Copeland Rail Users Group

St. Bees

There are two timetables, one on each of the relevant platforms. There is a shelter on each platform, and in addition there is a bank of three seats on the Carlisle platform adjacent to the signal box. There is a signalman’s portaloo on the Carlisle platform but no public toilet: the nearest is at the Station Garage some 20 yards away.

There is a Pay-and-Display car park adjacent to the station. There is no cycle storage area.

There is a phone box just outside the station adjacent to the Carlisle platform.

Access between the platforms is by footbridge when the level crossing gate is closed, otherwise by crossing the line at road level. No steps are negotiated onto either platforms. A higher platform would be helpful: there is a wooden "three-step" on the Carlisle platform.

Post office and general store in the main street: beach 10 minutes’ walk away: St Bees Priory; nine-hole golf course: start of Coast-to-Coast route: caravan site: 65-bed hotel at beach used by coach parties: four pubs.

St Bees Nature Reserve on St Bees Head: Isle of Man visible on a fine day.

To find the station from the north, via Whitehaven, descend the B5345 into the village and follow the main road to the level crossing. From the south, follow the main street through the village. From Egremont, descend the steep hill at Outrigg, turn right at the bottom and follow the main street.

Whitehaven

Two platforms, but No 1 is too low for wheelchair loading, so trains have to be run into No 2. A side gate gives level access to both platforms when the Booking Office is unmanned. Within the main building (which is closed when unmanned) there is a toilet with disabled access.

There is cycle rack provision.                                          

Car parking is sufficient for 10 cars if drivers park properly. Other space is usually taken up by vehicles from Station Garage.
 

A "dropped kerb" was installed, at our suggestion, for wheelchair access from the road, which allows people using powered wheelchairs to enter and leave the station without assistance.
 

Conductor guards will assist passengers with wheelchairs, prams etc. using the train's ramp when the station is unmanned.
 

There are plans to install information screens on the platforms.

BT telephone box (coins only) No 01946-692520. The Tesco store (adjacent to the station) is open 24 hours from 0800 Monday to 2200 Saturday, and Sundays 1000 - 1600. The store has a cafeteria, two external cash machines (no extra charge) and a post-box. The Tesco filling station is open 24 hours for fuel (pay at pump by credit card after midnight). Its shop is open until midnight every day. Various catering establishments are situated on Tangier Street, some of which are open late.