The Railway Children – FAQs
Useful information about The Railway Children, presented by Bradford 2025 and York Theatre Royal in partnership with the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway.
We’ve put together some helpful information to help you plan your visit to The Railway Children. If you have any questions please contact us on [email protected].
How will the day unfold?
You’ll begin by taking the steam train from Keighley Station to Oxenhope Station along the historic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway. The journey takes around 20 minutes. When you arrive at Oxenhope Station, you’ll have around 30 minutes to explore the historic station and grab a bite to eat and drink before the show begins in our custom-built auditorium. Following the show, you’ll then take the steam train back to Keighley Station.
How long is the full experience?
The whole experience, including both train journeys, takes around four hours.
How long is the show itself?
The show lasts around 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval.
What is the time shown on my ticket?
On your ticket you will find the times of:
- Your outbound journey from Keighley Station
- The performance of The Railway Children
- Your return journey from Oxenhope Station
When should I arrive at Keighley Station?
We recommend you arrive at Keighley Station around 30 minutes before your train is due to depart. After you’ve checked in have a look around the station and the new visitor centre in the Water Tower. Boarding will start around 20 minutes before your train departs and there will be opportunities to buy drinks and food on the platform and drinks on the train.
What will happen if I arrive late for my train?
The train will leave at the time shown on your ticket. If you’re late, you’ll need to make your own way to Oxenhope station. Please bear in mind there is only Blue Badge parking at Oxenhope station.
Does my ticket price include the train journeys?
Yes – all tickets include the performance and the two steam train rides between Keighley and Oxenhope.
Can I skip the train journeys and make my own way to Oxenhope to watch the show?
You can, but you’d be missing out on a very special part of the experience! Please note that if you choose to make your own way to Oxenhope, your ticket price will remain the same – you won’t receive a discount if you choose not to travel on the steam train. Please note that the only parking available at Oxenhope is Blue Badge parking which is bookable in advance through our ticketing team.
Is there parking at Keighley Station?
There is very limited parking at Keighley Station. We advise all ticket-holders to travel to Keighley by public transport if possible. There will also be a bookable park and ride service available for ticket holders. Details of this service will be shared with you in early 2025.
Is the seating reserved or unreserved?
All seating in the theatre is reserved – your tickets will show your seat numbers. Seating on the trains is unreserved, but we can guarantee there’ll be a seat for everyone.
Is the show suitable for children?
This show is not suitable for under 5s. Babes in arms are permitted – please contact [email protected] to book a free ticket for babes in arms.
There are baby changing facilities at both Keighley Station and Oxenhope Station. Pushchairs can be stored in the guard’s van when traveling to and from the performance.
Are there toilets?
There are toilet facilities, including accessible toilets at both Keighley and Oxenhope stations, but please note that there are no toilets on board the steam trains.
Can I buy food and drink?
You will be able to purchase food at both Keighley Station and Oxenhope Station.
The Old Parcels Office will be open at Keighley Station serving a full menu of food and drinks. You will be able to refill water bottles at both stations through the catering facilities.
Eating and drinking is permitted on both train journeys.
