Fifty-two years after the original film charmed audiences, a new generation of children boards the steam train in The Railway Children Return. Released in 2022, this sequel shifts the setting from Edwardian England to the heart of World War II, following three evacuee siblings who uncover a secret that brings them together with an older, familiar face.
Directed by Morgan Matthews and written by Danny Brocklehurst, the film brings back Jenny Agutter as Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury, now a grandmother. It was shot on the same heritage railway that made the 1970 classic iconic: the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway in West Yorkshire. The story weaves wartime history with a family adventure, introducing a new cast of children and a subplot involving a Black American soldier on the run.
What is The Railway Children Return About?
| 🎬 Film Type | Family / Historical Drama |
| 📅 Release Year | 2022 |
| ⭐ Key Cast | Jenny Agutter, Sheridan Smith, Tom Courtenay |
| 📍 Main Location | Oakworth, West Yorkshire (Keighley & Worth Valley Railway) |
- The film is set during World War II, not the Edwardian era of the original story.
- The narrative introduces a Black US serviceman on the run, adding a social justice layer to the classic formula.
- Jenny Agutter reprises her role as “the Mother” from the 1970 film, now playing the grandmother figure.
- The majority of railway scenes were filmed on the original Keighley and Worth Valley Railway.
- The story draws directly from Operation Pied Piper, Britain’s mass evacuation of over three million children from urban areas to the countryside.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Director | Morgan Matthews |
| Screenplay | Danny Brocklehurst |
| Runtime | 99 minutes |
| Rating (BBFC) | PG (Parental Guidance) |
| Original Novel | E. Nesbit (1906) |
| Box Office | £2.9 million (UK) |
The plot follows three evacuee children from Salford – Lily, Pattie and Ted Watts – who are sent to the Yorkshire village of Oakworth. There they reconnect with Bobbie Waterbury (now a grandmother) and her family. When they discover an injured American soldier named Abe McCarthy hiding in the railyard, they decide to help him, setting off a chain of events that tests their courage and loyalty. The film emphasises themes of evacuation, friendship and wartime resilience, blending heartfelt family moments with a gentle historical drama.
Who is in the Cast of The Railway Children Return?
Jenny Agutter leads the ensemble as Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury, the grown-up version of the character she played in the 1970 film. She is joined by a mix of established actors and relative newcomers.
| Actor/Actress | Role | Notable Previous Work |
|---|---|---|
| Jenny Agutter | Roberta “Bobbie” Waterbury | Original 1970 film, Call the Midwife |
| Sheridan Smith | Annie (Bobbie’s daughter, school headmistress) | Cilla |
| Tom Courtenay | Uncle Walter (Bobbie’s brother-in-law, war office) | 45 Years, Billy Liar |
| John Bradley | Richard Perks | Game of Thrones (Samwell Tarly) |
| Beau Gadsdon | Lily Watts (eldest evacuee sibling) | The Crown |
| Eden Hamilton | Pattie Watts (middle sibling, mischievous) | N/A |
| Zac Cudby | Ted Watts (youngest sibling) | N/A |
| KJ Aikens | Abraham “Abe” McCarthy (injured US soldier) | Pose |
| Austin Haynes | Thomas Waterbury (Annie’s son) | N/A |
| Jessica Baglow | Angela | N/A |
| Hugh Quarshie | General Harrison | N/A |
| Neil Hurst | Teacher | N/A |
| Micky Williams | Children’s Dad | N/A |
| Joseph Richards | Georgie Duckworth | N/A |
Bernard Cribbins, who appeared in the original 1970 film, was nearly involved in the sequel but ultimately did not appear. His absence is noted by fans of the original.
The screenplay was written by Danny Brocklehurst, known for his work on television dramas, and the film marks Morgan Matthews’ first major feature directing role. Full cast and crew details are available on the IMDB – The Railway Children Return page.
Where Was The Railway Children Return Filmed?
The filmmakers returned to the same heritage railway that served as the backdrop for the original 1970 film: the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Guide in West Yorkshire. Principal photography began on 10 May 2021 and lasted six to eight weeks.
Key filming locations
Oakworth Station and the surrounding countryside were used extensively, recreating the atmosphere of a 1940s wartime village. The railway line’s steam engines and period carriages helped evoke the era without needing extensive CGI.
Using the same railway as the 1970 film allowed the production to maintain visual continuity. The Keighley and Worth Valley Railway is a preserved heritage line that still runs steam trains today.
For more details on the production’s funding and local partnerships, see the Screen Yorkshire Production Page.
Where Can I Watch The Railway Children Return?
As of mid-2026, The Railway Children Return is available through a mix of streaming, rental and purchase options, though availability varies by region.
