Visit Whistlestop Valley Railway with our Great Savings Guide

A fun-filled day out for all ages – experiences and events at Whistlestop Valley Railway

The Whistlestop Valley Railway in West Yorkshire is very much a family-oriented attraction. While there’s plenty of interest for unaccompanied adults, you’ll have the fullest day out in the company of children. If you haven’t got any of your own to take, it’d be worth your while borrowing some (think of the familial brownie points you can earn!).

The family-friendly emphasis is clear from the outset, as the Clayton Flyer - a child-sized miniature train - trundles past the ticket desk, circling a pretty garden and duck pond. But don’t be fooled (I was) into thinking that this is the titular track.

Once inside the open and well-kept grounds, you’ll find the platform for the Whistlestop Valley Railway itself - a 3½ mile, 15” gauge miniature railway, with trains pulled by one of six individually unique steam engines - including ‘Hawk’, reputedly the most powerful engine of its type in the UK and ‘Owl’ which has a geared arrangement usually only seen on diesel engines. Passengers ride in retro-styled carriages, with wood panelling and slam doors, on a 25-minute journey through working farmland, ancient woodland and the longest tunnel (for this type of train) in Britain.

At Shelley station, passengers can explore the surrounding woodland, play in a covered sandpit or indulge in a sticky-fingered treat from the dessert parlour. A turntable gives those with an interest in the engines themselves a chance to inspect them from all angles as they rotate for the return journey.

Back at Clayton West there’s still plenty on offer for younger companions to burn off any sugar rush. There’s a giant trampoline (maybe not the best idea on a full stomach), a pedal-cart track and an impressive array of climbing frames, wobbly bridges, swings and slides. A nine-hole crazy golf course allows competitive Gran to show off, and there’s an indoor play area - handy if the weather turns.

For refuelling, the Firebox cafe serves a good selection of fresh, seasonal options, but be warned that the equally enticing gift shop is in clear view.

A choice of tickets is available, covering different activities and special events, which are held throughout the year, including Science+Steam, Thomas the Tank Engine and dinosaur-themed days. Experiences such as birthday parties or a ride on a steam engine’s footplate can be booked ahead of time. Or, for a completely different family outing, it’s even possible to book a ‘funeral train’ for that final journey…

Members saving: 25% discount on BIG adventure tickets only at Whistlestop Valley Railway with the Great Savings Guide. Find out more here

Stay at: Hebdon Bridge, Castleton Club campsites

Please visit camc.com/greatsavingsguide for vouchers, discount codes and pre-booking where relevant, as well as terms and conditions for all offers. Please check site and attraction opening dates and times before visiting/travelling.