Filey railway station, which first opened in 1846 to serve holidaymakers heading for the Yorkshire coast, has undergone a major restoration to secure its future for decades to come. The beloved Grade II*-listed site has benefited from a £3.6million investment, ensuring the landmark continues to welcome visitors just as it has for nearly 180 years.

Network Rail has led the significant upgrade programme in partnership with local and heritage organisations. Improvements include extensive repairs to the historic lantern roof, new glazing and tile work, and the installation of safe access routes for ongoing maintenance. Enhancements have also been made to passenger facilities such as the café and toilets, while two ornate cast-iron windows in the train shed have been carefully restored.

“Seaside stations like Filey hold a special place in the hearts of people from much further afield than their towns – being closely linked to generations of memories of days out,” said Jake Walton, Network Rail senior asset engineer. “We’re delighted to have completed a wide-ranging suite of improvements here at Filey which protect the building as a piece of railway heritage while making the station fit for modern passenger use, and for generations to come.”

Regional leaders have praised the works for safeguarding both heritage and the local visitor economy. David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, said: “It’s great to see a building with such heritage be looked after to make sure that families and friends can come together on our beautiful coastline for another 180 years. Being able to access the coast by train is important for our local economy, environment and the health of our communities.”

Northern, which manages the station, also welcomed the upgrade. Kerry Peters, director of stations at Northern, said: “Filey station has been part of so many people’s seaside memories, and it’s wonderful to see it looking its best again. This investment not only preserves a much-loved part of the town’s heritage but also makes sure it continues to welcome local people and visitors alike for many years to come.”

Highlighting its architectural significance, the Railway Heritage Trust supported the restoration and contributed £53,000 to the work. Tim Hedley-Jones, the Trust’s executive director, said: “Filey station was built in 1846 by renowned North-Eastern railway architect GT Andrews. It retains its original character as a railway station from the first half of the 19th century. We are pleased to have supported Network Rail in their restoration works at the station which, in 2025, is still fulfilling the role for which it was built.”

Image: Network Rail