Question 1

Do I need a ticket even if I don’t want to travel on the train?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 2

Can I take a pushchair/pram on the train?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 3

Can I bring a picnic?

Accepted Answer

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/The Cabin 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.

Question 4

What are the ticket refund/cancellation options?

Accepted Answer

Tickets cannot be cancelled or refunded once purchased. Please see our Terms & Conditions for further information or options available to you.

Question 5

What time do your facilities close?

Accepted Answer

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.

Please note the Entrance cabin will close for admissions at 2:30pm.

Question 6

What is the maximum age for children attending the Young Engineers days?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 7

What are the supervision guidelines?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 8

What should I wear?

Accepted Answer

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!

Question 9

I have booked my tickets online but not received my confirmation – what should I do?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 10

Do I need to print off my ticket/email confirmation?

Accepted Answer

No, you don’t. Please have it handy to show our entrance staff either on your mobile device or printed out.

Question 11

What postcode should I use for my sat nav?

Accepted Answer

There is only parking available at Clayton West. The postcode is HD8 9XJ (Park Mill Way). See our map for directions.

Question 12

Do you offer any concession rates for OAPs or disabled visitors?

Accepted Answer

We offer a discounted rate for concessions (over 65) and also a discounted rate for carers on general admission days for Big Adventure tickets.  These rates are NOT applicable on Christmas tickets, Little Adventure and Day Out With Thomas..  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 concessionary rates for disabled visitors.

Question 13

Do you offer Blue Light Discount?

Accepted Answer

If you are a Blue Light Card holder you can get 10% off your ticket online and at the gate on our Big Adventures!

Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Big Adventure ticket only. Not to be used on gift vouchers. Excludes Christmas events and Day Out With Thomas.

Question 14

Are there toilets and baby changing facilities?

Accepted Answer

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.

Question 15

Question 16

FAQs

Frequently asked questions