to Exeter St David's, via Tiverton and Cadeleigh 7 October 1963
Eye Branch Mellis to Eye 2 February 1931 (to passengers)

13 July 1964 (to all traffic)

Fairford branch line Oxford, Witney and Fairford Railway (GWR) Yarnton to Fairford,
via Witney
18 June 1962 (to passengers)
2 November
1970 (to all traffic)
Fairlop Loop Great Eastern Railway Woodford to Ilford 1956 Woodford to Newbury Park was transferred to London Underground Central line in 1947–8, but Ilford and Seven Kings to Newbury Park connections removed by 1956. Freight trains on remaining section operated by BR until 1965
Fallowfield Loop Great Central Rly (LNER) Manchester Central to
Fairfield, via Fallowfield
1983-8 (to all traffic)
Fareham–Gosport Line LSWR Fareham to Gosport 6 June 1953 (to passengers)

6 January 1969 (to all traffic)

Fawley branch line Southern Railway Totton to Fawley,
via Hythe
14 February 1966 (to passengers)
1 September 2016 (to all traffic)
Part of the line, still extant as far as Marchwood
Goods traffic continued onto Fawley Refinery until 2016.
Ferryhill to Bishop Auckland line Clarence Railway/
NER (LNER)
Ferryhill to Bishop Auckland, via Spennymoor and Byers Green 4 December 1939 (to passengers, west of Spennymoor)
31 March 1952 (to passengers, east of Spennymoor)
2 June 1958 (to all traffic, west of Spennymoor)
2 May 1966 (to all traffic, east of Spennymoor)
As originally built, this line continued west from Byers Green towards Billy Row via the West Durham Railway and intermittent passenger services operated over the line to Tod Hills during the mid 19th Century. A more permanent passenger service was later introduced when the NER diverted the line's western terminus to Bishop Auckland in 1885.
Filey (Butlins Triangle) branch line London & North Eastern Railway Hunmanby to Filey, via
Filey Holiday Camp
17 July 1977 former station site, still standing/clearly visible, though disused and overgrown
Fleetwood branch line Preston and Wyre Joint Railway Poulton-le-Fylde to Fleetwood, via
Thornton–Cleveleys and Burn Naze Halt
1 June 1970
(to passengers)
1999 (to all traffic)
Most of the branch line, still remains in place (with the track also intact), but currently disused,

The line is currently being restored as a Heritage Railway.
Folkestone Harbour branch line South Eastern Railway (England) Folkestone East to Folkestone Harbour 2001
(to regular services)
2009 (to Venice Simplon Orient Express service)
2014 (line fully closed)
Railway up to Harbour viaduct intact, however is very overgrown.
Viaduct to Harbour station railway track was removed in 2016 and is now restored as a public exhibit.
Forest of Dean Railway Newnham to Whimsey and Drybridge 3 November 1958 (to passengers)

3 August 1967 (to all traffic)

Foss Islands branch line York to Foss Islands 8 July 1988 (to passengers)

1989 (to all traffic)

Connected to the Derwent Valley Light Railway at York (Layerthorpe) railway station
Framlingham branch Eastern Counties Railway (ECR) Wickham Market to Framlingham 1 November 1952 (to passengers)

19 April 1965 (to freight)

Fullerton to Hurstbourne Line LSWR Fullerton Junction to Hurstbourne 6 July 1931 (to passengers)

28 May 1956 (to all traffic)

Garstang and Knot-End Railway GKER Garstang to Knott End-on-Sea 1963 Opened 1870 to Pilling, completed by Knott End Railway in 1908
Gilling and Pickering line NER Gilling to Pickering 2 February 1953 (to passengers)

1964 (to all traffic)

Glasson Dock branch line LNWR Lancaster to Glasson Dock 1930 Opened 1883
Glazebrook East Junction–Skelton Junction line Cheshire Lines Committee Glazebrook to Skelton Junction 1964 (to passengers)

1983 (to freight)

Gloucester loop line Midland Railway (LMS) Barnt Green to Ashchurch,
via Alcester and Evesham
1962–5 (to all traffic) Part of the line, still extant as far as Redditch.
Gobowen to Welshpool line Cambrian Railway (GWR) Gobowen to Welshpool (via Oswestry, Llynclys, Pant, Llanymynech and Pool Quay) 1966 (to passengers)
Closed in 1971 (to freight)
Closed in 1988 (to all traffic)
Now being restored as a heritage railway (based at both Oswestry and Llynclys).
Golden Valley Railway Pontrilas to Hay-on-Wye 15 December 1941 (to passengers)

3 June 1957 (to all traffic)

Grantham and Lincoln line Great Northern Railway Grantham to Lincoln via Honington 1965
Grassington branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Skipton to Grassington, via Rylstone and Swinden 22 September 1930 (to passengers)
11 August 1969 (to freight)
Still extant, as far as Swinden (freight only)
Gravesend West Line LCDR Longfield Halt to Gravesend West 1968 Opened in 1886. Passenger traffic ceased in 1953.
Great Central and Midland Joint Railway GCR

MR

Great Central Main Line Great Central Railway (LNER) London (Marylebone) to
Sheffield (Victoria)
1966–69 (in stages) Parts of the GCR still open between London Marylebone to Verney Junction north of Aylesbury.

Two stretches of the former Great Central Main Line now preserved as the Nottingham Heritage Railway (between Ruddington and Loughborough High Level), and as the
Great Central Railway (between Loughborough Central and Leicester North).
Great Northern and Great Eastern Joint Railway Great Northern Rly/
Great Eastern Rly (Jointly)
Drax to Huntingdon, via
Haxey Junction, Lincoln and March
Great Northern and London and North Western Joint Railway Great Northern Railway/London and North Western Railway Closed in stages by 1970
Great Harwood Line Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (LMS) Blackburn to Burnley
via Rishton, Great Harwood, Simonstone, Padiham and Rose Grove
1957
1993 (to all traffic)
Opened in two stages between 1875 and 1877.
Known as the North Lancashire Loop
Most of the line, now converted to a path
Guisborough to Brotton line Cleveland Railway/
NER (LNER)
Hutton Gate to Brotton/North Skelton, via Boosbeck 2 May 1960 (to passengers)
1963 (to all traffic, west of Boosbeck)
12 September 1964 (to all traffic, east of Boosbeck)
The line followed the eastern section of the earlier Cleveland Railway mineral line which had originally continued north through Guisborough to Eston and Normanby via a number of inclines however this section was dismantled in 1873. Though it bypassed Guisborough station, special working practices were put in place that permitted trains to reverse onto the short branch into the station before continuing over the Middlesbrough to Guisborough line.
Gwinear–Helston branch line Great Western Railway Gwinear Road to Helston 1964 Section of the former Branch, now preserved as the
Helston Railway.
Hadleigh Railway Eastern Union Railway Bentley to Hadleigh 29 February 1932 (to passengers)

19 April 1965 (to all traffic)

Halesowen Railway GWR

MR

Longbridge to Old Hill 1919 (to passengers)

1964 (to all traffic)

Hall Farm Curve Lea Valley lines: connected Stratford to Tottenham Hale line with Liverpool Street to Chingford line. 1970 Potentially being reconstructed by 2019.
Haltwhistle–Alston branch line Newcastle & Carlisle Railway (LNER) Haltwhistle to Alston
(via Featherstone Park, Lambley and Slaggyford)
1 May 1976
(to all traffic)
The 2 ft (610 mm) gauge South Tynedale Railway has reopened 5 miles (8.0 km) of the original line between Alston and Slaggyford.
Hamworthy Freight Branch Southampton and Dorchester Railway Hamworthy to Poole Docks 1896 (to passengers)
Harrogate to Northallerton line Leeds Northern Rly Co (NER) Harrogate to Northallerton, via
Ripon and Melmerby
1967–69 Formed part of the Leeds-Northallerton Railway
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway Mid-Suffolk Light Railway (MSLR) Haughley to Laxfield 1952 Part of the former branch, now preserved as the
Mid-Suffolk Light Railway.
Harborne branch line LNWR closed to passenger traffic in 1934 1963 The trackbed is now the Harborne nature walkway. Part of the line could be reopened.
Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead line Midland Railway
(LMS)
Harpenden to Hemel Hempstead 1959 (to regular traffic)
1979–82 (to all traffic)
Known as the Nickey Line,
Most of the route, now converted to a Path
Harrogate–Church Fenton line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Harrogate to Church Fenton via
Wetherby and Tadcaster
1964–65
Hartlepool–Ferryhill line Hartlepool Dock and Railway Co./
Great North of England, Clarence and Hartlepool Junction Railway/
NER (LNER)
West Hartlepool/Hartlepool to Ferryhill, via Hart, Castle Eden, Trimdon and West Cornforth 9 June 1952 (to passengers)
197? (to all traffic, east of Raisby Hill Quarry)
198? (to all traffic, west of Raisby Hill Quarry)
Hartlepool–Murton line Hartlepool Dock and Railway Co./
Durham and Sunderland Railway/
NER (LNER)
West Hartlepool/Hartlepool to Murton, via Hart, Castle Eden, Wellfield, Haswell and South Hetton 9 June 1952 (to passengers)
1966 (to goods)
198? (to all traffic, south of South Hetton Junction)
1991 (to all traffic, north of South Hetton Junction)
The section through Haswell and South Hetton was dismantled when stopping goods traffic was withdrawn in 1966. The remaining sections of the line were maintained to provide mainline connections for the National Coal Board's South Hetton Railway system.
Most of the route converted to the Hart to Haswell Walkway
Hatfield and St Albans Railway Hatfield and St Albans Railway Company/Great Northern Railway (GNR) Hatfield to St Albans Abbey 28 September 1951 (to passengers)

31 December 1968 (to freight)

Hawes branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Garsdale (Hawes Junction) to Hawes 16 March 1959 (to passenger traffic)
?? April 1964 (to all traffic)
Hawes railway station, now forms part of the "Dales Countryside Museum"

An ex-industrial RS&Hawthorne Steam locomotive and a rake of three ex-BR passenger coaches stand alongside the adjacent station platform on display.
Hawkhurst branch line SER Paddock Wood to Hawkhurst 1961 Opened in 1892 and ran for a distance of 1112 miles.
Hayfield branch Midland Railway (LMS) Hayfield to New Mills 1970 Trackbed of the Line, now forms the Sett Valley Trail.
Haywards Heath to Horsted Keynes branch line London, Brighton & South Coast Railway Horsted Keynes to Haywards Heath, via Ardingly and Copyhold Junction 28 October 1963 Portion of the line, (between Horsted Keynes and Ardingly) now owned by the Bluebell Railway.
Whilst the other half of the line, still open to locally serve the Aggregate Depot.
Headcorn to Robertsbridge line Kent & East Sussex Railway Co/
South Eastern Railway (SR)
Robertsbridge to Headcorn,
via Tenterden
1954 (to passengers)
1961 (to freight)
1970–2 (to all traffic)
1900 to 54/61 – Built under the 1896 Light Railways Act, with a large part of the whole line now closed,

10 mile stretch of track now preserved (between Tenterden and Junction Road) as the Kent and East Sussex Railway.

