What is Window Seater?
Window Seater provides high quality audio guides for rail lines across the UK and beyond. Our mission is to connect travellers to the world outside their window.
How can I get Window Seater? Is it free?
You can get Window Seater through the Apple App Store and Google Play store. Yes, it’s free.
Where does Window Seater work?
Window Seater is currently available on the lines listed below in the UK. We have general interest guides for young adults and upwards; guides that cover the UK’s music scene; and children’s guides.
General interest guides
- London to Bristol
- London to Bradford and Sunderland
- Llandudno to Blaenau Ffestiniog (Conwy Valley line)
- Shrewsbury to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli (Cambrian line)
- London to Southampton
- London to Oxford
- Oxford to Hereford (Cotswold line)
- Bristol to Weymouth (Heart of Wessex line)
- Bristol to Worcester
- Bristol to Severn Beach
- Reading to Gatwick (North Downs line)
- Swindon to Cheltenham (Golden Valley line)
- Swindon to Westbury (TransWilts line)
- Reading to Basingstoke
- Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil
Musical Routes
- London to Edinburgh
- London to Glasgow
- London to Sheffield
Children’s guides (4 to 8 years old)
- London to Edinburgh
Do I need to be on a train to use it?
Although the audio can be played manually, by clicking the play icons, you’ll receive the best experience listening to the audio guides as you travel by train.
Should I use train Wifi or mobile internet e.g. 4G?
We recommend using mobile internet (4G or 5G). This is because many train operating companies do not allow streaming audio or video files through on-board wifi, so you might experience partly loaded content or delayed notifications.
What if a story isn’t picked up on my phone?
Window Seater audio stories are normally delivered to your phone via the app in a timely manner. As you pass a point of interest, you’ll receive a new story notification – just press play to listen!
However, the frequency with which your phone searches for these notifications can vary. If you haven’t received a notification but want to listen to a story, you are always free to press play on any story and it won’t cause a problem.
Does it work offline?
Yes! When you select a Window Seater guide, you are offered the option to download it so it will play offline. You won’t need to worry about having a stable internet connection.
I need help with the app / something isn’t working
The Window Seater app picks up stories that we’ve left (virtually) alongside train lines. So the app needs to know where you are (even if the app isn’t open), and to be able to notify you when it finds something.
Information on the settings you will need, plus help and a short video, are here: https://windowseater.com/app-help
Do you collect my data? What do you do with it?
Your movement and precise geolocation data (including background movement and location data) are not passed out of the app to Window Seater; it is only used to trigger content. We do not access, collect, use or share this data.
Our privacy policy is here: https://windowseater.com/privacy-policy
Is there text content for Deaf or hard of hearing users?
A forthcoming release will include transcript of all our guides.
Hey, you missed a great experience or story at X location.
Thanks for spotting a possible story to tell or Experience to visit. Please do tell us more and we will look at including it, via https://windowseater.com/contact/
Can I provide some feedback?
Yes and we’d love to know what you think! You can do so here: https://windowseater.com/feedback
Who is behind Window Seater and how was it funded?
Window Seater was created by a team of friends who worked in development and tourism in Myanmar. You can find out more about them and the Window Seater story here www.windowseater.com/our-mission
Window Seater guides are built in partnership with rail organisations to help improve customer experience, encourage sustainable travel and build links with communities along the railway line.
Questions, suggestions and complaints
For any questions, suggestions or complaints, please contact us, or email info@windowseater.com and we will reply to you at the earliest opportunity.