A much visited local beauty spot, Shipley Glen had become the 'theme park' of its day during the late 1880s when a switch-back railway, acquired after the closure of the Saltaire Exhibition in 1887, was installed here. Subsequently, many other attractions were created at this site drawing huge numbers of visitors to Shipley Glen. However, this exciting day out was slightly marred by a rather steep and tiresome walk to reach the attractions. Seizing the opportunity, an entrepreneurial businessman by the name of Samuel Wilson joined forces with another local man, Mr H Wilkinson. Together, they set about negotiating a lease with the land-owner with the intention of constructing a double track cable tramway to assist the visiting public.

Shipley Glen Tramway opened to the public on the 18 May 1895, having been delayed by about four weeks due to a severe winter. The fare was one penny to travel up, and one penny to go down, but the downward fare was soon reduced to a halfpenny in an attempt to encourage more people to use the service. The railway was an instant success and some 10,000 passengers were recorded as having used it one summer weekend (the overall record is claimed to have been 17,000).

Constructed at a cost of £998, the 1158 foot (350m) long track was shorter then originally intended, due to the owners of Saltaire refusing permission for the track to cross their land into the town itself. The double-track had a gauge of 20 inches (50cm), with a gradient ranging from 1:20 to 1:12. Initially, the rails were simple strap rails (iron strips nailed onto lengths of wood), but these were replaced soon after by more traditional iron rails.

Motive power was provided by an 8hp gas engine, supplied by John Robson of Shipley. The winding operation was via a 3 quarter inch (18mm) cable, supported on cast iron 'diablo' shaped rollers running down the centre of each track. The cables passed through a winding drum beneath the floor at the upper station, and large cast iron pulley below the bottom station. Unusually for a funicular railway, the original cars were coupled in pairs and comprised a fairly basic four-wheeled, open 'toast rack' arrangement. Each contained six reversible wooden seats and could accommodate up to 12 adults.

During 1905-1907, the original cars were rebuilt by Sam Halliday & Sons of Baildon. Now slightly wider, and noticeably longer in length with 7 reversible seats, this increased the carrying capacity to 21. In 1915 the gas winding engine was converted to run on paraffin, before being replaced by electric winding c1930.

In 1919 Samuel Wilson retired, selling Shipley Glen Tramway to Mr and Mrs Woodward. Having run and maintained the line for 10 years, they retired in 1928, selling the Tramway to Herbert and Patti Parr who had worked alongside the Woodwards during their tenure. With the onset of the Second World War and inevitable conscription, Herbert Parr reluctantly sold Shipley Glen Tramway to a consortium of local businessmen, incorporated as Glen Tramways Ltd in 1943.

In 1955-56 the original cars were replaced with new, 30-seater units supplied by Webb's Truck Company of Thornby. In 1966 hydraulic buffers were installed at the lower station, as well as a 'dead mans handle' on the controls. This work was carried out as a result of the tramway's only recorded accident, which occurred on 31 May that year.

Theft and vandalism stopped the tramway from opening for the 1967 summer season, and a statement issued by the local council in 1968 advised residents that Shipley Glen Tramway would be removed, as Glen Tramways Ltd had surrendered their lease. Following this unpopular decision, Glen Enterprises Ltd eventually took over the tramway, replaced all damaged and stolen equipment, and re-opened the line in June 1969.

Increased running costs and falling revenue forced Glen Enterprises Ltd to hand back the ownership of Shipley Glen Tramway to the local council in 1981. With costs to remove the structure estimated at £10,000, the council attempted to find new owners using this sum as a grant 'incentive'. In 1982 agreement was reached with the Bradford Trolleybus Association to restore and operate the line. Progress was rapid, and the official re-opening took place on 31 May 1982 when the guest of honour was Samuel Wilson's granddaughter, Mrs R Bewick.

Having celebrated its first centenary in 1995, changes and improvements continue to be made to the Shipley Glen Tramway. Operated by volunteers throughout the summer months, this wonderful example of Victorian innovation should not be overlooked when visiting Saltaire or its environs.