List of closed railway lines in the United Kingdom

This list is for railway lines which are now disused, closed or dismantled.

See also:

• List of railway lines in Great Britain for extant lines.
• List of closed railway stations in Britain
• List of British heritage and private railways
• History of rail transport in Great Britain

England

Name of Line	Builder(s)	Route (From/To)	Closure Date	Notes
Alcester to Hatton 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	North Eastern Railway (LNER)	Alnmouth to Alnwick	30 January 1968 (to all traffic)	Remains of the branch now being restored (between a new site at "Alnwick Lionheart" and Alnmouth) as the heritage Aln Valley Railway.
Ambergate to Pye Bridge line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Pye Bridge to Ambergate, (via Butterley)	1968	Part of the line, now preserved (between Hammersmith and Ironville, via Swanwick Junction) as the Heritage Midland Railway - Butterley.
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 to Buxton, via Ashbourne	1964 (to passengers) 1967 (to freight)	Most of the line now survives as a walk/cycle path called the Tissington Trail
Axminster-Lyme Regis branch line	LSWR (Southern Railway)	Axminster to Lyme Regis via Combpyne	29 November 1965 (to all traffic)
Bacup branch line	Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway	Stubbins Junction to Bacup, via Rawtenstall, Clough Fold and Stacksteads	1966 (to regular traffic) 1972 (to all traffic)	Part of the branch line (from the site of 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		Banbury to Verney Junction (Where it joined the Varsity Line)	January 1961	Freight services lasted till 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.
Basingstoke and Alton Light Railway	LSWR	Basingstoke to Alton	1932 (to passengers) 19?? (to freight)
Batley-Beeston Line	Great Northern Railway	Beeston to Batley, via Tingley and Woodkirk	1939 (to passengers) 195? (to freight) 1964 (to all traffic)
Bedford to Northampton Line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Northampton to Bedford	1962 (to passengers) 1981 (to all traffic)
Benwick goods railway			1898	1966
Birkenhead Dock Branch Line		Rock Ferry to Bidston Dock, via Canning Street	16 February 1985 (to passengers) 1987 (to regular goods) 2008 (to all traffic)
Blythe and Tyne Railway	B&TR (North Eastern Railway)	A network of various lines, criss-cross the North-East	1971-83 (in-stages, to all traffic) Re-Opened in 1980 (as part of the T&WM network)	Most of the former B&TR, now forms the present-day Tyne & Wear Metro System, While a section of one of the other lines, is now preserved (in-between Percy Main and Middle Engine Lane) as the North Tyneside Steam Railway.
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	GER?	Wivenhoe to Brightlingsea
Bristol and North Somerset Railway	Great Western Railway	Frome to Bristol	1958-9 (to passengers) 1963 (to all traffic)
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)	Over 6 miles of Track now preserved, (between Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction, via Bodmin General) as the Bodmin & Wenford Railway.
Bognor Regis branch line	LB&SCR (Southern Railway)	Barnham Junction to Bognor Regis	Still Open
Botley to Bishops Waltham branch line	LSWR	Botley to Bishops Waltham	1962
	SER	Rochester Bridge Junction to Chatham Central		SER branch from North Kent Line to rival LCDR's Chatham Main Line - closed with advent of SECR circa 1890s
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				known as the "Crab and Winkle Line" - 1830–1952
Castleton to Bolton Line	Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly	Bolton to Castleton, via Darcy lever, Bradley Fold and Broadfield	5 October 1970 (to all traffic)	4 mile section (between Bury and Heywood) now preserved as part of the East Lancashire Railway.
Carlisle to Maryport line	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)
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)	Part of the line now preserved, (in-between Cranmore and Shepton Mallet, via Mendip Vale) as the Heritage East Somerset Railway.
Chester & Connah's Quay Railway
Chippenham to Calne branch 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)	Small upper section of the line (based at Rudyard, North of Leek) now forms as the "Minimum Gauge" Rudyard Lake Railway Whilst the other section of the line between Leekbrook Junction and Oakamoor "Sand Sidings" (via, Cheddleton, Consall and 'Kingsley & Froghall') (including the Cauldon Lowe branch) now survives as the preserved Churnet Valley Railway.
