Earlier in 2025 the Carnforth Heritage Visitor Centre re-opened under new management. The centre tells not only the story of the making of the 1945 film ‘Brief Encounter’ but also the history and heritage of Carnforth, its workers, and its families.  

In October 2024, the Station Trust, which ran the Visitor Centre, handed back the lease to Network Rail after visitor numbers failed to recover after Covid, and in the face of rising costs. Now the exhibitions at the Visitor Centre are being upgraded, and the Centre is looking for pictures of old Carnforth, the Ironworks, and the Cinema (now the Co-op). The intention is to use any old photographs uncovered in the creation of models for display in the Heritage Centre. If you could help then email: info@carnforthheritage.co.uk

The management of the Centre was handed to a new steering group and in March 2025 the Vistor centre re-opened. The Brief Encounter Bistro and Bar, which operates in the station and is an independent franchise, was able to continue as normal during these changes.

Further details here: https://carnforthheritage.co.uk/ and ont he Carnforth Heritage Visitor Centre Facebook page.