FAQs
Frequently asked questions
What are you doing to keep COVID-secure?
- Request that ALL visitors PRE-BOOK in advance ONLINE. This means you must book your tickets BEFORE you arrive
- Request that ALL visitors have a ticket for Whistlestop Valley, whether you are travelling on a train or not. Little Adventures tickets are available for those wanting to access the Clayton West facilities only without travelling on the trains
- Request that visitors book within the current Government-issued guidelines and limits
- All visitors over the age of 11 must wear a face mask/covering when on our trains and inside our station facilities (unless they have a valid exemption or are eating/drinking). Please remember that we are a family attraction & offensive face masks will not be tolerated
- We strongly suggest that visitors sit only with their visitor group. We kindly request that you do not sit in a carriage or at tables with people you do not share a visitor group with
- We strongly suggest that visitors keep the carriage windows open when travelling on our trains to allow for a flow of fresh air
- We strongly suggest that visitors use the hand sanitiser provided at regular intervals and continue to wash their hands regularly
- Continue to request that visitors sign in using the NHS Track & Trace app or by giving their contact info to our staff on arrival
- Continue to request that onsite payments are made by contactless methods wherever possible
We will continue to be led by Government guidance.
Can I take a pushchair/pram on the train?
Yes, you can! However, due to the size and nature of our trains, we can only transport folded pushchairs and prams so long as they fit in one of our empty compartments.
Unfolded pushchairs and prams can be stored in the Pushchair Park on Clayton West Station platform if necessary and collected upon your return.
Can I bring a picnic?
Yes, you can! We have lots of picnic benches at both Clayton West and Shelley sites where you may eat your own food. There are also tables in the marquees at Shelley Station and The Shed at Clayton West where you can eat your own food.
Please remember to tidy up after yourselves and put your litter in the nearest bin!
Please note that only food and drinks purchased at Whistlestop Valley may be consumed inside our eateries. We reserve the right to ask visitors to leave our eateries if you are found to be eating your own food.
Do I need a ticket even if I don’t want to travel on the train?
Yes, you do! Tickets are required for ALL visitors. Please book online in advance via our website.
On general opening days (not special events), you can choose from two different ticket types:
“BIG Adventure” tickets allow access to all Whistlestop Valley facilities and a ride on the main train to Shelley
“LITTLE Adventure” tickets allow access to Whistlestop Valley facilities at Clayton West Station only. These tickets do not allow a ride on the main train nor access to Shelley Station nor The Turntable dessert parlour.
Tickets are required for all special events at Whistlestop Valley. Please book online in advance via our website.
What are the ticket refund/cancellation options?
Tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded once purchased. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information or options available to you.
What time do your facilities close?
On general days (not special events), the facilities at Clayton West close at 5pm and the facilities at Shelley close as the last train departs the station.
What is the maximum age for children attending the Young Engineers days?
Young Engineers days are intended for children aged 0-5 years, We do appreciate that sometimes older siblings will need to tag along (thanks INSET days!). In these cases, we ask that only children aged 7 or below attend to ensure the day is as comfortable as possible for the very little ones.
What are the supervision guidelines?
All children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult over the age of 16. Under no circumstances may a minor travel on a train unaccompanied.
What should I wear?
Please dress appropriately for the weather as some time outdoors is inevitable. Please remember that Shelley Station is over three miles away from Clayton West and situated on much higher ground – the weather may be completely different up there!
I have booked my tickets online but not received my confirmation – what should I do?
Please check your junk mail folders and, if you still can’t find your confirmation, please email us at info@whistlestopvalley.co.uk with your booking reference and/or the full name of the person who made the booking.
Do I need to print off my ticket/email confirmation?
No, you don’t. Please have it handy to show our entrance staff either on your mobile device or printed out.
What postcode should I use for my sat nav?
There is only parking available at Clayton West. The postcode is HD8 9XJ (Park Mill Way). See our map for directions.
Do you offer any concession rates for OAPs or disabled visitors?
From February 2022, we offer a discounted rate for carers on general admission days for BIG Adventure tickets only. These rates are NOT applicable on special event days. These rates are NOT valid for Little Adventure tickets. Visitors who select a carer ticket option MUST show proof of their entitlement to a carer's ticket upon arrival. Failure to provide proof will result in you being charged the balance for a full price ticket.
Acceptable carer proof:
DLA or PIP entitlement letter
A blue badge
We do not offer OAP concessionary rates.
We do not offer concessionary rates for disabled visitors.
Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?
Yes, there are! At Clayton West, there are facilities in both the men’s and the ladies’ toilets. At Shelley Station, there are facilities in the disabled toilet.