Another section of the Line (based at Robertsbridge), is also preserved.
Henbury Loop Line Avonmouth to Filton 1964 (to passengers) Remains open for freight. Proposal to reopen for passengers
Hereford, Ross and Gloucester Railway Great Western Railway Gloucester to Hereford via Ross-on-Wye 196?
Hertford and Welwyn Junction Railway Great Northern Railway Welwyn Garden City to Ware via Cole Green and Hertford Cowbridge 18 June 1951 (Hertford Cowbridge closed in 1924)
Hexham–Allendale branch line Hexham and Allendale Railway (LNER) Hexham to Allendale 22 September 1930 (to passengers)
20 November 1950 (to all traffic)
Hexham to Riccarton Junction line Border Counties Railway
NBR (LNER)
Hexham to Riccarton Junction, via Reedsmouth, Bellingham North Tyne and Plashetts 15 October 1956 (to passengers)
1 September 1958 (to goods)
11 November 1963 (to all traffic)
The tracks were dismantled from all but the Reedsmouth to Bellingham section in 1959, which was accessed via the Wansbeck Railway from Morpeth until 11 November 1963. A very short section of the line (including Saughtree station) now restored (but privately).
Hincaster branch line Furness Railway (LMS) Arnside to Hincaster,
via Sandside and Heversham
4 May 1942 (to passengers)
1966 (to freight)
1972 (to all traffic)
 
Higham Ferrers branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Wellingborough to Higham Ferrers (via Rushden) 1959 (to passengers)
Closed in 1971 (to all traffic)
A section of the branch now preserved, as part of the Rushden Transport Museum.
Highworth branch line Great Western Railway Swindon to Highworth 2 March 1953 (to passengers)
1962 (to all traffic)
 
Holmfirth branch line Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (LMS) Brockholes to Holmfirth,
via Thongsbridge
31 October 1959 (to passengers)
28 April 1965 (to all traffic)
Honeybourne Line Great Western Railway Cheltenham to Stratford-upon-Avon (via Honeybourne) 7 March 1960 (to passengers)
?? August 1976 (to all traffic)
A Lengthy Majority of the Line, now preserved as the
Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway.
Hooton–West Kirby branch Birkenhead Railway (London & North Western Railway and Great Western Railway Joint Line) (LMS/GWR) Hooton Junction to West Kirby, via Hadlow Road, Neston South, Parkgate, Heswall, Thurstaston, Caldy and Kirby Park 17 September 1956 (to passenger traffic)
7 May 1962 (to all traffic)
Almost entire route converted to Wirral Country Park cycle way in 1973.
Hadlow Road station restored to 1950s condition (complete with a short length of demonstration track) for use as Country Park visitor centre.
Horbury West Curve Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway (LMS) Horbury & Ossett station to Crigglestone West Junction, via Canal Sidings 11 September 1961 (to passenger traffic)
4 February 1991 (to all traffic)
Disused, but still entirely intact throughout
Horncastle branch line Great Northern Railway Woodhall Junction to Horncastle 13 September 1954 (to passengers)
6 April 1971 (to all traffic)
Hull and Barnsley Railway North Eastern Railway Cudworth to Hull Paragon, via
Wrangbrook Junction, Drax Abbey and Little Weighton
193? (to passengers)
195? (to freight)
197? (to all traffic)
Hull and Barnsley and Great Central Joint Railway Aire Junction to Braithwell Junction September 1970
Hull to Holderness branch line North Eastern Railway   1964  
Hull to Hornsea branch line North Eastern Railway   1964  
Hundred of Hoo Railway Gravesend to Allhallows 4 December 1961 (to passengers) Remains open for freight
Ilfracombe branch line LSWR (Southern Railway) Barnstaple to Ilfracombe, via Wrafton, Braunton and Mortehoe & Woolacombe 1970 (to passengers)
1975 (to all traffic)
Ingleton to Tebay line Lancaster and Carlisle Railway (LMS) Ingleton to Tebay 1954 Opened 1861. Tracks lifted 1967.
Skipton–Ilkley line Midland Railway (LMS) Ilkley to Skipton (via Addingham, Bolton Abbey and Embsay) 22 March 1965 (to passengers)
January 1966 (to all traffic)
4 Mile stretch of the Line now preserved, as the
Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway.
Kelvedon and Tollesbury Light Railway Kelvedon to Tollesbury Pier 7 May 1951 (to passengers)

28 September 1962 (to all traffic)

Kemble to Cirencester branch line Great Western Railway Kemble to Cirencester 6 April 1964
Kemp Town branch line LB&SCR/SR/SR Kemp Town Junction to Kemp Town railway station 26 June 1971
Kettering, Thrapston and Huntingdon Railway Kettering to Huntingdon 15 June 1959 (passengers)

27 July 1971 (all traffic)

King's Lynn to Dereham line Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Dereham to King's Lynn,
via Swaffham
7 September 1968 3 mile section (as far as Middleton Towers) still exists (freight only)
Kingsbridge branch line Brent to Kingsbridge 14 September 1963
Kingswear branch line Great Western Railway Newton Abbot to Kingswear (via Torquay, Paignton and Churston) 1972 (Paignton-Kingswear section, only) Part of the line between Newton Abbot and Paignton still open as part of the National Network's Riviera Line

7 mile stretch of track now preserved, (between Paignton and Kingswear) as the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Kirkburton branch line London & North Western Railway (LMS) Deighton to Kirkburton,
via Kirkheaton
28 July 1930 (to passengers)
5 April 1965 (to all traffic)
Kirkstead and Little Steeping Railway Great Northern Railway (LNER) Firsby to Woodhall Junction 5 October 1970
Lambourn Valley Railway LVR Newbury to Lambourn 1973 Opened in 1893; part of the Great Western Railway from 1905.
Lancashire, Derbyshire and East Coast Railway Chesterfield and Sheffield to Lincoln 19 September 1955
Lancashire Union Railway LUR Blackburn to St Helens 1960 Opened in 1869; St Helens to Wigan still in use
Lanchester Valley Railway North Eastern Railway Durham to Blackhill, via
Lanchester
1 May 1939 (to passengers)
5 July 1965 (to goods)
20 June 1966 (to all traffic)
Langton Dock Branch     26 April 1968  
Leamington–Rugby line London and North Western Railway (LMS) Leamington Spa to Rugby June 1959  
Leamside line Durham Junction Railway/
Newcastle and Darlington Junction Railway/
NER (LNER)
Ferryhill and Durham to Pelaw, via Shincliffe, Leamside, Penshaw, Washington and Usworth 28 July 1941 (to passengers, south of Leamside)
4 May 1964 (to passengers, north of Leamside)
1991 (to all traffic)
Track still down (although overgrown) Between Pelaw and Washington.
Ledbury and Gloucester Railway GWR Ledbury to Gloucester 1959 (to passengers)

1964 (to goods)

Leeds and Bradford Extension Railway L&BER Skipton to Colne via
Elslack, Thornton-In-Craven, Earby and Foulridge
1970 Opened in 1848.
The Shipley-to-Skipton section of the line is still in use.
whilst the Skipton-Colne section had now long since closed.
Leeds New Line London & North Western Railway (LMS) Leeds to Huddersfield, via
Gomersal, Cleckheaton, Heckmondwike and Battyeford
1960–65 (to regular traffic, in stages)
1980 (to all traffic)
Now converted to a path
Leek and Manifold Valley Light Railway     1934 Now converted to a footpath
Leek–Waterhouses branch line North Staffordshire Railway Leekbrook Junction to Waterhouses, via
Bradnop, Ipstones, Winkhill and Cauldon Lowe
30 September 1935 (to passengers)
1964 (to goods)
1988 (to all traffic)
Part of the former branch (as far as Ipstones) now preserved, as part of the Churnet Valley Railway
Leen Valley Lines Great Northern Railway 14 September 1931 (to passengers)
Leicester and Swannington Railway     1964  
Leicester – Rugby Line Midland Counties Railway Leicester to Rugby 1 January 1962 Remaining part of the Midland Counties Railway survives as part of the Midland Main Line
Leicester Branch Great Northern and London and North Western Joint Railway Leicester Belgrave Road to Marefield Junction 7 December 1953
Leominster and Kington Railway Great Western Railway Leominster to New Radnor 1966 Small Section of the line, now privately preserved as the Kingfisher Line (at Titley Junction).
Lewes and East Grinstead Railway LB&SCR Lewes to East Grinstead (via Barcombe, Sheffield Park, Horsted Keynes and Kingscote) 1958 An 11 miles of track now preserved, (between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead) as the Bluebell Railway.

Whilst the line (north of East Grinstead, itself) forms part of the Oxted line.
Lincolnshire loop line Great Northern Railway (LNER) Gainsborough to Peterborough, via Lincoln,
Woodhall Junction, Boston and Spalding
17 June 1963
"Little" North Western Railway Midland Railway (LMS) Skipton to Morecambe, via Hellifield, Wennington, Clapham and Lancaster 1966 Opened in two stages in 1848 and 1849.
Approximately two-thirds of the route (between Lancaster and Caton) is now a combined cyclepath and footpath.

Whilst, the remainder of the line from Wennington to Skipton is still in use, (as is the other line in-between Wennington and Carnforth).
Liverpool Overhead Railway Seaforth to Dingle 30 December 1956
Liverpool, Southport and Preston Junction Railway LS&PJR Southport to Altcar and Hillhouse 1952 Opened 1887. A short section through Meols Cop in Southport is still in use.
Long Melford–Bury St Edmunds branch line GER Long Melford to Bury St Edmunds 19 April 1965  
Lynn and Hunstanton Railway King's Lynn to Hunstanton 5 May 1969
Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway MSLR and NSR Macclesfield to Marple 1970 Re-opened 1985 by Dr. David Bellamy as the Middlewood Way.
Thirsk and Malton line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Thirsk to Malton, via
Gilling
1965
Manchester to Accrington Line Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway (LMS) Manchester Victoria to Accrington Junction, (via Whitefield, Bury, Ramsbottom and Helmshore) 1966 (to regular passengers)
1972 (to all passengers)
1980 (to coal traffic)
1981 (to all traffic, north of bury)
1991 (to all traffic, south of bury)
An 812-mile Stretch of the Line, now preserved (between Bury Bolton Street and Stubbins Junction) as part of the East Lancashire Railway.

Whilst The Bury Line now occupies part of the line between Manchester Victoria and Bury Interchange, as part of the Manchester Metrolink.
Manchester, Buxton, Matlock and Midland Junction Railway Midland Railway (LMS) Ambergate to Buxton, (via Matlock, Rowsley, Bakewell and Millers Dale) 6 March 1967 (to passengers)
29 June 1968
(to all traffic)
Part of the route, now preserved (between Matlock and Rowsley, via Darley Dale) as Peak Rail.

Whilst the route beyond (the south of) Matlock itself to Ambergate Junction remains open as part of the National Network.