Clayton West branch line	L&YR (LMS)	Shepley Junction to Clayton West (via Skelmanthorpe)	24 January 1983 (to all traffic)	Most of the former branch line now preserved, (in-between Shelley and Clayton West, via Skelmanthorpe) 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)
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
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.
Cornhill Branch Line	North Eastern Railway (LNER)	Alnwick to Coldstream	196?
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
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
Dauntsy-Malmesbury branch line	Great Western Railway	Dauntsy to Malmesbury	1962
Deerness Valley line	North Eastern Rly	Crook to Durham, via Waterhouses and Ushaw Moor	29 October 1951 (to passengers) 28 December 1964 (to all traffic)
Derwent Valley Railway	North Eastern Rly	Scotswood to Carrhouse, via Swalwell, Rowlands Gill, Ebchester and Shotley Bridge	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 Section of the Line, 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. Part of the former route (in-between Okehampton and Yeoford) now preserved as the Heritage 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
Dover Marine or Dover Western Docks				For boat trains from Chatham Main Line / SER Main Line
Driffield to Malton line	North Eastern Railway	Malton to Driffield, via Wharram, Burdale and Wetwang	1958	Part of the line, now 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 Rly	Appledore Junction to Dungeness, via, Lydd Town	1967 (to passengers)	Part of the line still open to serve Dungeness Power Station
Durham-Bishop Auckland Line	North Eastern Rly	Bishop Auckland to Durham, via Hunwick and Brancepeth	1958 (to freight) 1964 (to passengers) 1968 (to all traffic)
Durham-Sunderland Line	North Eastern Rly	Durham to Sunderland, via Hetton and Ryhope Junction	1931 (to passengers) 1953 (to all traffic)
Dursley branch line	GWR	Coaley Junction to Dursley	1962 (to passengers) 1968 (to freight) 1970 (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 route 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)	Section of the line, now preserved (in-between Ludborough and North Thoresby) as the Heritage Lincolnshire Wolds Railway. Whilst the 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.
Edgware, Highgate and London 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
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
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 till 1965
Fallowfield Loop Line	Great Central Rly (LNER)	Manchester Central to Fairfield, via Fallowfield	1983-8 (to all traffic)
Fawley Branch Line	Southern Railway	Totton to Fawley, via Hythe	14 February 1966 (to pssengers) 1 September 2016 (to all traffic)	Part of the line, still extant as far as Marchwood Goods traffic continued onto Fawley Refinery until 2016.
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 since goods traffic ceased in 1999, The line is currently being restored as the heritage Poulton & Wyre Railway.
Garstang and Knot-End Railway	GKER	Garstang to Knott End-on-Sea	1963	Opened 1870 to Pilling, completed by Knott End Railway in 1908
Glasson Dock Branch	LNWR	Lancaster to Glasson Dock	1930	Opened 1883
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)	Closed in 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).
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 Main Line	Great Central Railway (LNER)	London (Marylebone) to Sheffield (Victoria)	Opened in 1899/1900 Closed in 1966-69 (in stages)/(to all traffic)	Parts of the GCR still open between London Marylebone to Verney Junction north of Aylesbury. Whilst two sections of the former Main-Line route now preserved in-between Ruddington and Leicester North (via Gotham, Rushcliffe, East Leake, Loughborough, Quorn & Woodhouse, Swithland and Rothley), as the Great Central Railway (Ruddington/Loughborough) (A total of over 18 miles in length).
Great Northern and Great Eastern Joint Railway	Great Northern Rly/ Great Eastern Rly (Jointly)	Drax to Huntingdon, via Haxey Junction, Lincoln and March
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 branch line	North Eastern Railway	Middlesbrough to Guisborough via Nunthorpe and Pinchinthorpe	1964	Most of the former Branch Line, now a public footpath.
Gwinear-Helston branch line	Great Western Railway	Gwinear Road to Helston	1964	Section of the Branch, now preserved as the Helston Railway.
