On the 8^th June 2024 the Settle & Carlisle Railway trust opened a new cafe in the former ticket office at Horton in Ribblesdale railway station.  Retaining many original features and sympathetically restored the Cafe offers a selection of hot and cold drinks, hot food and snacks and a selection of alcoholic drinks including locally brewed beer.

The cafe opening coincided with the first day of operations of the new ‘Dales explorer’ Saturday service between Manchester and Ribblehead. Day trippers to the Dales now have opportunity to purchase a coffee or tea before heading up the fells or a relaxing pint after a hard days walking.  The Cafe also caters for locals looking for a convivial place to catch up with friends and walkers, plus holiday makers looking for a bite to eat and drink whilst enjoying the local area.

The Cafe is staffed with volunteers from Friends of the Settle Carlisle and any profits made are reinvested in project to further enhance the line.

Over the summer period the Cafe was open Saturday and Sundays 10am – 6pm however over the winter period the Cafe will open Saturdays 10.30 – 16.30.  Ongoing recruitment of volunteers should help us to open more and longer hours from the spring of 2025.  If you are interested on volunteering please contact Phil Cottam.  Hcb@settle-carlisle.co.uk