Also, a section of the line (through Ashwood Dale, between Buxton and the one-time triangular junction) towards the Peak Forest Area still exists
Manchester, South Junction and Altrincham Railway Altrincham to Manchester London Road 24 December 1991 Converted to Manchester Metrolink in 1992
Manchester South District Railway Midland Railway Cornbrook to Stockport 2 Jan 1967 (to passengers)

1969 (to all traffic)

Reopened as part of the Manchester Metrolink
Manchester and Wigan Railway Eccles to Wigan 3 May 1969
Mangotsfield and Bath branch line Midland Railway (LMS/GWR) Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park (via Bitton) 1966 (to passengers)
1971 (to all traffic)
A 3-mile stretch of the line, now preserved as the
Avon Valley Railway.
Mansfield Railway GCR Kirkby to Mansfield 2 January 1956 (to passengers)

2003 (to all traffic)

Margate Sands line South Eastern Railway (England) Ashford International, Canterbury West and Ramsgate 1926 (closed) Branch line used as a goods depot until 1972. Now redeveloped as an amusement arcade.
Melbourne line London Midland & Scottish Railway Derby to Ashby de la Zouch,
via Melbourne
21 May 1980
Meltham branch line Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly Lockwood to Meltham,
via Netherton
21 May 1949 (to passengers)
3 April 1965 (to all traffic)
Melmerby-Masham branch line North Eastern Railway Melmerby to Masham,
via West Tanfield
1931 (to passengers)
1963 (to all traffic)
Meon Valley line London & South Western Rly Fareham to Alton,
via Wickham and Droxford
5 February 1955 (to passengers)
30 April 1962 (to freight)
1968 (to all traffic)
Methley Joint Railway West Yorkshire Railway 1964 (to passengers)

1981 (to all traffic)

Micklehurst Line London & North Western Railway (LMS) Diggle to Staybridge, via Uppermill Friezland and Micklehurst 1 January 1917 (to passengers)
15 June 1964 (to Freight)
3 October 1966 (to further traffic)
Constructed because a new line along the east bank of the River Tame was deemed to be more cost-effective than four tracking the existing line on the west bank.
Midhurst Railways Petersfield to Midhurst

Pulborough to Midhurst Chicester to Midhurst

1955 (to passengers)

1966 (to goods)

Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway GNR/
Merger of earlier railways
  1959 (to passengers)
Closed in 1964 (to all traffic)
Cromer–Sheringham section still extant as part of the nearby Bittern Line

512 mile stretch of track, now preserved as the Heritage North Norfolk Railway.
Midland and South Western Junction Railway GWR/
Merger of earlier railways
Cheltenham to Andover 1961 Section of the line, now preserved as the
Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
Middlesbrough to Guisborough branch line Middlesbrough and Guisborough Railway/
NER (LNER)
Middlesbrough to Guisborough via Nunthorpe and Pinchinthorpe 2 March 1964 (to passengers)
31 August 1964 (to all traffic)
East of Morton Junction, the line is still in passenger use as part of the Esk Valley Line. Most of the remainder of the former branch is now a public footpath.
Middleton Junction and Oldham Branch Railway Manchester & Leeds Railway Middleton Junction to Oldham 7 January 1963
Middleton line connection via Beza Road Charles Brandling/The Middleton Railway Trust Ltd. Hallam and Pontefract line through Beza Road to Moor Road 1990 (Connection line closed, events only) Line intact however is currently bolted closed, preventing access. Used for special events only.
Moretonhampstead and South Devon Railway Newton Abbot to Moretonhampstead 28 February 1959 (to passengers)

6 April 1964 (to goods)

Section from Heathfield to Newton Abbot remains open to freight
Muswell Hill Railway     3 July 1954  
Nantwich to Market Drayton line GWR Market Drayton to Nantwich, via Adderley, Coxbank and Audlem 1963 (to passengers)
1967 (to freight)
1970 (to all traffic)
Newmarket and Chesterford Railway Newmarket and Chesterford Railway Company (N&CR) Great Chesterford to Newmarket 1851? One of the first railway closures in British history
Norfolk and Suffolk Joint Railway GER

MGNJ

North Walsham to Cromer
Northallerton to Hawes line Northallerton to Hawes (via Leeming Bar, Leyburn and Aysgarth) 1954 (to passengers)
Closed in 1992 (to all traffic)
A 22-mile stretch of the line now preserved, as the Wensleydale Railway.
Northampton–Market Harborough line London and North Western Railway (LMS) Northampton to Market Harborough 16 August 1981 (to all traffic) A stretch of the line, now preserved as the
Northampton and Lamport Railway.
North Cornwall Railway LSWR Halwill Junction to Padstow
(via Launceston, Camelford and Wadebridge)
1964 2 miles of track re-laid to narrow gauge, as the
Launceston Steam Railway.
North Devon and Cornwall Junction Light Railway North Devon Railway (LSWR) Torrington to Halwell Junction (via Meeth and Hatherleigh) 1964/65 (to passengers)
1978 (to freight)
1982 (to all traffic)
Small section (based at Torrington) now being restored as the Tarka Valley Railway.
North Devon Railway North Devon Railway (LSWR) Exeter to Torrington 1965 (to passengers)

1982 (to freight)

Section from Exeter to Barnstaple remains open as the Tarka Line
North Lindsey Light Railway NLLR Scunthorpe to Whitton 1951 Short section of the line still open, (freight only)
North Liverpool Extension Line     1972  
North Mersey Branch Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway Kirkby to Mersey Docks 1991
North Sunderland Railway North Sunderland Railway (LNER) Chathill to Seahouses 27 October 1951 The line was independently financed and, though operated with North Eastern Railway locomotives from 1902, remained under independent control until 1939 when the LNER took over its management
North Wylam loop line Scotswood, Newburn and Wylam Railway (LNER) Scotswood to Prudhoe, via North Wylam 11 March 1968 (to passengers)
April 1972 (to all traffic, west of Newburn)
December 1986 (to all traffic, east of Newburn)
Partially following the route of the Wylam Waggonway, the line was famed for having passed almost directly in front of George Stephenson's Birthplace
Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead branch line Great Western Railway Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead via, Crowcombe-Heathfield, Williton and Blue Anchor 2 January 1971 (to all traffic) Most of the entire branch, now preserved as the
West Somerset Railway.
Nottingham Suburban Railway GNR Nottingham London Road to Daybrook 14 September 1931 (to passengers)

1 August 1951 (to all traffic)

Nuneaton to Ashby Junction line Ashby and Nuneaton Joint Railway
(LNWR/Midland Railway)
Nuneaton Abbey Street to Ashby Junction,
via Shackerstone
1965 (to passengers)
1971 (to all traffic)
A 5-mile stretch of track, now preserved as the
Battlefield Line.
Okehampton–Bude line London & South Western Rly Okehampton to Bude,
via Halwill Junction and Holsworthy
1 October 1966
Oldham, Ashton and Guide Bridge Railway Guide Bridge to Oldham via Ashton 4 May 1959 (to passengers)

29 January 1968 (to freight)

Oldham Loop Line Manchester & Leeds Rly (LMS) Rochdale to Manchester Victoria, via Oldham and Royton Junction 3 October 2009 (to all traffic) Now converted to light-rail use, as part of the
Manchester Metrolink.
Ossett and Batley Branch Line West Yorkshire Railway Wakefield to Batley 1965
Oswestry, Ellesmere and Whitchurch Railway Whitchurch to Oswestry via Ellesmere 18 January 1965
Otley and Ilkley Joint Railway North Eastern Rly/Midland Railway (Joint) Ilkley to Arthington,
via Otley and Pool-in-Wharfedale
5 July 1965 (to both passengers and all traffic) Still extant as the Wharfedale line between Ilkley and Milnerwood Junction. Trackbed to become the Wharfedale Greenway cycle route.
Oxenhope branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Keighley to Oxenhope via Ingrow, Damems, Oakworth and Haworth 1962
Re-opened in 1968
The Entire branch line is now preserved, as the
Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Oxford, Worcester and Wolverhampton Railway Oxford to Wolverhampton via Worcester 30 July 1962 Section from Stourbridge to Oxford remains open
Oxford to Cambridge line(Varsity Line) 1 January 1968 (passengers)

1993

Section from Bedford to Bletchley still open (as the Marston Vale line)

Section from Oxford to Bicester reopened in 1987.

Bicester to Bletchley section to be reopened (under construction as of April 2023) as East West Rail. Extension from Bedford to Cambridge planned.

Palace Gates Line GER Palace Gates to Seven Sisters 7 January 1963
Peterborough to Northampton line LMS Northampton to Peterborough (East) 1968 (to passengers)
1972 (to all traffic)
A 712-mile stretch of the line, now preserved as the
Nene Valley Railway.
Pickle Bridge Line Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly (LMS) Cooper Bridge to Norwood Green, via Bailiff Bridge 1934 (to passengers)
1952 (to all traffic)
Picton–Battersby line North Yorkshire and Cleveland Railway Picton to Battersby 14 June 1954 (to passengers)

August 1965 (to all traffic)

Pilmoor, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough Railway North Eastern Railway Knaresborough to Pilmoor,
via Boroughbridge
196?
Plymouth to Yealmpton Branch GWR Plymouth to Yealmpton 6 October 1947 (to passengers)

29 February 1960 (to all traffic)

Ponteland and Darras Hall branch lines North Eastern Railway (LNER) South Gosforth to Ponteland and Darras Hall, via Kenton Bank 17 June 1929 (to passengers)
2 August 1954 (to all traffic, west of Ponteland)
14 August 1967 (to goods)
6 March 1989 (to all traffic)
Most of the line was reopened as part of the Tyne and Wear Metro, initially to Bank Foot (replacing the original Kenton Bank station) in 1981 and then, via a short branch from the original route, to Airport on 17 November 1991
Pontop and Jarrow Railway Stockton & Darlington Rly (George Stephenson & Co) Jarrow Staith to Dipton Colliery, via Springwell 4 October 1974 (to most traffic)
10 January 1986 (to all traffic)
Primarily cable-hauled, this line almost exclusively served as a colliery railway.
A short section of the Line at the site of Springwell Colliery is now preserved as the Bowes Railway.
Portishead Railway Portishead to Bristol 1964 To be reopened December 2024
Portland Branch Railway Weymouth to Isle of Portland 1952 (to passengers)

1965 (to all traffic)

Potteries Loop Line     2 March 1964  
Preston–Longridge branch line P&LR Preston to Longridge 1930 Opened 1840 as horse-drawn tramway; converted to steam 1848. Most of track removed in 1967. One mile of track in Preston remains, but disused.
Princes End branch line Tipton to Wednesbury 1916 (to passengers)

April 1981 (to all traffic)