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 (NER)	Haltwhistle to Alston (via Featherstone Park, Lambley and Slaggyford)	1 May 1976 (to all traffic)	4 miles of Track (between Alston and Slaggyford, via Kirkhaugh), now preserved as the Narrow Gauge South Tynedale Railway.
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
Haughley-Laxfield branch line	Great Eastern Railway	Haughley to Laxfield	1952 (to passengers) 196? (to freight)	Part of the branch, now preserved (at Brockford) 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
Hawes branch line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Garsdale 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 11½ miles.
Hayfield branch line	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, Over 10 miles of Track now preserved (between Tenterden and Bodiam, via Rolvenden, Wittersham Road and Northiam) as the heritage Kent and East Sussex Railway. Another section of the Line (based at Robertsbridge), is now also preserved.
Hereford, Ross and Gloucester Railway	Great Western Railway	Gloucester to Hereford via Ross-on-Wye	196?
Hexham to Riccarton Line	Border Counties Railway NBR	Hexham to Riccarton Junction, via Reedsmouth and Plashetts	1956 (to passengers) 1958 (to freight) 1963 (to all traffic)	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)	Closed in 1959 (to passengers) Closed in 1971 (to all traffic)	A section of the branch line, now preserved, as the Rushden, Higham & Wellingborough Railway.
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)	13 Miles of Track now preserved between Cheltenham and Little Buckland (via Gotherington, Winchcombe, Hayles Abbey, Toddington and Laverton) as the Gloucestershire-Warwickshire Railway.
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 to Holderness branch line	North Eastern Railway		1964
Hull to Hornsea branch line	North Eastern Railway		1964
Hythe and Sandgate Branch			1951	SER branch off SER main line at Sandling to Hythe, Kent and Sandgate.
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.
Ilkley to Skipton Line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Ilkley to Skipton (via Addingham, Bolton Abbey and Embsay)	22 March 1965 (to passengers) January 1966 (to all traffic)	4 miles of Track, now preserved as the Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway (in-between which form the latters name).
Kemble to Cirencester Branch Line	Great Western Railway	Kemble to Cirencester	6 April 1964
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)
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 Also, 7 miles of Track are now preserved, (between Paignton and Kingswear, via Goodrington and Churston) 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 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 Consett, via Lanchester	1954 (to regular traffic) 1965 (to all traffic)
Langton Dock Branch
Leamington to Rugby line	London and North Western Railway (LMS)	Leamington Spa to Rugby
Leamside Line	Durham Junction Railway (NER)	Ferryhill to Pelaw, via Shincliffe, Leamside, Penshaw and Usworth	1964 (to passengers) 1991 (to all traffic)
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
Leeds-Northallerton Railway	LNER		1967-69	Opened in the 1850s, Leeds-Harrogate section still extant and open.
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 branch line (in-between Leekbrook Junction and Ipstones), is now preserved, as part of the Churnet Valley Railway
Leicester and Swannington Railway
Leominster and Kington Railway	Great Western Railway		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	11 miles of Track now preserved, (between Sheffield Park and East Grinstead, via Horsted Keynes) 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, 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
Lymington Branch Line	London & South Western Railway	Brockenhurst to Lymington Pier	Still Open
Macclesfield, Bollington and Marple Railway	MSLR and NSR	Macclesfield to Marple		1970
Malton to Thirsk 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 8½ Mile Long Course of the Line, now preserved (between Bury Bolton Street and through Stubbins Junction via Summerseat and Ramsbottom) 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 Midlands 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
Mangotsfield and Bath Branch Line	Midland Railway (LMS/GWR)	Mangotsfield to Bath Green Park (via Bitton)	1966 (to passengers) 1971 (to all traffic)	Part of the Line, now preserved (between Oldland Common and Avon Riverside, via Bitton) as the Heritage Avon Valley Railway.
Margate Sands branch line	South Eastern & Chatham Railway (SR)		19??
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)
