From sandcastle-building on the coast to escape rooms in the city, it’s easy to get out and about with Northern. Not sure where to visit next? See what Northern’s furry-friend Whistle has to say!
Whistle is Northern’s furry friend and loyal colleague, helping keep people safe in our stations. Whistle can be a little mischievous but is a good dog at heart – that’s why we made them special station manager!
Some fun facts about Whistle, they are 8 ½ and are a Golden retriever. They love trains, safety, bones and collecting tickets but doesn’t love fireworks or muddy feet on seats.
Whistle’s top spots for a paw-fect day out
Like a lot of kids, Whistle gets bored in the car (and sometimes a little car sick) – but they love to travel by train! Whether it’s enjoying a game of eye spy (sheep and postmen are their favourite things to spot) or tucking into some tasty train snacks.
And where do they love hopping on the train to most? Here’s Whistle’s top three must-visits, all ideal for a fun-filled day out with the kids.
Sheffield
From exploring nature to immersing yourself in history, Sheffield’s vibrant city centre has so much to offer for a family day out.
A city known for its green spaces, stroll through Sheffield’s Botanical Gardens and visit the glass pavilions to discover a wonderful collection of continental plants from all over the world.
Located in a leafy setting in the city centre, Endcliffe Park offers something for everyone, with a boating lake, a playground and a café. And with plenty of space to run around, there’s no reason why you should leave your four-legged friend(s) at home – Northern welcomes well-behaved pets on our trains, so your dog doesn’t need to miss out on the fun!
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Sheffield’s industrial past at the Kelham Island Museum. Located in a former steelworks, wander through the interactive galleries that bring the city’s history to life - hear the roar of the most powerful working steam engine in Europe, work out how to make different kinds of steel, and discover if you would be able to power your home through exercise.
Or, head to the National Videogame Museum – the UK’s only museum dedicated to solely videogames. Explore the history and culture of videogames spanning 50 years, play a range of retro arcade classics like Pacman and Donkey Kong or take part in workshops, from designing your own videogame character to programming a mini robot!
Bridlington
Like to be by the seaside? Whistle does too! From building sandcastles and donkey rides to taking a dip in the sea (if you’re brave enough!), enjoy what the golden sands of Bridlington have to offer – without the faff of finding somewhere to park as everyone rushes to the coast to soak up the sunshine.
Bridlington boasts two beautiful beaches, the North Beach and the South Beach. In between, you’ll find the bustling harbour, where you can take a trip around the bay and enjoy the scenery on the Yorkshire Belle.
It isn’t a trip to the seaside without ice cream, and there are plenty of ice cream parlours dotted along the seafront to choose from, including Harbourside Flavours and Mr Moo’s.
If the British weather doesn’t favour a beach day, make the most of Bridlington’s array of amusement arcades and funfairs, perfect for a rainy day. Head to Whistle’s favourite, Treasure Island – with a variety of arcade games, rides and mini golf, there’s hours of fun to be had.
Lincoln
A city full of history, Lincoln has no shortage of sights and activities for families to explore. The iconic castle is a must-see for any visitor to the city – walk in the footsteps of past kings, conquerors and criminals on the
Medieval walls, or visit the Victorian prison for a glimpse into the city’s gruesome past, with three floors of restored and recreated cells, plus a Discovery Centre with hands-on activities for families.
Free to visit, the Museum of Lincolnshire Life celebrates the counties’ rich and varied cultural and social history and its people from 1750 to the present day. With a range of interactive exhibits, kids will love dressing up in costumes from centuries past and trying their hand at traditional crafts while learning about the history of Lincolnshire.
For an afternoon of entertainment, take a trip to the New Theatre Royal, an elegant, Grade II listed theatre just a short walk from Lincoln High Street, and enjoy one of a variety of fantastic shows, including musicals, plays and more. The theatre also produces its own popular Christmas and Easter pantomimes, which the whole family will love.
What Whistle's friends say
Sitting in traffic jams and spending time searching for parking is a sure-fire way to suck the fun out of your day out. While we know Whistle’s a big fan of hopping on the train, they wanted to know what his young friends liked most about taking the train and where to! Here’s what they had to say…
Whistle colouring in sheet
Download the Whistle colouring in sheet and tweet us your pictures @northernassist or share and tag us in your pictures @northernrailway #whistlethedog
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Northern App
Streamline your journey and get tickets straight to your phone. Making your journey contact-free.