When looking for things to do in Haworth and the surrounding areas this year, one of the events you have to look at is the highly popular Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s 1940s Weekend. At this much-loved event, you can turn back the clock to a world of period costumes, vintage trains, wartime sing-alongs, and re-enactments that bring one of the most important times in our history to life. The weekend is back for its second instalment and is a must when planning your 2026 activities.
Our guide will explore the beginnings of the event, what there is to see and do, and those all-important dates and ticket information. So, let’s step back in time and explore the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway’s 1940s Weekend.
New Beginnings at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
The event has gone through a little turbulence in recent years. Originally, it was Haworth village that hosted the 1940s weekend. However, after the organising committee stepped down in 2023, having run it for more than 30 years, and due to pressures on the village from its popularity, it was sadly cancelled in 2024.
Thankfully, the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway heard the cries from the masses and created an entirely new 1940s weekend which had its first, and very successful, year in 2025. And what a job they are doing! You’ll join KWVR on a memorable trip back to wartime Britain. The railway becomes a living historical experience, featuring music, entertainment, and re-enactments. You can truly immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of this famous period.
What is there to do at the 1940s Weekend?
You’ll step into the spirit of the 1940s with this fantastic historical event. You’ll travel across the scenic Keighley and Worth Valley Railway line. You pass through stations from Keighley to Oxenhope, including Haworth village and Oxworth, which are transformed into nostalgic places of history, community, and entertainment.
There is SO MUCH to see and do at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend. Here is a glimpse into just some of the things you can expect at the event.
Lots of Dancing, Singing, and Entertainment
You’ll dance and sing along with fantastic singers as they perform popular songs of the time. There are also Balboa dancers, big period bands, and a traditional fairground organ, all adding to the weekend’s atmosphere.
A Chance to Become Immersed in Living History
The 1940s Weekend lets you fully immerse yourself in what life was like during those tough war years. You can meet the brave home guard, see if you are a master code breaker, pay a visit to a wartime corner shop, and explore ARP encampments.
Then there are the outfits! Many attendees get into the wartime spirit by dressing in period fashions and styles. You’ll see the women in an array of tea dresses, blouses, high-waisted trousers, swing skirts, and hats, in a variety of prints and colours that were at the height of fashion during the war. The men, on the other hand, will be donning bomber jackets, trench coats, chinos, wool suits, aviator glasses, and braces, of course!
It is not a requirement of the event to dress up, so you can just admire all the incredible outfits as you travel down the railway. If you do want to go feet-first into living history, get on your 1940s-style glad rags.
You Will Meet Very Special Guests
The 1940s Weekend is filled with authentic reenactors portraying key characters of the time, including army officers, Home Guard, and the military police.
There is one special guest you should particularly look out for. As the train steams ahead across the railway, you’ll meet a very colourful character called Air Chief Marshal Sir Arthur ‘Bomber’ Harris, who will be busy delivering his rousing speeches.
All the Scrumptious Food and Refreshments You Need
With all the fun and entertainment at the 1940s Weekend, we are sure you’ll work up an appetite. Not to worry, there is so much choice at the event! You can get tea and cake at Ingrow, ice cream and a brew at the NAAFI, a hot meal at The Old Post Office, and a buffet serving hot and cold sandwiches at Oxenhope. You’ll be bursting at the seams with delicious scran by the end of the weekend.
Want to discover more reasons that you should add Haworth village to your bucket list for 2026? Explore our guide – 5 Reasons You Must Visit Haworth Village in 2026.
When is the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend?
Does the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend sound right up your street? If yes, we are not surprised! It is a fun, quirky, and educational weekend, and you will gain many happy memories.
The next edition of the 1940s Weekend takes place on May 16th and 17th, 2026. So, get your fedora hat and tea dresses ready for a weekend of wartime merriment.
How Do I Get Tickets for the Event?
Tickets for the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend can be found on the KWVR’s official website. Ticket prices are as follows:
- Day Rover – £25.00
- Friday Evening – £20 per person (including a light supper)
The link to the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway website can be found here.
Please note – Prices and ticketing details are subject to change, so always refer to the KWVR’s website for the most up-to-date details.
Want to Discover More Things to do in Haworth Village?
The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway 1940s Weekend is just one of many things to do in Haworth village this year. On your next trip, you could experience the Brontë Parsonage Museum, take a hike up to Top Withens, have a refreshing pint in the many wonderful pubs, or experience how magical it is at Christmas. If you want to find out more about things to do in Haworth, then discover our archives for more information.
If you are looking for more fun and exciting events across Yorkshire, explore our events page today.
Read More: 5 Reasons You Must Visit Haworth Village in 2026
Feature Image Credit: Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