Micklehurst Loop 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)
Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway	GNR/ Merger of earlier railways		Closed in 1959 (to passengers) Closed in 1964 (to all traffic)	Cromer-Sheringham section still extant as part of the nearby Bittern Line Whilst Over 5 miles of Track now preserved (between Sheringham & High Kelling, via Weybourne) as the North Norfolk Railway.
Midland and South Western Junction Railway	GWR/ Merger of earlier railways	Cheltenham to Andover	1961	Section of the line, between (Hayes Knoll and Taw Valley halt, via Blunsdon) now preserved as the Swindon & Cricklade Railway.
Muswell Hill Railway
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)
Northallerton to Hawes line		Northallerton to Hawes (via Leeming Bar, Leyburn and Aysgarth)	Closed in 1954 (to passengers) Closed in 1992 (to all traffic)	An Astonishing 22 miles of track now preserved, (between Redmire and Northallerton, via Leeming Bar) as the Wensleydale Railway.
Northampton to Market Harborough Line	London and North Western Railway (LMS)	Northampton to Market Harborough	16 August 1981 (to all traffic)	A section of the route, now preserved as the Northampton & Lamport Railway.
North Cornwall Railway	LSWR	Halwill Junction to Padstow (via Launceston, Camelford and Wadebridge)	1964	2 miles of Track now preserved, as the Narrow Gauge 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 preserved as the proposed Tarka Valley Railway.
North Lindsey Light Railway	NLLR	Scunthorpe to Whitton		Short section of the line still open, (freight only)
North Liverpool Extension Line
Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead branch line	Great Western Railway	Norton Fitzwarren to Minehead via, Crowcombe-Heathfield, Williton and Blue Anchor	1 February 1971 (to all traffic)	Most of the entire branch, now preserved as the West Somerset Railway.
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)	5 miles of Track, now preserved (between Shackerstone and Shenton, via Market Bosworth) as the Heritage Battlefield Line.
Okehampton to Bude Line	London & South Western Rly	Okehampton to Bude, via Halwill Junction and Holsworthy	1 October 1966
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.
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)	Upper section in-between Ilkley and the Junction (towards Otley), now forms part of the Local-Commuter Wharfedale Line.
Oxenhope branch line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Keighley to Oxenhope via Ingrow, Damems, Oakworth and Haworth	Closed in 1962 Re-opened in 1968	Entire branch line now preserved, as the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
Oxford to Cambridge Line				Section from Bedford to Bletchley still open (as the Marston Vale Line)
Palace Gates Line
Peterborough to Northampton line	LMS	Northampton to Peterborough (East)	1968 (to passengers) 1972 (to all traffic)	Over 7 miles of Track, now preserved (in-between Yarwell Junction and Peterborough, via Wansford, Castor, Ferry Meadows and Orton Mere), as the Heritage 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)
Pilmoor, Boroughbridge and Knaresborough Railway	North Eastern Railway	Knaresborough to Pilmoor, via Boroughbridge	196?
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)	Part of the Line, now preserved as the Heritage Bowes Railway. Mainly, A Cable-Hauled Colliery Railway throughout its heyday.
Potteries Loop Line
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, but one mile of track in Preston remains, but disused
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)	Keighley-Queensbury section now forming as a cycle-route/footpath
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.
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 line	Lancashire & Yorkshire Rly	Sowerby Bridge to Rishworth	1929 (to passengers) 19?? (to all traffic)
Rochdale to Bacup Line	Lancashire & Yorkshire Railway	Rochdale to Bacup, via Whitworth and Shawforth	1967
"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
Rothbury branch line	North British Railway (LNER)	Scotsgap to Rothbury, via Longwitton, Ewesley, Fontburn and Brinkburn	1952 (to passengers) 1963 (to freight)
Rugby to Peterborough line	Midland Railway (LMS)	Rugby to Peterborough (East)	6 June 1966
"Rye Harbour Branch"				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
Saffron Walden Railway		Audley End to Bartlow	December 1964
Salisbury and Dorset Junction Railway
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)	Part of the branch line, now forms the Seaton Tramway.
