At the dawn of the 20th century, following their father's arrest on suspicion of betraying state secrets, the three Waterbury children—Bobbie, Phyllis and Peter—move with their mother to Yorkshire, where they find themselves involved in unexpected dramas along the railway by their new home.

Clare Thomas
as Phyllis

Jack Blumenau
as Peter

Jemima Rooper
as Bobbie

Jenny Agutter
as Mother

Michael Kitchen
as Father

Gregor Fisher
as Perks

Amanda Walker
as Mrs Ransome

Clive Russell
as Station Master

Richard Attenborough
as The Old Gentleman

David Bamber
as Dr Forrest