Pudsey loop railway GNR Bramley to Laisterdyke via Pudsey 15 June 1964
Queensbury lines Great Northern Railway/
Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway
Bradford to Halifax,
Halifax to Keighley, &
Keighley to Bradford, via
Queensbury
1955 (to passengers)
1960–5 (to freight)/in-stages
1972–4 (to all traffic)
Part of the route between Cullingworth and Queensbury has been reused as part of the Great Northern Railway Trail[2]
Ramsgate Town branch line South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SR) 1926
Ringwood line Southampton and Dorchester Railway Hamworthy to Brockenhurst 1977 The section between Hamworthy and Wimborne was closed in 1966, and the section between Wimborne and Brockenhurst between 1974 and 1977.
Ringwood, Christchurch and Bournemouth Railway Ringwood to Bournemouth 30 September 1935 Closed between Ringwood and Christchurch. Remaining section part of SWML
Ripley branch line Midland Railway
(LMS)
Derby to Langley Mill,
via Ripley
1930 (to passengers)
1957-68 (to regular traffic)
1999 (to all traffic)
Rishworth branch Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly Sowerby Bridge to Rishworth 1929 (to passengers)
19?? (to all traffic)
Riverside Branch North Eastern Railway (LNER) Manors to Percy Main, via St. Peters, Walker and Carville 31 October 1966 (to goods)
23 July 1973 (to passengers)
31 March 1988 (to all traffic)
Following withdrawal of passenger services in 1973, line was progressively abandoned from east to west. On 31 May 1978 the section east of Carville closed, followed by that east of St. Peters in April 1987.
Rochdale–Bacup line Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway Rochdale to Bacup,
via Whitworth and Shawforth
1967
Rolleston Junction–Mansfield line MR Rolleston Junction to Mansfield via Southwell 12 August 1929 (to passengers between Mansfield and Southwell)

16 June 1959 (to passengers between Southwell and Rolleston Junction) 17 October 1983 (to all traffic)

Romney Marsh branch line   Appledore Junction to New Romney, via
Lydd Town and Lydd-on-Sea
1937 (to passengers)
1967 (to freight)
Branch from Marshlink line at Appledore, Kent to Dungeness and New Romney,
Part of the line is still used for freight to Dungeness Nuclear Power Station
Rosedale Railway Battersby to Rosedale mines 11 June 1929
Rothbury Branch Northumberland Central Railway/
North British Railway (LNER)
Scotsgap to Rothbury, via Longwitton, Ewesley, Fontburn Halt and Brinkburn 15 September 1952 (to passengers)
11 November 1963 (to goods)
Rugby to Peterborough line Midland Railway (LMS) Rugby to Peterborough (East) 6 June 1966
"Rye Harbour Branch"     1962 Branch from Marshlink line at Rye railway station to the town distant Harbour (1854 to 1962)
Ryedale line   Pickering to Pilmoor, via
Kirkbymoorside, Helmsley and Gilling
1965  
St Helens and Runcorn Gap Railway     16 June 1951  
Saffron Walden Railway   Audley End to Bartlow December 1964  
Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway     2 May 1964  
Sandgate branch line South Eastern Railway (England) Ashford International, Sandling to Sandgate 1951 (Closed) Now a public footpath, no original track remaining.
Scarborough to Pickering line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Seamer to Pickering, via
Forge Valley, Wykeham and Thornton-le-Dale
1953 (to passengers)
1963 (to all traffic)
Known as the Forge Valley line
Scarborough to Whitby branch line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Scarborough to Whitby, (via Cloughton, Stainton Dale, Ravenscar and Robin Hood's Bay) 22 March 1965 (to regular traffic)
31 October 1967 (to all traffic)
Now a combined cycle/footpath route
Seaton branch line LSWR (Southern Railway) Seaton Junction to Seaton via
Colyton and Colyford
7 March 1966 (to all traffic) A stretch of the former branch, re-laid as the Seaton Tramway.
Selby–Driffield line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Selby to Driffield, via
Market Weighton
20 September 1954 (to passengers)
30 June 1965 (to all traffic)
Selby–Goole line North Eastern Railway (LNER) Selby to Goole,
via Drax
15 June 1964
Severn and Wye Railway GWR Lydney to Lydbrook, (via Whitecroft, Parkend, Speech House Road and Serridge Junction) 1977 412-mile stretch of the S&WR, now preserved as the
Dean Forest Railway.
Severn Valley Line West Midland Railway
GWR
Shrewsbury to both Hartlebury and to Kidderminster September 1963 A 1612-mile stretch of the line now preserved as the
Severn Valley Railway.
Sharpness branch line Severn & Wye Railway
(GWR)
Berkeley Road to Severn Bridge, via Sharpness 1964 (to passengers) Most of the former branch, now being restored as the Vale of Berkeley Railway.
Sheffield and Lincolnshire Junction Railway Retford to Lincoln
Sheppey Light Railway     4 December 1950 SECR branch off Sheerness line – 1901–1950 – Built under the 1896 Light Railways Act.
Shipley Great Northern Railway branch line GNR Laisterdyke to Shipley 2 February 1931 (to passengers)

1968 (to all traffic)

Shipston-on-Stour branch GWR Moreton-in-Marsh to Shipston-on-Stour 8 July 1929 (to passengers)

2 May 1960 (to goods)

Shropshire and Montgomeryshire Railway Shrewsbury to Llanymynech and Criggion 6 November 1933 (to passengers)

29 February 1960 (to all traffic)

Shropshire Union Railways and Canal Company     September 1964  
Sidmouth line London & South Western Rly (SR) Exmouth to Feniton, via
'Budleigh Salterton', Sidmouth and Ottery St Mary
8 May 1967 (to all traffic)
Skelmersdale branch ELR Ormskirk to Rainford Junction 1956 Opened 1858; goods service continued to 1963
Somerset & Dorset Joint Line Merger of earlier railways Bath to Broadstone, with branch from Evercreech Junction to Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater 6 March 1966 Opened 1862 as the result of the amalgamation of the Somerset Central Railway and the Dorset Central Railway.
Original route ran from Burnham-on-Sea and Bridgwater to Broadstone, continuing over London and South Western lines to Poole and Bournemouth.
In 1863 the line from Evercreech Junction to Bath was built. Railway was closed in 1966.[3]

A Trio of Three Stretches of the former line are now Preserved, The first (based at Midsomer Norton) is restored and run by the S&DR Heritage Trust,
The second (based at Shillingstone) is also (currently under restoration) as the Heritage North Dorset Railway
And the Third, (in-between) now forming the
Gartell Light Railway.
Southport and Cheshire Lines Extension Railway SCLER Southport to Aintree 1952 Opened 1884. Tracks lifted 1860. Almost all of the route is now a cycle path.
Southwold Railway Halesworth to Southwold 11 April 1929
South Devon and Tavistock Railway GWR Plymouth to Launceston (via Tavistock) 1962 A 112-mile stretch of the line, now preserved as the
Plym Valley Railway.
South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway/
Stockton and Darlington Railway (LNER)
Tebay to Bishop Auckland,
via Kirkby Stephen East, Barras, Barnard Castle and West Auckland
22 January 1962 (to passengers, west of Barnard Castle, and all traffic between Hartley Quarry and Barnard Castle)
18 June 1962 (to passengers, east of Barnard Castle)
December 1963 (to all traffic, west of Kirkby Stephen East)
October 1974 (to all remaining traffic)
A short section of the line at Kirkby Stephen East station is preserved as the Stainmore Railway.
South Shields, Marsden, and Whitburn Colliery Railway South Shields, Marsden, and Whitburn Colliery Railway (NCB) Westoe Lane to Whitburn Colliery 23 November 1953 (to passengers)
8 June 1968 (to all traffic)
Though built as a colliery line, it also carried a public passenger service between 19 March 1888 and 23 November 1953. Because the line was operated by the Whitburn (and later Harton) Coal Companies, it became the first passenger line in Great Britain to be nationalised due to the nationalisation of the coal industry on 1 January 1947 preceding that of the railways by 1 year.
South Shields to Stanhope and Wear Valley Junction lines Stanhope and Tyne Railway/
Stockton and Darlington Railway/
NER (LNER)
South Shields/Tyne Dock to Rowley via Chichester, Boldon, Washington, Annfield Plain and Consett.
Beyond Rowley, line split between original route to Stanhope and Rookhope via Waskerley and NER-built deviation to Wear Valley Junction via Tow Law and Crook.
8 March 1965 (to passengers)
1984 (to all traffic, west of Brockley Whins)
Complex history of passenger services commencing and being withdrawn throughout the 19th Century. A more permanent passenger service was introduced by the Stockton & Darlington Railway between Consett and Wear Valley Junction on 4 July 1859 but was progressively withdrawn north of Tow Law on 1 May 1939, north of Crook on 11 June 1956 and entirely on 8 March 1965. This section closed to all traffic in March 1969.
The North Eastern Railway introduced a Blackhill (on the Derwent Valley Railway) and Consett to Birtley (on the ECML service on 1 February 1894. Passenger traffic on this section ended on 23 May 1955 but mineral traffic remained until 1984.
The Brockley Whins to Tyne Dock section remains as a freight line while part of the line through South Shields was reused for the Tyne and Wear Metro.
South Staffordshire line South Staffordshire Railway Stourbridge to Walsall 19 March 1993 (section between Brierley Hill and Walsall closed)
South Yorkshire Joint Railway 2 December 1929 (to passengers)
South Yorkshire Junction Railway Wrangbrook Junction to Denaby 7 August 1967
South Yorkshire lines South Yorkshire Railway (LNER) Swinton Junction–Doncaster
Doncaster–Barnsley
Wombwell–Sheffield
A Part of the SYR Elsecar Colliery line now preserved as the Elsecar Heritage Railway.
Spen Valley line Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly (LMS) Low Moor to Mirfield,
via Cleckheaton, Liversedge and Heckmondwike
14 June 1965 (to passengers)
31 May 1969 (to all traffic)
Most of the Line, now converted to a Greenway cycle/path
Spilsby branch line Great Northern Rly Firsby to Spilsby 1939 (to passengers)
1958 (to all traffic)
Sprat and Winkle Line LSWR Andover to Redbridge 1967
Stafford and Uttoxeter Railway     4 December 1939 (passenger), 5 March 1951 (through access)  
Staines West branch line Great Western Railway (GWR) West Drayton to Staines (West) 1961–5 (to passengers)
1981 (to freight)
The line is still extant, but only as far as Colnbrook, (but disused)
Stainland branch L&YR Greetland to Stainland 1929 (to passengers)

1959 (to all traffic)

Stamford and Essendine Railway Essendine to Wansford via Stamford Stamford to Wansford closed to all traffic 29 June 1929

Essendine to Stamford closed to passengers 15 June 1959, freight 4 March 1963

Stanmore branch line London and North Western Railway (LNWR) Harrow to Stanmore 5 October 1964
Stockport, Timperley and Altrincham Junction Railway Stockport Portwood to Altrincham 1967 (to passengers) Portions remain in service for freight and as part of Manchester Metrolink
Stockport and Woodley Junction Railway Stockport Portwood to Woodley
Stoke-on-Trent to Market Drayton line North Staffordshire Railway
(LMS)
Stoke-on-Trent to Market Drayton via,
Newcastle-under-Lyme, Silverdale and Pipe Gate
1964 (to passengers)
1966/67 (to freight)
1998 (to all traffic)
Most of the former line, still in existence, but completely disused
Stoke-on-Trent to Leek line North Staffordshire Railway
(LMS)
Stoke-on-Trent to Leek 196? (to passengers)
1988 (to freight)
Could be re-opened as a commuter route (to put Leek back on the national network).
Stonebridge Railway BDJR Hampton to Whitacre Junction 1935 First Main-line to be singled in 1840
Stonehouse and Nailsworth Railway Midland Railway Stonehouse to Nailsworth 1947 (to passengers)