Selby to Driffield Line	North Eastern Railway (LNER)	Selby to Driffield, via Market Weighton	20 September 1954 (to passengers) 30 June 1965 (to all traffic)
Selby to Goole Line	North Eastern Railway (LNER)	Selby to Goole, via Drax	15 June 1964
Settle-Carlisle Line	Midland Railway/LMS	Settle Junction to Carlisle, via Horton-in-Ribblesdale, Dent, Garsdale and Kirkby Stephen	Still Open	This historic railway line is now also a diversionary rail-route, easing rail traffic congestion of the West Coast Main Line. Railtours (mostly steam-hauled) are an occasional common site along the line, as planned by various rail-operators
Severn and Wye Railway	GWR	Lydney to Lydbrook, (via Whitecroft, Parkend, Speech House Road and Serridge Junction)	1977	Over 4 miles of Track, now preserved (between Lydney and Parkend, via Norchard and Whitecroft) as the Dean Forest Railway.
Severn Valley Line	West Midland Railway GWR	Shrewsbury to both Hartlebury and to Kidderminster	September 1963	16 miles of track now preserved (between Bridgnorth and Kidderminster, via Hampton Loade and Bewdley) as the Severn Valley Railway.
Sharpness branch line	Severn & Wye Railway (GWR)	Berkeley Road to Severn Bridge, via Sharpness	1964 (to passengers)	Part of the branch line, now being restored (and preserved) as a heritage railway.
Sheppey Light Railway				SECR branch off Sheerness Line - 1901–1950 - Built under the 1896 Light Railways Act.
Shropshire Union Railways and Canal Company
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 line	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. A Trio of Three Sections of the 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.
South Devon and Tavistock Railway	GWR	Plymouth to Launceston (via Tavistock)	1962	Part of the line (under 2 miles in length), now preserved (in-between Marsh Mills and Plym Bridge) as the Heritage Plym Valley Railway.
South Durham and Lancashire Union Railway	Lancaster & Carlisle Railway (L&CR)	Tebay to Bishop Auckland (via Kirkby Stephen, Barras and Barnard Castle)	1962/63	Section of the line, now preserved (at Kirkby Stephen East) as the Stainmore Railway.
South Staffordshire Line	South Staffordshire Railway	Stourbridge to Walsall	19 March 1993	(section between Brierley Hill and Walsall closed)
South Yorkshire Lines	South Yorkshire Railway (LNER)	Swinton Junction-Doncaster Doncaster-Barnsley Wombwell-Sheffield		Upper part of the SYR Elsecar Colliery line (A Sole-Remaining part of the SYR) 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)
Stafford and Uttoxeter Railway
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 sadly disused)
Stanhope and Tyne Railway	North Eastern Railway			Most of the S&TR, still extant throughout
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
Stour Valley Railway		Shelford to Marks Tey	6 March 1967	Eastern end remains open as the Gainsborough Line
Southsea Railway
St Ives Bay branch line	Great Western Railway	St Erth Jnction to St Ives, via Lelant Carbis Bay	Still Open
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)
Tanfield Colliery branch line	Built in 1725	Gateshead Junction to Tanfield Colliery	1962-70 (to all traffic, in stages)	Mainly a freight-only wooden-wagonway/colliery line, throughout its heyday. Part of the former Colliery Line, now preserved as the Tanfield Railway.
LBSCR link between Oxted Line and SER's Hastings Line
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 preserved and part of the Heritage Severn Valley Railway.
Tetbury branch line	Great Western Railway	Kemble to Tetbury, via Rodmarton and Culkerton	6 April 1964
Tewksbury 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
Totnes-Ashburton branch line	BT&SDR (GWR)	Totnes to Ashburton (via Staverton and Buckfastleigh)	1958 (to passengers) 1962 (to goods)	7 miles of Track now preserved (between Totnes and Buckfastleigh, via Staverton) as the South Devon Railway.
Tunbridge Wells to Eridge Line	LB&SCR/SR	Eridge to Tunbridge Wells (via Groombridge)	6 July 1985	Over 5 miles of Track, now preserved (between Eridge and Tunbridge Wells West, via Groombridge) as the Spa Valley Railway.
Tweedmouth to Kelso Line	North Eastern Railway (LNER)	Tweedmouth to Kelso, via Coldstream	1968
Uffington-Faringdon branch line	Great Western Rly	Uffington to Faringdon	196?
Ulverston-Lakeside branch line	Furness Railway (LMS)	Ulverston to Lakeside (via Greenodd and Haverthwaite)	6 September 1965	3 miles of Track, now preserved as the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway, (in-between which form the latters name).