- Netflix UK: The film was added to Netflix UK in December 2022 and remains available at the time of writing. Check the Netflix (UK) – Watch Page for current status.
- Digital purchase/rental: Platforms such as Fandango at Home, Amazon Prime Video, iTunes and Google Play offer the film for rent or purchase. Regional availability may differ.
- Channel 5 broadcast: A scheduled broadcast on Channel 5 has been reported but no exact airdate has been publicly confirmed for all regions.
- Official StudioCanal site: Trailers and past screening information can be found via the StudioCanal site (powster.com).
For a broader selection of similar family films available online, see Best Family Films on Netflix UK.
Streaming rights change frequently. The film is not listed on Netflix in the United States, and its availability on other platforms may shift. Use a service like JustWatch to check current options in your country.
What Are the Reviews for The Railway Children Return?
Critical reception was mixed. On Rotten Tomatoes the film holds a 59% approval rating from 44 reviews, with an average score of 5.80/10. Metacritic gives it a score of 54 out of 100 from ten critics, indicating “mixed or average reviews.”
Common praise highlights Jenny Agutter’s heartfelt performance, the charm of the young actors, and the scenic railway visuals. Criticisms point to a formulaic plot, uneven pacing, and less emotional depth than the original. Phil Hoad of The Guardian noted: “Plot riffs on the original story include a black US serviceman on the lam in this earnest but likable homage.” The full review is available at The Guardian Review.
General audiences on streaming platforms have responded warmly, and the film gained popularity on Netflix UK, driving renewed interest in the original 1970 film and the E. Nesbit novel.
When was The Railway Children Return Produced and Released?
- 2019 – Sequel officially announced by Studiocanal and Quickfire Films.
- 2021 – Principal photography begins in Yorkshire.
- July 2022 – Theatrical release in the United Kingdom.
- December 2022 – Released on Netflix UK.
- 2023 – Scheduled broadcast on Channel 5 (date not widely confirmed).
What Facts Are Confirmed and What Remains Uncertain?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| The film is a direct sequel to the 1970 film. | The exact Channel 5 airdate has not been publicly confirmed for all regions. |
| Jenny Agutter appears as a grown-up Bobbie (now a grandmother). | The film has not been officially confirmed for US streaming platforms beyond limited releases. |
| The film was shot on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway. | No official confirmation of a 4K or special edition Blu-ray release has been announced. |
What is the Historical and Cultural Significance of The Railway Children Return?
The sequel arrives 52 years after the original, tapping into British nostalgia while updating the storyline to address racial themes through the evacuee children aiding a Black American soldier. This choice adds a social justice layer absent from the 1970 film, reflecting modern sensibilities.
Critics praised the performances – particularly Agutter’s – but were divided on the overtly sentimental tone. The film gained popularity on Netflix UK, driving renewed interest in the original film and the E. Nesbit novel. It also serves as a gentle introduction for younger viewers to the realities of World War II evacuation, without graphic violence.
What Do Critics and Official Sources Say?
“Plot riffs on the original story include a black US serviceman on the lam in this earnest but likable homage.”
– Phil Hoad, The Guardian
“Follow a group of children who are evacuated to a Yorkshire village during the Second World War.”
– IMDB Synopsis
For comprehensive factual information, the Wikipedia – The Railway Children Return page covers production, cast, and reception.
Is The Railway Children Return Worth Watching?
For viewers who enjoyed the 1970 classic or those looking for a family-friendly World War II drama with strong performances and beautiful Yorkshire scenery, The Railway Children Return is a solid choice. It may not match the emotional depth of its predecessor, but it offers a heartfelt, nostalgic journey that has found a loyal audience on streaming platforms. Those interested in the broader context can read more about the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway Guide for location history, or browse Best Family Films on Netflix UK for similar titles.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Railway Children Return based on a book?
It is based on characters from E. Nesbit’s original novel, but the specific story was created for the film.
Is The Railway Children Return a sequel to the 1970 film?
Yes, it is a direct sequel set during World War II.
Is The Railway Children Return on Netflix?
Yes, it is available on Netflix UK (as of 2023) but may vary by region.
Who plays the mother in The Railway Children Return?
Sheridan Smith plays the mother; Jenny Agutter plays the grandmother (Bobbie from the original).
What is the runtime of The Railway Children Return?
The film runs for 99 minutes.
Who directed The Railway Children Return?
The film was directed by Morgan Matthews.
What is the UK box office for The Railway Children Return?
The film earned approximately £2.9 million in UK cinemas.
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Kieran Doherty covers Westminster, councils, public policy and political affairs across the United Kingdom.