1966 (to all traffic)

Stour Valley Railway   Shelford to Marks Tey 6 March 1967 Eastern end remains open as the
Gainsborough line
Southsea Railway     August 1914  
Steyning Line LB&SCR Horsham to Shoreham-by-Sea 7 March 1966 Trackbed is now part of Downs Link footpath
Stratford-upon-Avon and Midland Junction Railway Midland Railway Broom Junction to Bedford,
via Fenny Compton and Towcester
7 April 1952 (to passengers)
3 February
1964 (to all traffic)
Sunderland–Penshaw line YN&BR (LNER) Sunderland to Penshaw, via Pallion, Hylton and Cox Green 4 May 1964 (to passengers)
21 August 1967 (to all traffic, west of Hylton)
20 November 1976 (to all traffic, west of Pallion)
27 November 1984 (to all traffic, east of Pallion)
Most of the line was reopened as part of 2002 South Hylton extension of the Tyne and Wear Metro, although a slight deviation from the original course was required at Pallion
Sutton Park line Midland Railway Water Orton to Walsall 18 January 1965 (to passengers) Remains open for freight
Tanfield Lea Colliery branch line Built in
1725
Gateshead Junction to
Tanfield Lea Colliery
1962–70 (to all traffic, in stages) Built as a wooden-wagonway/colliery line.
A Stretch of the former Colliery Line, now preserved as the Tanfield Railway.
LBSCR link between Oxted line and SER's Hastings line at Tunbridge Wells     1985  
Teign Valley line Heathfield to Exeter June 1958 (to passengers)

1967 (to all traffic)

Tenbury and Bewdley Railway Great Western Rly Bewdley to Wooferton,
via Tenbury
196? Whilst the entire line is now a footpath,
Bewdley station is now on the Severn Valley Railway.
Teston Crossing Halt line South Eastern and Chatham Railway Teston and West Farleigh 1959 (closed) Was situated on what is now the Medway Valley Line.
Tetbury branch line Great Western Railway Kemble to Tetbury, via
Rodmarton and Culkerton
6 April 1964
Tewkesbury line Midland Railway (LMS/GWR) Great Malvern to Ashchurch,
via Tewksbury
1961 (to passengers)
1963 (to freight)
Thetford to Bury St Edmunds line GER Bury St Edmunds to Thetford 8 June 1953 (to passengers)
27 June 1960 (to all traffic)
Thetford to Swaffham branch line Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Thetford to Swaffham,
via Watton and Roudham Junction
15 June 1964
Three Bridges–Tunbridge Wells line Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells 1 January 1967
Totnes–Ashburton branch line BT&SDR (GWR) Totnes to Ashburton
(via Staverton and Buckfastleigh)
1958 (to passengers)
1962 (to goods)
A 7-mile stretch of the branch, now preserved as the
South Devon Railway.
Truro and Newquay Railway GWR Truro to Newquay 1963
Tunbridge Wells to Eridge Line LB&SCR/SR Eridge to Tunbridge Wells
(via Groombridge)
6 July 1985 5-mile stretch of track, now preserved as the
Spa Valley Railway.
Turnchapel Branch LSWR Plymouth to Turnchapel 10 September 1951 (to passengers)

30 October 1961 (to goods)

Tweedmouth to Kelso line YN&BR (LNER) Tweedmouth to Kelso, via Norham, Coldstream and Sunilaws 15 June 1964 (to passengers)
29 March 1965 (to all traffic)
A cross-border line which made an end-on connection with the North British Railway's line to St Boswells at Kelso
Ulverston–Lakeside branch line Furness Railway (LMS) Ulverston to Lakeside
(via Greenodd and Haverthwaite)
6 September 1965 A 312-mile stretch of the branch, now preserved as the
Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway.
Uffington–Faringdon branch line Great Western Rly Uffington to Faringdon 1951
Uppingham branch line London & North Western Rly Seaton (Rutland) to Uppingham 1960 Opened 1894
Uxbridge branch line Great Western Railway 1962
Victoria Dock branch line Y&NMR to Victoria Dock 1964 (to passengers)

1968 (to all traffic)

Wallingford branch line Great Western Railway Cholsey to Wallingford 1969 (to passengers)
1981 (to all traffic)
Most of the Entire branch now preserved as the
Cholsey & Wallingford Railway (aka, The Bunk Line).
Warrington and Altrincham Junction Railway Warrington to Timperley Junction 10 September 1962 (to passengers)

7 July 1985 (to all traffic)

Watlington branch line Great Western Railway Princes Risborough to Watlington, via Chinnor and Aston Rowant 1957 (to passengers)
1989 (to all traffic)
A 4-mile stretch of the branch now preserved, as the
Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway.
The rest of the former branch towards Watlington (via Aston Rowant) still extant.
Wansbeck Valley line Wansbeck Railway/
NBR (LNER)
Morpeth to Reedsmouth,
via Scotsgap
15 September 1952 (to passengers)
3 October 1966 (to all traffic)
Wantage Tramway Wantage to Wantage Road 1 August 1925 (to passengers)

22 December 1945 (to all traffic)

Wareham–Swanage branch line LSWR Wareham to Swanage
(via Corfe Castle)
3 January 1972 Most of the Entire branch line, now preserved as the Swanage Railway (aka, The Purbeck Line).
Watford and Rickmansworth Railway     1952  
Waveney Valley line Great Eastern Railway Tivetshall to Beccles 19 April 1966 Passenger services withdrawn 3 January 1953
Wealden Line LB&SCR Lewes to South Croydon, via
Uckfield, Eridge and Hurst Green
23 February 1969 (to all traffic) The line northwards, and as far south as) Uckfield (to South Croydon, via Eridge and Hurst Green) remains open.

Part of the line (between Isfield and Little Horsted) now preserved as the Lavender Line.
Wearhead branch line Bishop Auckland & Weardale Railway/ Frosterley & Stanhope Railway/ Stockton & Darlington Railway/ NER (LNER) Bishop Auckland to Wearhead (via Wear Valley Junction, Frosterley and Stanhope) 1953 (to passengers)
1993 (to all traffic)
The line east of Eastgate is now preserved as the
Weardale Railway.
Weedon–Marton Junction line LNWR Weedon Bec to Marton Junction. 1963 Opened 1888-95
Wellington–Craven Arms line GWR (formation of three earlier companies) Wellington to Craven Arms via
Horsehay & Dawley, Lightmoor Junction, Buildwas, Much Wenlock and Rushbury
196? (to passengers)
19?? (to all traffic)
Section of the Line, now preserved as the
Telford Steam Railway.
Wellington to Market Drayton line Market Drayton to Wellington, via
Peplow and Crudgington
1963 (to passengers)
1967 (to freight)
Wellington to Stafford Line SUR&CC Stafford to Wellington via Newport 7 September 1964 (to passengers)

22 November 1969 (to all traffic)

West Croydon to Wimbledon Line   West Croydon to Wimbledon via Mitcham Junction 31 May 1997 Only bits of the line remain. The Croydon Tramlink now runs in its place. This line in the last few years of service ran Class 456s in Network South East livery.
West Lancashire line WLR Preston to Southport 1964
West Norfolk line Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Heacham to Wells-next-the-Sea, via Burnham Market 31 May 1952 (to passengers)
1954 (to all traffic)
Westerham Valley branch line SER Dunton Green to Westerham 1961 off SER Main Line, see Westerham and Brasted
Weston, Clevedon and Portishead Railway        
Weymouth Harbour Tramway     1999 (to all traffic)  
Whitby and Pickering Railway NER Malton to Whitby (via Marishes Road, Pickering, Grosmont and Sleights) 22 March 1965 A Lengthy Majority of the Line now preserved as the
North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Whitby, Redcar and Middlesbrough Union Railway   Middlesbrough to Whitby, via Redcar, Salturn-by-the-Sea, Loftus, Staithes, Kettlewell and Sandsend. 1958 (to passengers)
1961 (to goods)
Part of the line (between Saltburn and Boulby near Staithes) still open (freight only),
Resurrected in 1974 to serve the nearby Boulby Potash Mine.
Whitchurch and Tattenhall Railway LNWR Whitchurch to Chester 1957 (to passengers)

January 1964 (to all traffic)

Whitehaven, Cleator and Egremont Railway LNWR/Furness Railway 1954 (to regular traffic)
1964 (to all traffic)
Wigan Junction Railways Glazebrook to Wigan 1964 (to passengers)
Winchester to Brookwood line LSWR (Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway) Winchester to Brookwood (via Itchen Abbas, Alresford, Ropley, Alton and Farnham) 5 February 1973 A 10-mile stretch of the line now preserved as the
Mid Hants Railway (aka, The Watercress Line).

Whilst the rest of the line, (north of Alton) is now the present day local-commuter Alton Line, respectively.
Wisbech branch line GER March to Watlington (via Wisbech East) 1968 (to passengers)
2001 (to all traffic)
South of Wisbech, much of the former branch still extant. The line has been proposed for reopening (south of Wisbech), both as the heritage Bramley Line and as a National Rail commuter line.
Witham to Maldon branch line Maldon, Witham & Braintree Railway Witham to Maldon 1966  
Wolverhampton and Walsall Railway Midland Railway Wolverhampton to Walsall 5 January 1931
Wombourne branch line Oxley Junction to Brettell Lane 1932 (to passengers)

25 June 1965 (to goods)

Woodford–Ongar tube line Central London Railway/
Eastern Counties Railway (LNER)
Woodford to Ongar via
Buckhurst Hill, Loughton, Debden, Theydon Bois and Epping
1994 (Ongar section, only) Woodford to Epping section of the line still open (as part of the London Underground's) Central line service,

Whilst the section beyond is now preserved as the
Epping Ongar Railway.
Woodhead line   Manchester Piccadilly to Sheffield Victoria/Wath marshalling yard, via Hadfield and Penistone 5 January 1970 (to passengers, east of Hadfield)
1981 (to all traffic, Hadfield—Deepcar)
The line east of Hadfield (including the Glossop branch), as well as short section at Penistone, continue to be used by passenger services as parts of the Glossop and Penistone lines. A further section of line remains open to freight traffic from Stocksbridge steel works, near Deepcar, to Nunnery Junction (where it meets the Sheffield–Lincoln line).
Proposals have been made to reintroduce passenger services to south of Deepcar as well as, to aa lesser extent, the rest of the line.
Woodside and South Croydon Railway LBSCR Sanderstead to Elmers End 1983 Also known as the "Back Garden Railway";
Worcester, Bromyard and Leominster Railway Worcester to Leominster via Bromyard 1965
Wroxham–County School Line Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Wroxham to County School 1952/64 (to passengers)
1981 (to freight)
1982/3 (to all traffic)
9 mile stretch of the line, re-laid to 15 in (381 mm) Gauge, now forming the Bure Valley Railway.

