The new family lounge has been opened at York Station – complete with a city walls play area.
Found on the main concourse, the area is designed for families travelling with any train operator to relax before or after a journey.
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 the city’s famous landmarks and history.
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.
The family lounge is the second to be opened by LNER and follows the success of the one at London King’s Cross.
York’s version was opened by the Lord Mayor of York Cllr Margaret Wells and LNER managing director David Horne, along with the company’s puppet mascot Eleanor.
David Horne said: “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, of 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.
The lounge opens to the public tomorrow (Monday).