North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Take a step back in time with North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Climb on board a steam train and take a ride through some of the most beautiful scenery on the North York Moors.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway that runs through the North York Moors National Park. First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, the railway was planned in 1831 by George Stephenson as a means of opening up trade routes inland from the then important seaport of Whitby. The line between Grosmont and Rillington was closed in 1965 and the section between Grosmont and Pickering was reopened in 1973 by the North York Moors Historical Railway Trust Ltd.
There are several stations where you can get onboard, either get on in Whitby, or take a drive to one of the other stations.
Pickering Station.
Pickering station is a 1930’s themed station with an amazing roof structure which was recently re-instated to the same design as the original, built in 1847 by GT Andrews. The station has a traditional railway tea room serving tasty meals and snacks and a souvenir shop. While you’re there, take a look at the lovely market town of Pickering with its 13th century castle, the Beck Isle Museum, or simply take a walk around the town’s shops and if you happen to be there on a Monday, visit their weekly market.
Goathland Station
Goathland station is popular with Harry Potter fans as it was used as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. It has also featured as Aidensfield station in the ITV programme Heartbeat. If you enjoy walking, then you could hike the Rail Trail to Grosmont station or to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall. If you would rather just soak up the atmosphere of the station, it has a shop and tea room which is in a converted 1922 style goods shed. The village is just a few minutes walk from the station and there you will find a range of shops and pubs.
Levisham Station
Levisham is a 1912 styled railway station in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors. In April 2021, actor Tom Cruise arrived at the station to film his latest Mission Impossible movie, which delighted both locals and tourists. You can read a little more about Tom’s visit Here. During weekends, bank holidays and special events the Weighbridge Tea Hut is open, serving snacks and drinks.
Grosmont Station
This is the station where you’ll find the engine sheds, where the steam and diesel locomotives are maintained and restored. The 1952 themed station is the junction where the heritage railway ends, and the main rail network begins, connecting both Middlesbrough and Whitby to the NYMR with the Esk Valley Line. You’ll also find the ‘Shed Shop’ just through the George Stephenson tunnel which was built in 1835.
Throughout the year NYMR hold special events such as the Railway in Wartime weekend and the annual Steam Gala. During October half-term they also offer family rides on the Light Spectacular trains, where the carriages are lit up in thousands of lights. Then during December there are the ever popular Santa Specials. These events need to be booked well in advance via the NYMR website as tickets do sell out fast!
Take a look at the NYMR website for lots more information and Tickets.