Known (throughout its heyday) as the East Norfolk Line.
Wycombe Railway Maidenhead to Oxford via High Wycombe
Wymondham to Wells Branch Great Eastern Railway (LNER) Wymondham to Wells-next-the-Sea (via Thuxton, Dereham, Fakenham East and Walsingham 5 October 1964 (to regular passengers)
6 October 1969 (to all passengers)
12 September 1984 (to coal traffic)
1989 (to all traffic)
The 10+14 in (260 mm) gauge Wells and Walsingham Light Railway has reopened 4 miles (6.4 km) of line between resited termini at Wells and Walsingham.
The Mid Norfolk Railway has reopened the line south of Dereham and is actively working to preserve all 17.5 miles (28.2 km) of the line south of County School. The MNR has long-term ambitions of restoring the line between County School and Fakenham.
Yarmouth–Beccles line Great Eastern Railway Beccles to Great Yarmouth,
via Haddiscoe
2 November 1959
Yarmouth–Lowestoft line Great Eastern Railway Lowestoft to Great Yarmouth, via
Hopton-on-Sea and Gorleston-on-Sea
13 July 1964
4 May 1970 (to all traffic, officially)
Yate-Thornbury branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Yate to Thornbury,
via Tytherington
19 June 1944 (to passengers)
2013 (to all traffic)
Yeadon branch line Midland Railway (LMS) Guiseley to Yeadon 7 August 1964 Mainly a Goods-only branch throughout its existing heyday
Yeovil–Taunton line Bristol & Exeter Rly (GWR) Taunton to Yeovil, via
Athelney, Langport and Martlock
1964 (to all traffic)
York–Beverley line North Eastern Railway York to Beverley (via Kiplingcotes, Market Weighton, Pocklington and Stamford Bridge) 27 November 1965 (to all traffic) A group, the Minsters' Rail Campaign, was established in 2001 to promote the re-opening of the line and following the Government's plans announced in 2017 to reinstate lines closed in the 1960s, it has been proposed that the line could reopen.[4] In June 2020, the East Riding of Yorkshire Council submitted a request for funding to cover a feasibility study to investigate reopening the line.[5]

Northern Ireland

[edit]
Name of line Builder Route (from/to) Closure date Notes
Belfast and County Down Railway Belfast to Newcastle via Comber and Downpatrick

Comber to Donaghadee via Newtownards Ballynahinch Junction to Ballynahinch Downpatrick to Ardglass

1950 Part of the B&CDR, now preserved as the
Downpatrick and County Down Railway
Dundalk, Newry and Greenore Railway London and North Western Railway (LMS) Dundalk to Newry 1951
Portadown, Dungannon and Omagh Junction Railway Great Northern Railway of Ireland Portadown to Omagh 1965
Ulster Railway Great Northern Railway of Ireland Portadown to Cavan 1959

Scotland

[edit]
See also Template:Historical Scottish railway companies
Name of line Builder Route (from/to) Closure date Notes
Aberdeen Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Kinnaber Junction to Brechin, via Dubton 1952–67 (to passengers)
1981 (to all traffic)
4 mile stretch of the Railway now preserved, as the Caledonian Railway (Brechin).
Aberfeldy branch line Highland Railway (LMS) Aberfeldy Junction to Aberfeldy, via Grandtully 3 May 1965
(to all traffic)
Aberlady, Gullane and North Berwick Railway Longniddry to Gullane 12 September 1932 (to passengers)

15 June 1964 (to all traffic)

Planned route from Gullane to North Berwick never opened
Alford Valley branch line Great North of Scotland Railway (LNER) Kintore to Alford, via Tillyfourie 1950 (to passengers)
1966 (to all traffic)
A Stretch of the former line (at Alford) now preserved as the Alford Valley Railway
Alloa Railway Airth to Alloa 29 January 1968 (to passengers)

6 May 1968 (to all traffic)

Alva Railway Cambus to Alva 1 November 1954 (to passengers)

January 1965 (to all traffic)

Alyth Branch Line Caledonian Railway (LMS) Alyth Junction to Alyth (itself), via Meigle and Jordanstone 2 July 1951 (to passenger traffic)
January 1965 (to all traffic)
Arbroath and Forfar Railway Caledonian Railway
(LMS)
Arbroath to Forfa 1967
Ayr and Cumnock Line G&SWR Ayr to Cumnock via Annbank 10 September 1951 Section between Ayr and Drongan remains in service for freight
Ayr and Dalmellington Railway Ayr to Dalmellington 6 April 1964 (to passengers) Section between Ayr and Dalrymple Junction in service as part of the Glasgow South Western Line. Section between Dalrymple Junction and Waterside remains in freight service
Ayr to Mauchline Branch G&SWR Ayr to Mauchline via Annbank 4 January 1943 (to passengers) Remains in freight service
Balerno line Ravelrig to Slateford via Balerno 30 October 1943 (to passengers)

4 December 1967 (to all traffic)

Ballachulish branch line Callander and Oban Railway Connel Ferry to Ballachulish 28 March 1966 The Connel Bridge over Loch Etive is now used by the A828 road
Ballater branch line GNoSR Aberdeen to Ballater 18 July 1966 A stretch of the former branch, now preserved forming the Royal Deeside Railway.
Ballochney Railway 1964
Banff, Portsoy and Strathisla Railway GNoSR Cairnie Junction to Banff, via Tillynaught 6 July 1964 (to passenger traffic)
6 May 1968 (to all traffic)
Banff, Macduff and Turriff Junction Railway Great North of Scotland Railway (LNER) Inveramsay to Macduff, via Turriff and Banff Bridge 1 October 1951 (to passengers)
3 January 1966 (to all traffic)
Bangour Railway Uphall to Bangour 4 May 1921 (to passengers)

1 Aug 1921 (to all traffic)

Bankfoot Railway SMJR Strathord to Bankfoot 13 April 1931 (to passengers)

7 September 1964 (to goods)

Barrhead Branch G&SWR Barrhead Central to Potterhill 1 January 1917 (to passengers)

2 March 1970 (to all traffic)

Bathgate Branch Monkland Railways Bathgate to Blackston Junction 1 May 1930 (to passengers)

1973 (to all traffic)

Beith Branch GB&KJR Lugton to Beith 5 November 1962 (to passengers)

5 October 1964 (to all traffic)

Section between Lugton and Barrmill still extant, albeit disused and disconnected from the main line
Berwickshire Railway North British Railway Reston to St Boswell's via Duns 10 September 1951 (to passengers)

7 November 1966 (to all traffic)

Blantyre and East Kilbride Branch Caledonian Railway East Kilbride to Hunthill Junction 14 July 1924 (to passengers)

24 January 1966 (to all traffic)

Boddam Branch Great North of Scotland Rly Ellon to Boddam 1932 (to passengers)
1945 (to freight)
1950 (to all traffic)
Bonnybridge Canal Branch Caledonian Railway Greenhill to Bonnybridge 28 July 1930 (to passengers)

7 December 1964 (to all traffic)

Border Union Railway North British Railway
(LNER)
Carlisle to Hawick, via
Newcastleton and Riccarton
1969 Part of the Waverley Route in-between
Bothwell Branch Caledonian Railway Fallside to Bothwell 5 June 1950
Brechin and Edzell District Railway Brechin to Edzell 27 September 1938 (to passengers)

7 September 1964 (to all traffic)

Bridge of Weir Railway Johnstone to Bridge of Weir 10 January 1983 (to passengers)
Bridgeton Branch North British Railway College to Bridgeton Central 5 November 1979 (to passengers)

1987 (to all traffic)

Buckie and Portessie Branch Highland Railway Keith to Portessie 9 August 1915 (to passengers)

1 April 1944 (to goods)

Cairn Valley Light Railway Dumfries to Moniaive 1 May 1943 (to passengers)

4 July 1949 (to goods)

Cairnryan Military Railway        
Callander and Oban Railway Callander and Oban Railway (LMS) Callander to Oban 27 September 1965 Section between Crianlarich and Oban is still open, accessed via the West Highland Railway.
Cambusnethan Branch Caledonian Railway Wishaw South Junction to Newmains 1 January 1917
Campsie Branch Edinburgh and Glasgow Railway Lenzie to Lennoxtown 1964 (to passengers)

1966 (to all traffic)

Carmyllie Railway Elliot Junction to Carmyllie 2 December 1929 (to passengers)

19 May 1965 (to all traffic)

Castle Douglas and Dumfries Railway Glasgow and South Western Railway Castle Douglas to Dumfries 14 June 1965  
Catrine Branch G&SWR Mauchline to Catrine 3 May 1943 (to passengers)

6 July 1964 (to all traffic)

City of Glasgow Union Railway Majority of the line is extant. Section between High Street East Junction and Springburn in passenger service as part of the North Clyde Line
Cleland, Morningside and Drumbowie Railway Caledonian Railway Cleland to Morningside 1 December 1930
Corstophine Branch North British Railway Haymarket to Corstophine 1 January 1968
Crieff and Comrie Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Crieff to Comrie 6 July 1964  
Crieff Junction Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Crieff Junction (Gleneagles) to Crieff 6 July 1964  
Crieff and Methven Junction Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Perth to Crieff 1 October 1951 (to passengers)
11 September 1967 (to all traffic)
 
Cromarty and Dingwall Light Railway Conon to Cromarty Never completed
Dalkeith Branch North British Railway Smeaton to Hardengreen Junction 11 Nov 1934
Dalry and North Johnstone Line G&SWR Dalry to Elderslie via Kilbarchan 27 June 1966 (to passengers)

19 December 1977 (to all traffic)

Also known as the Kilbarchan Loop Line
Darvel and Strathaven Railway Darvel to Strathaven 11 September 1939
Darvel Branch G&SWR Hurlford to Loudounhill 6 April 1964
Deeside Railway Aberdeen to Ballater 28 February 1966 (to passengers)

2 January 1967 (to all traffic)

Denny Branch Scottish Central Railway Larbert Junction to Denny 28 July 1930
Devon Valley line North British Railway Kinross to Alloa, via Tillicoultry 1964 (to passengers)
1973 (to all traffic)
Dolphinton branch (Caledonian Railway) Caledonian Railway Carstairs to Dolphinton 4 June 1945
Dolphinton branch (North British Railway) North British Railway Leadburn to Dolphinton 1 April 1933
Dornoch Light Railway The Mound to Dornoch 13 June 1960
Douglas Branch Caledonian Railway Lanark to Happendon 5 October 1964
Dumfries, Lochmaben and Lockerbie Railway Caledonian Railway Lockerbie to Dumfries 18 April 1966
Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Dunblane to Callander 1 November 1965  
Dundee and Forfar direct line Caledonian Railway Dundee to Forfar 10 January 1955 (to passengers)

