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Cups & Carriages

Whitehead Railway Museum, Excursion Station, Castleview Road, Whitehead, County Antrim, BT38 9NA
Family of 3 children and 2 adults sitting eating and drinking tea around a wooden dining table in the railway musuem cafe

About

Discover a hidden gem at Whitehead Railway Museum – Cups & Carriages tea room, nestled in this historic station. It's not just a pitstop; it's a journey back in time, reminiscent of the classic movie 'Brief Encounter.'

Fuel Up in Style

Whether you're exploring the museum or just passing through, Cups & Carriages is your go-to spot for refuelling. While the museum is an exclusive experience for paying guests, the café warmly welcomes everyone with open arms.

Grab a meal or coffee before or after your museum tour, or simply use it as the perfect cosy meeting spot for friends and family..

Culinary Adventures Await

Enjoy light lunches, all day frys and tempting sweet treats, with all products sourced locally and prepared to our high standards. A variety of beverages completes the menu, ensuring there's something for every taste.

Allergy-Friendly Options

Your well-being matters to us. If you have any allergies or specific dietary requirements, our team is here to make your experience safe and enjoyable. Simply inform us when booking.

Public Afternoon Tea Extravaganza

Several times a year, experience the magic of Afternoon Tea in a Railway Carriage. Savour scones, local ingredient-packed sandwiches, and an array of petit fours, all paired with freshly brewed barista coffees and fine teas. Book your spot early; these events sell out fast!

Private Tea Parties in Vintage Style

For a more intimate affair, book Cups & Carriages Private Afternoon Tea. Step into a static vintage 1950s dining carriage at Whitehead Railway Museum for an authentic traditional afternoon tea experience. Ideal for groups of up to 20 (with a minimum of 10) or keep an eye on our Events page for the next planned public date.

Booking Made Easy

To secure your spot at the café or reserve a vintage carriage for a private tea party, email us directly or give us a ring at 07802 356803.

For the latest menus and opening hours, check out our Café's Facebook page.  

Book Tickets

Facilities

Catering

  • Cater for vegetarians
  • Dogs Accepted Inside
  • Dogs Accepted Outdoor Dining Area
  • Serve afternoon tea
  • Serve breakfast
  • Serve lunch

Establishment Features

  • Pets accepted

Parking & Transport

  • Car parking

Payment Methods

  • All major credit/debit cards accepted

Provider Preferences

  • Unique venue

Explore More

A family of four standing on the platform talking to the driver of a blue steam train Whitehead Railway Museum, WhiteheadThe new Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Add Cups & Carriages to your Itinerary

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Call direct on:

Tel+ 44 (0) 28 9358 6200

Map & Directions

Opening Times

* Latest menus and opening hours on the Café's Facebook page. Check out our special late night openings, bbq nights and afternoon tea sessions.

Normal operating hours
Thursday to Saturday, 10.00 - 16.00 (last food orders 3:15pm).
Closed Sunday to Wednesday.

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Explore More

A family of four standing on the platform talking to the driver of a blue steam train Whitehead Railway Museum, WhiteheadThe new Whitehead Railway Museum will take visitors on a journey through time - see the large stock fully restored heritage Irish railway steam and diesel locomotives, vintage carriages coupled with state of the art interactive touch displays.

Virtual Tour

Map & Directions

Road Directions

GETTING TO THE MUSEUM BY CAR

Take the M2 from Belfast and merge on to the M5 towards Whiteabbey. Follow the signs for A2 to Carrickfergus. Continue past Carrickfergus Castle to Whitehead and turn right past the service station onto Cable Road. Turn left on to Kings Road, continue straight and cross the bridge. At the Chester Avenue junction, turn left, and immediately turn left again onto Castleview Road. Parking is available adjacent to the youth centre. The entrance to the museum is past the youth centre.

Public Transport Directions

GETTING TO THE MUSEUM BY TRAIN

For the Belfast-Whitehead railway line timetable information please go to www.translink.co.uk or ring Translink's Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 (Opening hours: Monday - Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am to 6pm.) The nearest train station is Whitehead, with normally two trains every hour Monday-Saturday. It is approximately a half mile walk to the Whitehead Railway Museum from the seaward side of the railway station.  Connections from the Dublin direction may be made at Belfast Central station.

GETTING TO THE MUSEUM BY BUS

Bus routes are as follows: 163 Belfast - Greenisland - Whitehead 168 Belfast - Carrickfegus - Whitehead

For bus timetable information please go to www.translink.co.uk or ring Translink's Contact Centre on +44 (0) 28 9066 6630 (Opening hours: Monday - Friday 7am to 8pm, Saturday & Sunday 8am to 6pm.)

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