Board The North Yorkshire Moors Heritage Railway
24/06/2019
By far one of the most stunning and eccentric attractions you can visit in our area is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
By far one of the most stunning and eccentric attractions you can visit in our area is the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Experience 24 sprawling miles of Yorkshire’s scenery via the comfort of a heritage train. These steam and diesel trains run along one of the host historic lines in the UK, between the picturesque market town of Pickering and the amazing coastal town of Whitby. Begin or end your journey at either of these must-see towns.
Pickering offers a 1930’s themed railway station that will transport you back in time to the steam era. The station itself is a great place to soak up the atmosphere, pick up a souvenir or pop into a traditional railway tea room.
Coastal Whitby is a contrast, known for its quirky narrow streets and bustle harbour overlooked by the striking ruins of Whitby Abbey. Explore the Captain Cook Museum and learn about the famous explorer’s life, or visit the Dracula Experience on the seafront.
Have a read about each of the NYMR’s unique stops along the line.
Grosmont
Home to the operating and engineering world of the railway, here you will find the engine sheds where the railway’s steam and diesel locomotives are maintained and restored. Head through the George Stephenson tunnel built back in 1835 and you’ll find yourself at the shed shop, and if you’re lucky you’ll get a look at the work being done on the engines! Grosmont village itself was once a hive of industry but it is now a peaceful village huddled in the Esk Valley. The railway dominates the village here, with trains coming to and from Middlesbrough too. While here take a scenic walk down the 3.5 mile Rail Trail to Goathland via Beck Hole, or see the beautiful displays of bluebells in the local woods.
Goathland
Goathland is a must-see celebrity station which became Hogsmede Station in the very first Harry Potter film, and featured as Aidensfield for ITV’s Heartbeat. This charming moorland village has attracted visitors since the 19th century, and after arriving by train walkers can enjoy lots of local strolls and hikes. Take the Rail Trail walk back to Grosmont from here, or to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall - guidebooks for the walk are available in local shops.
The station here has its very own 1922 style goods shed which houses a tea room and a shop for your souvenir needs! While here be sure to check out the ancient monument that is Wade’s Causeway too, also known as the ‘Roman Road’, which is considered to be up to 6,000 years old or more.
Levisham
Explore Levisham station which is surrounded by the North York Moors. Take a trip back in history and experience a 1912 styled railway station which is also home to the NYMR’s artist in residence. During weekends, bank holidays and special events, the Weighbridge Tea Hut is open serving tasty snacks and drinks to visitors.
Levisham is the perfect place to visit the Hole of Horcum from - one of the most spectacular features in the National Park. This huge natural amphitheatre is 400 feet deep and more than half a mile across. Head to Saltersgate for a dramatic panorama of the Hole of Horcum. The track across Levisham Moor runs through a landscape rich in archeological remains; in fact the moor itself is the largest ancient monument in the North York moors. On walks, be prepared for grand landscapes and big views from this beautiful station.
Newtondale Halt
Request a stop to disembark at Newtondale, buried deep in the heart of the North York Moors National Park. Access to this station can only be made by the NYMR, on foot or with the assistance of a mountain bike which makes it the perfect place to spot some magnificent wildlife. Explore the forest tracks of Newtondale on a 6-mile circular route that combines easy valley-boom walking with a climb up through the trees for a lovely woodland wander. The upper section includes a magical route around a deep woodland cleft overflowing with mosses, ferns and grasses.
For more information, train times and bookings, visit www.nymr.co.uk.