9 October 1967 (to all traffic)

Dundee and Newtyle Railway Scottish Central Railway (LNER) Dundee West Junction to Alyth Junction, via Lochee, Baldovan, Baldragon, Rosemill, Dronley, Balbeuchly, Auchterhouse, Newtyle, and Ardler Junction 1955 (to passenger traffic)
1967 (to all traffic)
Most of this Historic Scottish Railway, was certainly remote and quite circuitous en route.
Edinburgh and Dalkeith Railway St Leonards, South Leith to Dalkeith, Musselburgh Partially reopened as part of the Borders Railway
Edinburgh, Leith and Newhaven Railway
Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway LNER 196?
Edinburgh Suburban Line Edinburgh Suburban and Southside Junction Railway 10 September 1962 (to passengers) Line remains open to freight
Elvanfoot–Wanlockhead branch line Caledonian Railway (LMS) Elvanfoot to Wanlockhead
(via Leadhills)
31 December 1938 (to passengers)
195? (to all traffic)
A Section of the former branch, re-laid as 2 ft (610 mm) Gauge, forming the
Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway.
Eyemouth Railway Burnmouth to Eyemouth 5 Feb 1962
Fife and Kinross Railway Kinross to Ladybank 15 June 1964
Fife Coast Railway Edinburgh & Glasgow Railway (LNER) Thornton Junction to St Andrews, via Leven, Largo, Anstruther and Boarhills 5 October 1964 (to goods)
6 September 1965 (to passengers)
18 December 1966 (to all traffic)
Most of the FCR, now forms the Fife Coastal Path
Section of the FCR (Thornton Junction-Leven) still extant, though long since disused
Findhorn Railway Kinloss to Findhorn 31 January 1869 (to passengers)

1880 (to goods)

Fochabers Railway Orbliston to Fochabers 14 September 1931 (to passengers)

28 March 1966 (to all traffic)

Forfar and Brechin Railway Forfar to Brechin 4 August 1952 (to passengers)

4 September 1967 (to all traffic)

Formartine and Buchan Railway Dyce to Fraserburgh and Peterhead Fraserburgh branch: 4 October 1965 (to passengers), 6 October 1979 (to goods)

Peterhead branch: 3 May 1965 (to passengers), 7 September 1970 (to goods)

Fort George Branch Highland Railway Gollanfield to Fort George 5 April 1943 (to passengers)

11 August 1958 (to goods)

Fortrose Branch Highland Railway Muir of Ord to Fortrose 1 October 1951 (to passengers)

13 Jun 1960 (to all traffic)

Forth and Clyde Junction Railway Stirling to Balloch 1 October 1934 (to passengers)

9 April 1965 (to all traffic)

Fountainhall-Lauder Branch Line LNER Fountainhall to Lauder,
via Oxton
1958
Fraserburgh branch line Great North of Scotland Railway (LNER) Dyce to Fraserburgh, via Ellon and Maud Junction 1965 (to regular traffic)
6 October 1979 (to all traffic)
Galashiels to Eskbank line North British Railway
(LNER)
Eskbank to Galashiels, (via Leadburn and Peebles) 1962 (to passengers)
1967 (to freight)
1971 (to all traffic)
Galashiels–Selkirk branch line North British Railway (LNER) Galashiels to Selkirk 3 October 1966
General Terminus and Glasgow Harbour Railway
Glasgow and Renfrew District Railway G&PJR Cardonald to Renfrew 19 July 1926 (to passengers)
Glasgow, Barrhead and Kilmarnock Joint Railway Glasgow to Kilmarnock Majority of the line still extant
Glasgow, Bothwell, Hamilton and Coatbridge Railway North British Railway Shettleston to Hamilton 1955 (to passengers)

1965 (to all traffic)

Glasgow Central Railway Newton to Maryhill Sections between Carmyle and Glasgow Green, Stobcross and Maryhill closed. Remaining portions still extant and in passenger service
Glasgow, Paisley, Kilmarnock and Ayr Railway Paisley to Ayr and Kilmarnock Majority of the line still extant and in passenger service
Glenfarg Line North British Railway Mawcarse to Bridge of Earn 15 June 1964
Govan Branch G&PJR Ibrox to Govan 9 May 1921 (to passengers) Line remains partially extant as a test track for the Glasgow Subway
Grangemouth Railway Falkirk to Grangemouth 29 January 1968 (to passengers) Remains open for freight
Granton Branch Caledonian Railway 1965
Greenock and Ayrshire Railway G&SWR Bridge of Weir to Greenock 10 January 1983 (to passengers)
Haddington line North British Railway (LNER) Longniddry to Haddington 5 December 1949 (to passengers)

30 March 1968 (to all traffic)

Hamiltonhill Branch Caledonian Railway Balornock Junction to Hamiltonhill
Hamilton and Strathaven Railway Caledonian Railway Hamilton to Strathaven
Hopeman Branch 14 September 1931 (to passengers)

7 November 1966 (to goods)

Inchture Branch Dundee and Perth Railway Inchture Station to Crossgates, Inchture 1916 Horse-drawn tramway
Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway Spean Bridge to Fort Augustus 1 December 1933 (to passengers)

31 December 1946 (to all traffic)

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway Highland Railway (LMS) Perth to Inverness 18 October 1965 Section between Perth and Aviemore is still open as part of the National Network.

10 Mile Stretch of the Line now preserved, as the Strathspey Railway.
Inverury and Old Meldrum Junction Railway Inverurie to Oldmeldrum 2 November 1931 (to passengers)

3 January 1966 (to all traffic)

Jedburgh branch line North British Railway
(LNER)
Roxburgh Junction to Jedburgh, via
Nisbet and Jedfoot
13 August
1948 (to passengers)
10 August
1964 (to all traffic)
Keith and Dufftown Railway (GNoSR) GNoSR Keith to Elgin, (via Auchindachy, Dufftown and Craigellachie) 1968 (to passengers)
1984 (to freight)
24 March 1991 (to all traffic)
An 1112 Mile Stretch of the line now preserved, as the Keith and Dufftown Railway.
Kelvin Valley Railway Maryhill to Kilsyth 31 March 1951 (to passengers)

1966 (to all traffic)

Killin Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Killin Junction to Killin (Loch Tay until 1939) 27 September 1965  
Kilsyth and Bonnybridge railway Kilsyth to Bonnybridge 1 July 1935 (to passengers)

4 May 1964 (to passengers)

Kincardine Line North British Railway Alloa to Dunfermline 7 July 1930 Line remains extant
Kinross-shire Railway Kinross to Lumphinnans 22 September 1930 (to passengers)

12 July 1972 (to freight)

Kirkcaldy District Railway 6 August 1962
Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway Ardrossan to Newton 4 July 1932 (to passengers) Section between Newton and Neilston remains in service as part of the Cathcart Circle Lines
Lanarkshire and Dumbartonshire Railway Possil to Dumbarton
Lauder Light Railway Fountainhall to Lauder 10 September 1932 (to passengers)

30 September 1958 (to all traffic)

Leslie Railway Markinch to Leslie
Lesmahagow Railway Caledonian Railway
Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Comrie to Lochearnhead 1 October 1951  
Macmerry Branch North British Railway
(LNER)
196?
Maidens and Dunure Railway Ayr to Girvan via Maidens 2 March 1942 (to regular passengers)
Moffat Railway Beattock to Moffat 6 December 1954 (to passengers)

6 April 1964 (to goods)

Monkland and Kirkintilloch Railway 2 April 1966
Monkton and Annbank Branch G&SWR Monton to Annbank
Montrose and Bervie Railway Montrose to Bervie Great North of Scotland Railway
(LNER)
1951 (to passengers)
1966 (to all traffic)
Morayshire Railway Morayshire Railway (LNER) Elgin to Lossiemouth and
Elgin to Craigellachie
28 March 1966 (to passengers)
4 November 1968 (to all traffic)
Muirkirk Branch (GPK&AR) GPK&AR Auchinleck to Muirkirk 3 July 1950 (to passengers)
Musselburgh Branch Musselburgh 9 September 1964 (to passengers)

7 December 1970 (to all traffic)

Newburgh and North Fife Railway St Fort to Newburgh 10 February 1951 (to passengers)

10 October 1964 (to all traffic)

Newport Railway, Scotland Tay Bridge to Leuchars 5 May 1969
Paisley and Barrhead District Railway Paisley to Lyoncross via Barrhead 21 October 1984
Paisley and Renfrew Railway Paisley to Renfrew 5 Jun 1967 (to passengers)

1981 (to all traffic)

Paisley Canal line G&SWR Glasgow to Elderslie via Paisley Canal 10 January 1983 Section between Shields Junction and Paisley Canal reopened 28 July 1990
Peebles Railway Eskbank to Peebles 10 September 1962
Perth, Almond Valley and Methven Railway Caledonian Railway (LMS) Perth to Methven via Methven Junction 1 October 1951 (to passengers)
11 September 1967 (to all traffic)
 
Peterhead branch line Great North of Scotland Railway Dyce to Peterhead, via Ellon and Maud Junction 1965 (to passengers)
1970 (to freight)
Portpatrick Railway Castle Douglas to Portpatrick 12 June 1965 Section between Dunragit and Stranaer remains in service as part of the Glasgow South Western Line
Rutherglen and Coatbridge Railway Caledonian Railway Rutherglen to Airdrie via Whifflet 7 November 1966 Section between Rutherglen and Whifflet reopened 4 October 1993
Scottish Midland Junction Railway Scottish North Eastern Railway (LMS) Perth to Forfar, via Stanley Junction, Cargill, Coupar Angus, Meigle Junction and Kirriemuir Junction en route. 1967 (to all traffic) Perth to Stanley Junction stretch of the line still exists, as part of the Highland Mainline.
Selkirk and Galashiels Railway Selkirk to Galashiels 10 September 1951 (to passengers)

2 Nov 1964 (to goods)

Solway Junction Railway Brayton to Kirtlebridge 27 April 1931
South Alloa Branch Scottish Central Railway Alloa Junction to South Alloa 1 October 1885 (to passengers)

1 September 1950 (to goods)

Slamannan Railway Causewayend to Arbuckle 1930 (to passengers)

1964 (to all traffic)

Slamannan and Borrowstounness Railway Causewayend to Bo'ness, via Birkhill closed 196? A 512 mile stretch of track now preserved, as the
Bo'ness and Kinneil Railway.
South Queensferry Branch North British Railway South Queensferry to Ratho
Spiersbridge Branch GB&NDR Kennishead to Spiersbridge 1 May 1849 (to passengers)

31 January 1960 (to goods)

Stirling and Dunfermline Railway North British Railway (LNER) Stirling to Dunfermline via Alloa 5 October 1968 (to passengers)
1993 (to all traffic)
The section between Stirling and Alloa re-opened to passenger traffic in 2008.
St Boswells–Kelso line North British Railway
(LNER)
St Boswells to Kelso 1964 (to passengers)
1968 (to freight)
Strathspey Railway GNoSR (LNER) Craigellachie to Boat of Garten 18 October 1965 (to passengers)
4 November 1968 (to freight)
November 1971 (to all traffic)
Boat of Garten Station is now preserved as part of the Strathspey Railway.
Sutherland and Caithness Railway        
Symington, Biggar and Broughton Railway Caledonian Railway Symington to Peebles 1950 (to passengers)

1966 (to all traffic)

The Switchback Caledonian Railway Strathclyde Junction to Balornock Junction
Waverley Route North British Railway (LNER) Carlisle to Edinburgh via
Scotch Dyke, Newcastleton, Whitrope, Hawick, Tweedbank, Galashiels and Eskbank
4 January 1969 (to passengers)
1971 (to all traffic)
Part of the line, now rebuilt and re-opened (between Edinburgh and Tweedbank), named the Borders Railway, as part of the National Network.

