Greater Manchester was at the beating heart of Britain’s Industrial Revolution, with many of the railways and mills still standing to prove it. Well, what if we told you that one very creative individual has acquired not only a train carriage from 1895 and turned it into a gorgeous cabin for overnight stays, but the old train station that goes with it? That’s exactly what one man has done with a wonderfully vintage Great Western Railway (GWR) carriage, and the wider disused Delph train station and platform, much to the delight of Airbnb.
Nestled in the beautiful West Pennine Moors of Saddleworth, Delph belongs to Oldham, full of character houses, mills and cobbled streets, just as you’d hope for in a quintessentially Victorian part of Greater Manchester. Of course, this means there would’ve had to have been a pretty hefty trainline going through the village, but the modern railway skips the area these days, hitting Greenfield and Mossley, but no others in the area.
What happened to Delph train station?
It’s time we mention the Delph Donkey line. The Delph Donkey was a line of the London and North Western Railway (LNWR) in northern England, which opened in 1849 to connect Oldham, Greenfield and Delph to the main Huddersfield to Manchester line. The line took its name from a claim that the original service on the railway was a carriage drawn by a donkey – although this has never actually been proven.
Passenger trains ceased running on the Delph Donkey in April 1955, although a limited number of freight trains continued to use the line until November 1963. The track was lifted in 1964 to turn the line between Oldham and Grotton into a cycle and walk way, and the line between Moorgate and Delph became the Delph Donkey Trail footpath and bridleway.
As of 2012, old pieces of track, that had not been moved since the closure almost 50 years before, remained outside Bailey Mill at the old Delph terminus, and this is where ‘The Carriage at the Old Station‘ sits today, bolstered by all of this wonderful history. Supposedly, the carriage itself was built in 1895 in Swindon for GWR, running on the Metropolitan Railway, and was decommissioned in 1940.
What is The Carriage Airbnb at Delph train station like?
The lovingly restored 1895 GWR train carriage, one of few situated at a Victorian Station like Delph, was brought back to life by Nigel, an Oldham local, retired wallpaper designer and now Airbnb host. Here, you can enjoy a beautifully furnished living space, bathroom, kitchenette, and a comfy bed ensuring a restful night’s sleep.
Colourful, plush interiors bring the character of this remarkable cabin to life, making it feel regal yet cosy, with tons of five-star reviews on Airbnb. Past guests praise the carriage’s unique nature, Nigel’s craftmanship and friendliness, and the stunning nature surrounding the area. Nigel lives in the old Delph train station, so you’re never too far away if you need anything, and sharing some ethusiasm for the project, and railways in general, is definitely on the cards.
What is the area like?
The carriage is located in Saddleworth, renowned for its scenic walking routes and picturesque villages, and nearby you’ll find dining, drinking, and activities; including the world record-holding Old Bell Inn gin emporium.
Saddleworth also hosts many popular events throughout the year, such as the world famous brass band contest on Whit Friday, Yanks Weekend (celebrating the filming of the 1979 Richard Gere film in the area), Rushcart (complete with morris dancers and bands)and many more, so the next time you fancy a dose of the countryside with some unique charm, you know where to go.
Book The Carriage at The Old Station here to experience this unique, charming and historical hideaway in Delph.