The Railway Children return home during the summer as part of Bradford 2025!

Revisit the much-loved children’s classic on the very train tracks where the film was shot. Mike Kenny’s enchanting stage adaptation of E. Nesbit’s classic novel has won thousands of admirers since it premiered in 2008. Now, for the first time, we’re taking this production for a ride along the iconic Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, familiar to millions from the film adaptation of The Railway Children.

DATES

15th July to 7th September
SOLD OUT

Exclusively for Bradford 2025, the show begins when you board a steam train at Keighley and then travel the full length of this historic railway. When you reach the end of the line at Oxenhope, you’ll find a purpose-built auditorium within the station’s Engine Shed – and a new version of the production, which tells the story of three children forced to move from London to Yorkshire after their father is falsely imprisoned.

How To Book

All tickets are sold through Bradford 2025, including Accessibility Tickets.

The remaining dates are currently sold out, and the railway doesn’t control the waiting list. Bradford 2025 controls all the tickets, and the event information can be found on the Bradford 2025 Website.

Bradford 2025 Website

FOOD & DRINK

Tucked just off the forecourt at Keighley Station, The Old Parcels Office is the perfect place to grab a bite to eat before or after your Railway Children adventure. Whether you’re after a relaxed lunch, a slice of cake, or something a bit more special, this lovingly restored railway space has you covered.

With cosy seating and a menu full of local flavour, it’s a great spot to soak in the station buzz with a bit of peace and quiet.

Heads up – you’ll need to book in advance!

To keep things running smoothly (and make sure you get a seat), pre-booking is essential. Walk-ins can’t always be accommodated, especially on busy show days.

Plan ahead and book your table at www.theoldparcelsoffice.co.uk

Step off the platform and into pie heaven! In honour of The Railway Children, The Pie Shop at Oxenhope proudly serves hearty handmade pies brimming with comfort, character, and Yorkshire charm.

All pies are served piping hot with a generous ladle of rich vegan, gluten-free gravy – included in the price.

On The Menu

  • Steak & Ale (Gluten Free)
    Tender beef slow-cooked in real ale for that deep, traditional flavour we all know and love.
  • Steak & Devon Blue Cheese
  • A bold twist on the classic – rich beef paired with tangy blue cheese straight from the heart of Devon.
  • Chicken, Ham Hock & Leek (Gluten Free)
  • Creamy, savoury, and satisfying – a countryside favourite that never goes out of style.
  • Butternut Squash, Mixed Bean & Cheese
  • A golden-crusted veggie delight filled with a rich, melty blend of beans, squash, and cheese.
  • Cauliflower, Spinach & Balti (Vegan)
  • Fragrant, gently spiced, and packed with flavour – this plant-based triumph is full steam ahead on taste.

Pull in for a bite before the show starts – these pies are worth the journey!

Step into railway history and enjoy a bite aboard our beautifully restored carriage. Once a mainline mover, now a charming tea room, it’s the perfect stop for brew, bite to eat or a relaxing break. Tuck into hot and cold sandwiches, savoury pies, tasty cakes, and proper brews.

frequently asked questions

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.

The whole experience, including both train journeys, takes around four hours.

The show lasts around 2 hours 20 minutes, including an interval.

On your ticket you will find the times of:

  • Your return journey from Oxenhope Station
  • Your outbound journey from Keighley Station
  • The performance of The Railway Children

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.

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

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.

You can 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.

We recommend you arrive at Keighley Station at least 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.

Matinee performances (performance start: 1 pm)
• Train departs from Keighley to Oxenhope at 11:45 am
• Train departs from Oxenhope to Keighley at 4:10 pm

Evening performances (performance start: 6:30 pm)
• Train departs from Keighley to Oxenhope at 5:15 pm
• Train departs from Oxenhope to Keighley at 9:15 pm

The train will leave at the time shown on your ticket. If you’re late, you’ll need to make your way to Oxenhope station. Please bear in mind that there is only Blue Badge parking at Oxenhope station.

Yes – all tickets include the performance and the two steam train rides between Keighley and Oxenhope.

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.

There is very limited parking at Keighley Station. We advise all ticket-holders to travel to Keighley by public transport if possible. Find out more about planning your journey to the Worth Valley on the Bradford 2025 website.