Whilst the section of the line (in-between Whitrope and Riccarton Junction) now preserved (and being restored, in stages, by the Waverley Route Heritage Association) as a Heritage Railway.
Wemyss and Buckhaven Railway Buckhaven to Thornton 9 January 1955 (to passengers)

31 May 1985 (to all traffic)

Whiteinch Railway Whiteinch to Jordanhill 2 April 1951 (to passengers)

March 1965 (to goods)

Wick and Lybster Railway Wick to Lybster 1 April 1944
Wigtownshire Railway Newton Stewart to Whithorn and Garlieston 29 September 1950
Wilsontown branch Caledonian Railway Auchengray to Wilsontown 10 September 1951 (to passengers)

4 May 1964 (to all traffic)

Wilsontown, Morningside and Coltness Railway Morningside to Longridge 1 May 1930 (to passengers)

1982 (to all traffic)

Wishaw and Coltness Railway 1930

Wales

[edit]
Name of line Builder Route (from/to) Closure date Notes
Aberayron branch line GWR Lampeter to Aberayron, via Blaenplwyf and "Felin Fach" 1951 (to passengers)
1973 (to all traffic)
Anglesey Central Railway London & North Western Rly (LMS) Gaerwen to Amlwch,
via Llanerchymedd
1993 (to all traffic)
Bala and Festiniog Railway Great Western Railway Blaenau Ffestiniog to Bala, via
Manod, Llan Ffestiniog and Trawsfynydd
1961 (to passengers)
1998 (to all traffic)
Most of the Track, still intact between Blaenau Ffestiniog and Trawsfynydd, (but long since disused)

This line is now being looked at with a proposal to restore as the proposed Heritage Bala & Ffestiniog Railway Heritage Trust.
Bangor and Carnarvon Railway Menai Bridge to Caernarvon 1972 (to all traffic)
Bethesda branch line Great Western Rly Bangor to Bethesda, via
Felin Hen and Tregarth
1951 (to passengers)
1962 (to all traffic)
Brecon to Hereford line Hereford, Hay & Brecon Railway
(LMS/GWR)
Brecon to Hereford via
Hay-on-Wye
31 December 1962 (Severed as a through route from Talyllyn Junctions)
Brecon and Merthyr Railway Great Western Railway Merthyr Tydfil to Brecon / Newport to Brecon (Through route fragmented) 31 December 1962 (to passengers from Newport or Merthyr)
4 May 1964 (to all traffic from Merthyr)
512 Mile stretch of the line, re-laid as 2 ft gauge, forming the
Brecon Mountain Railway.
Brynmawr and Blaenavon Railway London & North Western Railway/GWR Pontypool to Brynmawr (via Varteg, Blaenavon and Waunavon) 1941 (to passengers)
1980 (to all traffic)
A 2-mile section of the Railway, now preserved as the
Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway.
Brymbo branch line Great Western Railway Stansty Junction to Brymbo 1970 (to all traffic)
Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway      
Carmarthen–Aberystwyth line Great Western Railway Aberystwyth to Carmarthen 1965 (to passengers)
1973 (to all traffic)
A 412 Mile stretch of the Line, now preserved as the
Gwili Railway.
Carnarvonshire Railway        
Coleford, Monmouth, Usk and Pontypool Railway CUMPR Monmouth to Pontypool 12 October 1957 The line never reached Coleford as the GWR bought it.[6] Passenger services were withdrawn in 1955.
Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway        
Mold and Denbigh Junction Railway        
Dyserth branch line London & North Western Railway Prestatyn to Dyserth 1973 (to all traffic)
Ebbw Valley line Great Western Railway Cardiff Central to Ebbw Vale Still Open
Glyn Valley Tramway Chirk to Glyn Ceiriog July 1935
Hay-on-Wye to Pontrilas line Great Western Railway Hay-on-Wye to Pontrilas, via Clifford, Dorstone and Abbeydore 1953 (to passengers)
1957 (to all traffic)
Hereford, Hay and Brecon Railway Great Western and Midland Railways Brecon (Free Street) to Hereford (Barton),
via Talyllyn Junction, Aberllynfi and Hay-on-Wye
1962 (to all traffic)
Holywell branch line London & North Western Railway Holywell Junction to Holywell Town 1954-7 (in stages, to all traffic)
Llandudno branch line St George's Harbour & Rly Company (LMS) Llandudno Junction to
Llandudno, via Deganwy
Still open
Llanelly and Mynydd Mawr Railway Llanelly Railway & Dock Company (GWR) Llanelly Docks to Swansea via Cynheidre, Tumble, Cross Hands, Ammanford and Pantyffynnon 1989 (to all traffic) Most of the railway (of whom still intact), now being restored as the
Llanelli and Mynydd Mawr Railway
Llanidloes and Newtown Railway Cambrian Railways Llanidloes to Newtown 30 December 1962
Llantrisant & Taff Vale Junction Railway Great Western Railway 1984 (to all traffic)
Mawddwy Railway Great Western Railway Cemmes Road to Dinas Mawddwy, via Aberangell 1 July 1952 (to all traffic)
Maerdy Branch Great Western Railway Porth Junction to Mardy Colliery, via Ynshir, Tylorstown and Ferndale. 13 June 1964 (to passenger traffic)
June 1986 (to all traffic)
The Maerdy Heritage Railway, A Preservation Group Aims to Restore A 3 Mile Stretch of this Branch Line, As A Heritage Railway.
Merthyr, Tredegar and Abergavenny Railway London & North Western Railway Merthyr (High Street) to Abergavenny Junction 4 January 1958 (to regular traffic, under BR)
2 November 1959 (to goods traffic)
13 November 1961 (to freight traffic)
4 May 1964 (to all traffic)
Mid-Wales Railway Cambrian Railways Llanidloes to Brecon 31 December 1962
Mold and Denbigh Junction Railway M&DJR Co 30 April 1962 (to passengers)
1968 (to freight)
1983-8 (to all traffic)
Mold Railway Mold to Chester 1962 (to passengers)

1983 (to all traffic)

Monmouthshire Railway and Canal Company
Moss Valley Branch GWR Moss Valley Junction to Moss Halt 1 January 1931 (to passengers)

18 August 1983 (to all traffic)

Neath and Brecon Railway Great Western Railway Brecon to Neath 31 Dec 1962 Part of the line remains open from Swansea District Line via Jersey Marine South Junction to Onllwyn
Newcastle Emlyn branch line GWR (Carmarthen and Cardigan Railway) Pencader to Newcastle Emlyn, via Llandyssul and Henllan 1965 (to passengers)
1973 (to all traffic)
Part of the former branch re-laid as Narrow Gauge, forming the Teifi Valley Railway.
Newport, Abergavenny and Hereford Railway London & North Western Railway/GWR Hereford to Quakers Yard, via Crumlin, Hengoed and Penallta Junction 9 June 1958 (to goods traffic)
Newtown to Brecon Line Mid-Wales Railway
GWR
31 Dec 1962 (Completely closed as a through route north of Talyllyn & Three Cocks Junctions)
Ogmore and Llynvi Valley lines Great Western Rly 1958 to passenger traffic
Pontcysyllte Branch GWR 1931 (to passengers)

1968 (to all traffic)

Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway Great Western Railway Swansea to Treherbert,
via Aberavon Town and Blaengwynfi
1962 (to regular traffic)
1983 (to all traffic)
Part of the R&SBR still extant as part of the National Network,

Whilst most of the majority of the latter, between Briton Ferry and Treherbert remains completely closed.

The section of the line between Pontypridd and Treherbert also still open as the Local-Commuter Rhondda Line.
Ruabon–Barmouth line Great Western Railway Ruabon to Barmouth
(via Llangollen, Glyndyfrydwy, Corwen, Llandderfel, Bala and Dolgellau)
1964–5 (to passengers)
1968 (to all traffic)
Two stretches (of the former line) now preserved, as the
Llangollen Railway (between Corwen and Llangollen, via Carrog, Glyndyfrydwy and Berwyn), A total of 10 miles (16.1 km) in length, and the
Bala Lake Railway (between Llanuwchllyn and Bala, via Pentrepiod and Llangower), A total of 4+12 miles (7.2 km) in length.
Swansea and Mumbles Railway        
Swansea Vale Railway Swansea to Abercrave, Brynamman 1965 (to passengers)

1983 (to all traffic)

Tanat Valley Light Railway Cambrian Railways 15 September 1951 (to passengers)

December 1960 (to all traffic)

Tondu to Blaengarw line GWR? Tondu to Blaengarw (via Brynmenyn, Pontyrhyl and Pontycymmer) Closed in 1955 (to passengers)
1997 (to freight)
Most of the line now being restored as the
Garw Valley Railway.
Vale of Clwyd Railway        
Vale of Neath Railway Great Western Railway Neath to Merthyr Tydfil, via Gelli Tarw Junction and Quakers Yard Part of the line still exists
Vale of Rheidol Railway Cambrian Railways Privatised in 1989, heritage railway services continued
Welshpool and Llanfair Light Railway Welshpool to Llanfair 9 February 1931 (to passengers)

5 November 1956 (to freight)

Reopened as heritage railway in 1963
Wrexham and Ellesmere Railway Cambrian Railways (GWR) Ellesmere to Wrexham, via Overton-on-Dee, Bangor-on-Dee and Hightown 1962–3 (to all traffic)
Wrexham and Minera Railway Great Western Railway 1970–2 (to all traffic)
Wrexham, Mold and Connah's Quay Railway Great Western Railway Wrexham to Connah's Quay, via Gwernsyltt, Cefn-y-Bedd, Penyffordd and Buckley Junction Between Wrexham and Mold, via Llanfynydd en-route Most of the line (Wrexham to Shotton) still open
Wye Valley line WVR Chepstow to Monmouth 4 January 1964 Passenger Services were withdrawn on 4 January 1959.
Freight trains carrying Limestone to Dayhouse Quarries continued until 1992.[6]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Morrison, Brian (ed.). "The Meldon Quarry Branch". Modern Railways Pictorial, 1986. Ian Allan. p. 16. ISBN 0-7110-1510-4.
  2. ^ Knights, David (22 September 2016). "Cullingworth councillors check out state of Great Northern RailwayTrail following nearby building work". Keighley News. Retrieved 26 September 2017.
  3. ^ Peters, Ivo (1974). The Somerset and Dorset – An English Cross Country Railway. Oxford Publishing Company. ISBN 0-902888-33-1.
  4. ^ "MP calls for reopening of York to Beverley rail line". York Press. Retrieved 5 January 2018.
  5. ^ "East Riding Council takes first step to reopening York to Beverley railway line". The Yorkshire Post. Retrieved 2 June 2020.
  6. ^ a b B. M. Handley and R. Dingwall, The Wye Valley Railway and the Coleford Branch, 1982, ISBN 0-85361-530-6