Uppingham branch line	London & North Western Rly	Seaton (Rutland) to Uppingham	Opened in 1894 Closed in 1960
Uxbridge branch line	Great Western Rly		196?
Wallingford branch line	GWR	Cholsey to Wallingford	Closed in 1969 (to passengers) 1981 (to all traffic)	Entire branch now preserved as the Cholsey & Wallingford Railway, (in-between which form the latters name).
Watlington branch line	Great Western Rly	Princes Risborough to Watlington, via Chinnor and Aston Rowant	1957 (to passengers) 1989 (to all traffic)	4 miles of Track now preserved, as the Chinnor & Princes Risborough Railway (in-between which form the latters name).
Wansbeck Line	North British Railway (LNER)	Morpeth to Reedsmouth, via Scotsgap	1952 (to passengers) 1963 (to freight) 1966 (to all traffic)
Wareham-Swanage branch line	LSWR	Wareham to Swanage (via Corfe Castle)	3 January 1972	Most of the entire branch, now preserved as the Swanage Railway (aka, The Purbeck Line).
Watford and Rickmansworth Railway
Waveney Valley Line	GER	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	Opened 1856 23 February 1969 (to all traffic)	The line northwards of/(even, as far south as) Uckfield (to South Croydon, via Eridge and Hurst Green) remains open. A section of the line (southwards) now preserved (in-between Isfield and Little Horsted) as the Heritage Lavender Line.
Wearhead branch line	NER	Bishop Auckland to Wearhead (via Frosterley and Stanhope)	196? (to passengers) 1993 (to all traffic)	Most of the line now preserved, (between Bishop Auckland and Stanhope, via Wolsingham and Frosterley) as the Weardale Railway.
Weedon to 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)
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 456's 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) 1953/4 (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
Whitby and Pickering Railway	NER	Malton to Whitby (via Marishes Road, Pickering, Grosmont and Sleights)	22 March 1965	25 miles of Track now preserved, (between Pickering and Whitby, via Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont) 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.
Whitehaven, Cleator and Egremont Railway	LNWR/Furness Railway		1954 (to regular traffic) 1964 (to all traffic)
Winchester to Brookwood line	LSWR (Alton, Alresford and Winchester Railway)	Winchester to Brookwood (via Itchen Abbas, Alresford, Ropley, Alton and Farnham)	5 February 1973	10 miles of Track now preserved (between Alton and Alresford, via Ropley) 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.
Wirral Line (Hooton to West Kirby branch)
Wisbech branch line	GER	March to Wisbech (via Coldham)	1968 (to passengers) 2001 (to all traffic)	Most of the line, now being restored (and preserved) as a heritage railway.
Witham-Maldon branch line	Maldon, Witham & Braintree Railway	Witham to Maldon	1966
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 (in-between which form the latter's name).
Woodhead Line		Manchester to Sheffield, via Penistone and Wath	1981	Part of the route still open, only as far as Hadfield, (although could re-open only as far as Woodhead station itself, within the not-too distant future)
Woodside and South Croydon Railway	LBSCR	Sanderstead to Elmers End	1983	Also known as the "Back Garden Railway";
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 miles of Track, now preserved (between Aylsham and Wroxham) as the Minimum Gauge Bure Valley Railway. Known (throughout its heyday) as the East Norfolk Line.
Wymondham-Wells Line	Great Eastern Railway (LNER)	Wymondham to Wells (via Thuxton, Dereham, Fakenham and Walsingham)	5 October 1964 (to regular passengers) 6 October 1969 (to all passengers) 12 September 1984 (to coal traffic) 1989 (to all traffic)	Upper section now forms the Minimum Gauge Wells and Walsingham Light Railway (in-between which forms the latter's name). Whilst 17 miles of track are now preserved, (between Wymondham and County School, via Hardingham, Yaxham, Dereham and North Elmham) as the Mid Norfolk Railway.
Yarmouth to Beccles Line	Great Eastern Railway	Beccles to Great Yarmouth, via Haddiscoe	2 November 1959
Yarmouth to 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 to Taunton Line	Bristol & Exeter Rly (GWR)	Taunton to Yeovil, via Athelney, Langport and Martlock	1964 (to all traffic)
York to Beverley Line	North Eastern Railway	York to Beverley (via Kiplingcotes, Market Weighton, Pocklington and Stamford Bridge)	27 November 1965 (to all traffic)
Yorkshire Coast Line	North Eastern Railway	Hull Paragon to Scarborough (via Beverley, Driffield, Bridlington, Bempton, Filey and Seamer)	Still Open

