As big fans of train travel with our kids, we’re thrilled to announce a major upgrade for families journeying to or from York Station. Train travel is already our favourite way to get around—no traffic jams, no ‘are we nearly there yet?’ moments, and no endless service station stops. Now, with the opening of the LNER Family Lounge, travelling by train with children has become even better and easier.

A Warm Welcome for Families at York’s Family Lounge

We went along to the launch of the LNER York Station Family Lounge before it opened to the public and we were blown away by it. Designed thoughtfully with families in mind, the lounge is a warm, welcoming space where kids can burn off energy and parents can catch their breath. Gone are the days of pacing chilly platforms or sitting in boring waiting rooms; the Family Lounge offers a safe, warm and vibrant alternative.

The York-themed decor is gorgeous, celebrating the city’s heritage while creating a playful and engaging environment for children. From beach huts equipped with games to a mini replica of York’s iconic city walls, the lounge feels like a small adventure in itself. For younger children, the interactive games and mini city walls are ideal, and the lounge even includes a dedicated breastfeeding area. Older children will soon have access to train-themed iPad activities, perfect for keeping them entertained while waiting for your train. And let’s not forget the parents! Comfortable seating and knowing that the kids are safe and entertained make it the perfect way to rest and recharge – hooray.

The best part? The LNER Family Lounge is completely free to use and open to all families, regardless of which train operator you’re travelling with. There’s level access to the lounge, and the toilets are just a minute’s walk away. Bonus.

Travelling with children can be stressful, but facilities like the LNER Family Lounge make a world of difference. By creating a space that caters to the needs of both children and adults, LNER has taken a big step toward making train travel more family-friendly. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about transforming the experience into something enjoyable and stress-free. On behalf of all travelling families, a huge thank you to everyone who brought this fantastic idea to life!