A Focus For Families As LNER Opens A New Lounge At York Station

LNER is reinforcing its commitment to making rail travel more attractive to family travellers as it celebrates opening a new Family Lounge at York station. It is the second to be opened by LNER and follows the success of the waiting area at London King’s Cross.

Located on the main concourse, the vibrant new area is a great place for families travelling with any train operator to visit. Whether it is ahead of a journey to destinations across the East Coast Main Line and beyond, or after arriving in York at the start of a trip to the famous city, they will receive a warm welcome.  

The lounge features a children’s play area based on York’s historic walls, beach huts with tabletop games, wall games, soft flooring and crawl spaces, and specially commissioned murals focusing on York’s famous landmarks and the city through the ages. 

There is also plenty of space for parents and carers to sit back and relax with sofas, wooden bench seating, and coffee tables, as well as a comfortable space for breastfeeding. 

In a special launch event today (Friday 13 December 2024), David Horne, Managing Director at LNER, was joined by York’s Lord Mayor, Cllr Margaret Wells, LNER’s very own VIP (Very Important Puppet!) Eleanor, and invited guests to formally open the Family Lounge. 

David Horne, LNER’s Managing Director, said: “We are delighted to mark the opening of our new Family Lounge in York. LNER is leading the way when it comes to making rail travel more attractive and inclusive for families. It is great to see us building on the foundations that we laid after the opening of our first Family Lounge at London King’s Cross station.

“Millions of customers start or end their journey at York each year, and we can’t wait for our family travellers to experience and enjoy this new space.” 

Emily Pickard, York Mumbler, said: “Train journeys are always fun for kids but preparing for the journey can sometimes be difficult. It's brilliant to see this new family lounge launch and I think it will make a huge difference to families in York - offering areas for the kids to play while the adults can relax and prepare for the adventures ahead!"

The Railway Heritage Trust has supported work on the new Family Lounge with a grant of £20,000 which aided the repair and installation of new heritage style skirting and architraves, helped the restoration of a historic mirror, and overhauled original timber sash windows. 

Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of the Railway Heritage Trust, said: “We are pleased to support this project to restore part of the listed station. LNER is to be commended for ensuring that heritage features complement an exciting new facility for families.” 

The Family Lounge will be open for customers from Monday 16 December 2024.  

For more tips on travelling with children on LNER services, visit: https://www.lner.co.uk/our-trains/travelling-with-children/