Northern Ireland

Name of Line	Builder	Route (From/To)	Closure Date	Notes
Belfast and County Down Railway		Belfast to Newcastle (County Down)		Part of the B&CDR, now preserved as the Downpatrick and County Down Railway

Scotland

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)	A Total of around 4 miles of Track now preserved, (in-between Brechin and Bridge of Dun) as the Heritage Caledonian Railway (Brechin).
Aberfeldy branch line	Highland Railway (LMS)	Aberfeldy Junction to Aberfeldy, via Grandtully	3 May 1965 (to all traffic)
Arbroath and Forfar Railway	Caledonian Railway (LMS)	Arbroath to Forfar	1967
Ballater branch line	GNoSR	Aberdeen to Ballater	18 July 1966	Part of the route, now preserved as the Royal Deeside Railway.
Banff, Portsoy and Strathisla Railway	GNoSR	Cairnie Junction to Banff, via Tillynaught	6 July 1964 (to passenger traffic) 6 May 1968 (to all traffic)
Boddam Branch Line	Great North of Scotland Rly	Ellon to Boddam	1932 (to passengers) 1945 (to freight) 1950 (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
Bridge of Weir Railway
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.
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)
Dalry and North Johnstone Line
Darvel and Strathaven Railway
Darvel Branch Line
Devon Valley Line	North British Railway	Kinross to Alloa, via Tillicoultry	1964 (to passengers) 1973 (to all traffic)
Dunblane, Doune and Callander Railway	Caledonian Railway (LMS)	Dunblane to Callander	1 November 1965
Edinburgh, Loanhead and Roslin Railway	LNER		196?
Elvanfoot-Wanlockhead Branch Line	Caledonian Railway (LMS)	Elvanfoot to Wanlockhead (via Leadhills)	31 December 1938 (to passengers) 195? (to all traffic)	Section of the branch now forms as the Narrow Gauge Leadhills & Wanlockhead Railway.
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
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
Greenock and Ayrshire Railway
Invergarry and Fort Augustus Railway
Inverness and Perth Junction Railway	Highland Railway (LMS)	Perth to Inverness	18 October 1965	Section between Perth and Aviemore is still open. 10 miles of Track now preserved, (between Aviemore and Broomhill, via Boat of Garten) as the Heritage Strathspey Railway.
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)	11½ miles of track now preserved, in-between Dufftown and Keith (via, Drummuir and Auchindachy) as the heritage Keith and Dufftown Railway (in-between the two locations which it serves).
Killin Railway	Caledonian Railway (LMS)	Killin Junction to Killin (Loch Tay until 1939)	27 September 1965
Kincardine Line
Lanarkshire and Ayrshire Railway
Lanarkshire and Dunbartonshire Railway
Lochearnhead, St Fillans and Comrie Railway	Caledonian Railway (LMS)	Comrie to Lochearnhead	1 October 1951
Macmerry and Gillford branch lines	North British Railway (LNER)		196?
Maidens and Dunure Railway
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)
Paisley and Renfrew Railway
Perth, Almond Valley & 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)
Slamannan and Borrowstounness Railway		Causewayend to Bo'ness, via Birkhill	closed 196?	Over 5 miles of Track now preserved (between Manuel Junction and Bo'ness, via Birkhill and Kinneil Halt) as the Bo'ness & Kinneil Railway.
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 heritage Strathspey Railway.
Sutherland and Caithness Railway
Waverley Line	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.
Wick and Lybster Railway

Wales

Name of Line	Builder	Route (From/To)	Closure Date	Notes
Aberayron branch line	GWR	Lampeter to Aberayron, via Blaenplwyf and "Felin Fach"	196? (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 Ffestiniog 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 restored as the proposed Heritage Trawsfynydd Railway.
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)	A Total of 5½ miles of track now re-laid as 2 ft gauge, (between Pant and Torpantau, via Pontsticill) as 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)	Part of the Line, now preserved as the heritage Pontypool & Blaenavon Railway.
Burry Port and Gwendraeth Valley Railway
Carmarthen to Aberystwyth Line	Great Western Railway	Aberystwyth to Carmarthen	1965 (to passengers) 1973 (to all traffic)	Part of the Line, now preserved (in-between Abergwili Junction and Danycoed Halt, via Bronwydd Arms) as the Gwili Railway.
Carnarvonshire Railway
Coleford, Monmouth, Usk & Pontypool Railway	CUMPR	Monmouth to Pontypool	12 October 1957	The line never reached Coleford owing to the fact that the GWR bought it. Passenger services were withdrawn in 1955.
Denbigh, Ruthin and Corwen Railway
Denbigh & Mold 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
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 Town 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
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)
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)
Mold and Denbigh Junction Railway	M&DJR Co		30 April 1962 (to passengers) 1968 (to freight) 1983-8 (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)	Section of the line now preserved, (between Henllan and Pontgoch, via Pontprenshitw) as the Narrow Gauge 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
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 to Barmouth Line	GWR	Ruabon to Barmouth (via Llangollen, Glyndyfrydwy, Corwen, Llandderfel, Bala and Dolgellau)	1964-5 (to passengers) 1968 (to all traffic)	Two sections (of the former line) now preserved, as the Llangollen Railway (in-between Corwen and Llangollen, via Carrog, Glyndyfrydwy and Berwyn), A total of 10 miles in length, and the Bala Lake Railway (in-between Llanuwchllyn and Bala, via Pentrepiod and Llangower), A total of over 4 miles in length.
Swansea and Mumbles Railway
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 heritage 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
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.

See also

• Beeching Axe
• British Railway Heritage