Ensuring that everyone can enjoy their visit to Kirkby Stephen East
UPDATED 07/02/2025
We want to ensure that every visitor can have the best time at Kirkby Stephen East (KSE). To this end, we have prepared this page of information on the accessibility of our site.
MAIN STATION AND PLATFORM
The main station building and platform can be accessed by a ramp. The car park at the front of the building was upgraded in Spring 2023 and there are designated parking spaces for blue badge holders close the the ramp which are concreted. Winter takes its toll on the crushed stone area of the car park but this will be re-graded once the weather improves.
On events with park and ride provision the only visitors able to park on site are blue badge holders and we have marshalls to help you.
The platform is 160 foot long undercover flat concrete surface with an external platform area which is asphalt. Some rooms have a small step which cannot be modified due to the constraints of our Victorian building. The shop has two entrances which makes it accessible to wheelchairs and our staff will help you reach items.
The Buffet Car (catering facility) is a 1930s vintage carriage with narrow doors. It can be accessed by ramps but they are not wide enough for wheelchairs. There are undercover seating and tables are on the station platform next to the vehicle for those individuals who cannot access it.
TRAIN ACCESS
Train fares for disabled visitors include free travel for their carer. Our historic carraiges have very limited wheelchair access but we can assist visitors to access our NER Composite coach which has doors that open onto the platform using a ramp. Our Mark 1 coach, which has an area for wheelchairs is currently undergoing metal work repairs which mean it is not in use.We have a designated disabled seating area on our trains which is accessible by a ramp and provides seating for guests of wheelchair users to travel with them. We can also have compartment stock for those who need quiet areas (this can be pre-booked).
TOILETS
The main toilet facilities at Kirkby Stephen East have been refurbishmed but we are yet to have fully accessible toliets for disabled access and a baby change facilties. Both male and femal toilets heve disposal bins for continence aids. For our large gala to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway S&DR200 August 23rd -25th 2025 we have hired a 'Mobiloo' complete with hoist which will be operated by an attendant throughout the three days. S&DR200 website link.
AREA OUTSIDE STATION BUILDING
Our workshop and maintenance shed is not accessible to those with limited mobility or wheelchair users, but we will be developing a virtual tour of the building which will be viewed on our audio-visual equipment. We have an historic signal box which can be accessed by wheelchair users via a purpose built outside path which which is suitable for wheelchairs etc.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS
People with additional needs can contact our platform staff to discuss your needs in advance of visiting KSE. We are happy to arrange bespoke visits with advanced notice. We are also happy to facilitate carers and family pre-visits to the site to familairise themselves with the venue to prepare the visit.
We run a programme of autism and dementia friendly visitor experiences and have secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support this. Please check out our pages below to learn more about our commitment to supporting these groups.
We want to ensure that every visitor can have the best time at Kirkby Stephen East (KSE). To this end, we have prepared this page of information on the accessibility of our site.
MAIN STATION AND PLATFORM
The main station building and platform can be accessed by a ramp. The car park at the front of the building was upgraded in Spring 2023 and there are designated parking spaces for blue badge holders close the the ramp which are concreted. Winter takes its toll on the crushed stone area of the car park but this will be re-graded once the weather improves.
On events with park and ride provision the only visitors able to park on site are blue badge holders and we have marshalls to help you.
The platform is 160 foot long undercover flat concrete surface with an external platform area which is asphalt. Some rooms have a small step which cannot be modified due to the constraints of our Victorian building. The shop has two entrances which makes it accessible to wheelchairs and our staff will help you reach items.
The Buffet Car (catering facility) is a 1930s vintage carriage with narrow doors. It can be accessed by ramps but they are not wide enough for wheelchairs. There are undercover seating and tables are on the station platform next to the vehicle for those individuals who cannot access it.
TRAIN ACCESS
Train fares for disabled visitors include free travel for their carer. Our historic carraiges have very limited wheelchair access but we can assist visitors to access our NER Composite coach which has doors that open onto the platform using a ramp. Our Mark 1 coach, which has an area for wheelchairs is currently undergoing metal work repairs which mean it is not in use.We have a designated disabled seating area on our trains which is accessible by a ramp and provides seating for guests of wheelchair users to travel with them. We can also have compartment stock for those who need quiet areas (this can be pre-booked).
TOILETS
The main toilet facilities at Kirkby Stephen East have been refurbishmed but we are yet to have fully accessible toliets for disabled access and a baby change facilties. Both male and femal toilets heve disposal bins for continence aids. For our large gala to celebrate the bicentenary of the Stockton and Darlington Railway S&DR200 August 23rd -25th 2025 we have hired a 'Mobiloo' complete with hoist which will be operated by an attendant throughout the three days. S&DR200 website link.
AREA OUTSIDE STATION BUILDING
Our workshop and maintenance shed is not accessible to those with limited mobility or wheelchair users, but we will be developing a virtual tour of the building which will be viewed on our audio-visual equipment. We have an historic signal box which can be accessed by wheelchair users via a purpose built outside path which which is suitable for wheelchairs etc.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS
People with additional needs can contact our platform staff to discuss your needs in advance of visiting KSE. We are happy to arrange bespoke visits with advanced notice. We are also happy to facilitate carers and family pre-visits to the site to familairise themselves with the venue to prepare the visit.
We run a programme of autism and dementia friendly visitor experiences and have secured funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund to support this. Please check out our pages below to learn more about our commitment to supporting these groups.