After boarding this chapter of life in September 2002, the time has come for Steve & Lisa Rawlings to step off at the final platform. On 31/07/2025, we officially hand over the signal lamp to the new stationmasters, Paul & Julia Hughes—seasoned travellers on the heritage railway line. We’re blessed to see continue with those who value its history and heart. 🙏🚂
This has been more than just a station—it’s been a sanctuary. A place where steam met stillness, where nature sang and faith kept us on track. Through every tunnel and turn, we’ve trusted the Conductor of life, and He’s never failed to guide our journey. 🕊️
As we pull into the siding and let go of the guard’s whistle, we carry memories as precious as old tickets and moments as rich as steam smoke in morning sun. We give thanks for a peaceful season in a truly God-given setting, among birdsong, branch lines, and blessings.
May the next journey be full of restoration, hope, and faithful service.
🚉 “Stand at the crossroads and look ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is, and walk in it” — Jeremiah 6:16 🙌
04/08/2025
It’s a sunny day here! 🌤️ Let’s hope it stays that way!🤗🙏
Here’s a sunny day memory at Coalport Station 🌤️🚂
Sharing a collage of the carriage backs—peaceful views from a charming spot in Shropshire. 📸🌼
01/08/2025
🧡
Wishing you good health, success, happiness, and love! 🤗
Enjoying the view from the woodland towards the carriages and Station House at the old Coalport railway station, in the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire. 📸🌉🏞️🛤️🌿💚🌾
30/07/2025
🌱 at ! 🚂✨
Soak up the peace of the —woodland trails, birdsong & Coalport Bridge views 🌉 under summer skies 🌞.
A lush ecosystem buzzing with life, joy & calm 🌿🦋
Let nature refresh you! 🌼💚
28/07/2025
Take a look inside the bedrooms of Carriage 1 at Coalport Station Holidays.
Equipped to sleep 6- with one ensuite and 2 twin bedrooms, and with well behaved dogs allowed, Carriage 1 is the ideal accommodation for families! Want to invite the extended family too? We offer a 5% discount when you book BOTH Carriage 1 and Carriage 2. Get in touch today!
24/07/2025
🚂 Throwback Thursday! 🛤️
Step back to 25 July 1959 at Coalport Station with this classic shot of steam loco 82009 in action. 📸🚂💨
A perfect nod to 200 years of railway heritage! 🕰️
From Shropshire’s Ironbridge Gorge to the heart of Britain's rail history, let's celebrate the golden age of steam. 🚃🔧💨
#82009
21/07/2025
🚂 Fancy a summer stay with a twist? 🛤️
Discover Coalport Station Holidays – where vintage railway carriages offer a cosy, quirky base in beautiful Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire 🚃🌉🏞️
🌿 Ideal for couples, families & train fans alike! Explore museums, trails & local charm right on your doorstep.
☀️ Limited July & August availability – perfect for a spontaneous summer getaway!
Bask in the golden glow of summer in the heart of the ! 🌉
Stroll past sun-dappled woodland, wildflowers in bloom, and charming vintage railway carriages. 🌳🌼🌺
Soak up birdsong, buzzing bees, and the warm breeze as nature and history dance together. 🍃☀️
Unplug, unwind & let summer's beauty lift your spirits! 🌻🦋
11/07/2025
🥵 Feeling the heat? ☀️
Cool down with a glimpse of winter! ❄️
Check out this photo from Dec 2017, capturing the serene view from the Carriage entrance at in the snowy
A perfect reminder of those chilly days! 🌨️
09/07/2025
🌱 : Summertime at 🌼🌿
The majestic meadowsweet is in full bloom, scenting the woodland with its sweet, almondy aroma 🌾💚
Breathe it in and enjoy nature’s fragrant display! 🤗🌳☘️
07/07/2025
💼 Looking for a summer holiday with a twist? ✨
Step back in time and stay on track at Coalport Station Holidays – where uniquely restored vintage railway carriages offer an unforgettable getaway in the heart of Shropshire’s stunning Ironbridge Gorge. 🚂🚃🛤️🌉
✅ Quirky, cosy carriage stays
✅ Surrounded by heritage, nature & charm
✅ Perfect for couples, families & railway lovers alike
✅ Explore museums, scenic walks & local pubs just steps away!
Join us Sat 12th July, 11am at Maws for the grand opening of the Monarch’s Mini Kingdom — our new wildlife-friendly garden 🌿🦋, funded by the King’s Coronation Fund 👑.
We’re honoured to welcome Garrison Sergeant Major Andrew ‘Vern’ Stokes OBE MVO DL 🇬🇧.
Enjoy Pimm’s or Prosecco 🍹🎶, live music from pianist Nick Wiley, & fun workshops for all ages! 🐾🐝
Bring friends, family & furry pals — we can't wait to see you! 🤗
Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Coalport Station Holidays posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.
In 2002 Steve and Lisa took one look at Coalport Station in the heart of the Ironbridge Gorge, Shropshire. They made the decision to be the station masters there and then. Three months later they gave up their business life in London to become the proud owners or The Fat and Thin Controllers!
Well, who wouldn’t want to own a disused country railway station; with two platforms, a waiting room and 3 acres of land, overlooking a picturesque river setting nestled within the World Heritage site of the Ironbridge Gorge.
Their previous working lives had been involved with interior design of Aircraft, Autos, railways, as well as interior and clothing design for the hotel and hospitality industries. Their experience came to the fore when designing the interiors of the carriages. However designing and actually fitting are two different things, and even with some of the best plans put forward the first carriage was 6 months late and twice over budget! They thought they had learned a huge amount, and the second carriage was this time 12 months late and 2½ times over budget..............some people never learn!
The move from the cut and thrust of business in London, to a much slower pace of life in Shropshire means that getting out and about early is now the exception rather than the rule. They stopped wearing watches years ago.
They do not miss the London sounds of teenage drivers in their Mum's old cars, racing around the streets in the dead of night. The teenage noises here come from the badgers and the deer, with owls adding their hoots.
The Shropshire lifestyle has also attracted some of their family and close chums to move to the area as well.
One of the things they noticed immediately was the absence of the annoyances of modern day life; no road traffic, no trains, and especially no overhead aircraft noise - they used to live under the stacking flight path for Heathrow and Luton. Now it's just the very occasional flying fighter jet - but that is an exciting time and it breaks the day nicely especially for little boys of any age.
Both of them find that Shropshire and especially Coalport Station embrace the present and the past so well. The carriages have all the modern luxuries people look for and yet it's wrapped up in a vintage setting, whilst only being a few hours’ drive from the centres of London and Manchester, with Birmingham’s centre being less than an hour’s drive away.
