North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A nostalgic journey through the North York Moors on a beautifully preserved heritage steam railway.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A nostalgic journey through the North York Moors on a beautifully preserved heritage steam railway.
"It's not cheap but if you like old trains it's worth it."
🎟️ Book Day Rover Tickets
Get a day rover ticket to hop on and off at various stations, offering flexibility for exploration. :admission_tickets:
☕ Enjoy Station Tea Rooms
Many stations boast charming tea rooms for a delightful break and local treats. :coffee:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Journey to Whitby
Full route
Experience the dramatic North York Moors scenery from a vintage steam train, a truly iconic journey.
Pickering Station
Pickering
Explore this beautifully preserved station, featuring a gift shop and a glimpse into railway history.
Heartbeat & Harry Potter Filming Locations
Various stations
Spot iconic filming locations from beloved TV shows and movies along the route.
Grosmont Station
Grosmont
Visit the engine sheds and see a variety of locomotives at this operational hub.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Understand the Timetable
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Book Day Rover Tickets
Get a day rover ticket to hop on and off at various stations, offering flexibility for exploration. :admission_tickets:
☕ Enjoy Station Tea Rooms
Many stations boast charming tea rooms for a delightful break and local treats. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore Villages
Take time to wander through charming villages like Pickering and discover local shops. :walking:
🐶 Dogs Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board for a small fee, making it a great outing for pet owners. :dog:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Book Day Rover Tickets
Get a day rover ticket to hop on and off at various stations, offering flexibility for exploration. :admission_tickets:
☕ Enjoy Station Tea Rooms
Many stations boast charming tea rooms for a delightful break and local treats. :coffee:
🚶♀️ Explore Villages
Take time to wander through charming villages like Pickering and discover local shops. :walking:
🐶 Dogs Welcome
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on board for a small fee, making it a great outing for pet owners. :dog:
📸 Capture the Scenery
The moorland and woodland views are stunning; keep your camera ready for breathtaking shots. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the authentic heritage experience, the stunning scenery, and the friendly, knowledgeable volunteers. The journey to Whitby is a highlight, offering picturesque views and a nostalgic trip back in time. While not the cheapest experience, most agree it's well worth the cost for the memorable adventure.
"We bought the tickets the day before so we knew our train time. It was very exciting seeing the steam train coming around the bend into the station. We were very impressed with all the volunteers and how smartly they were dressed. They were very informative and helpful.
The journey from Whitby to Pickering was just under two hours and the scenery was lovely. We stopped at several stations, all immaculately looked after and one was the station from Heartbeat.
The experience is not cheap but if you like old trains it's worth it."
Susan Burberry
"Had 2 wonderful rides, the tight timetable doesn't allow for much more (on one day). Great to see many locomotives that I sadly haven't had the chance to see in mainline revenue service. The passenger cars are beautifully maintained and I love the scenery.
Pickering station had a stand of rail magazines from the past few years and a nice gift shop :)"
Thomas
"We've not been on here for years so thought it was time for a return visit!
The ticketing seems to have changed slightly so now your ticket is for the day and you can jump on and off as much as you want (you do have to pick your first train). They also offer a donation fare too which is a little higher and they give you a percentage as a voucher to spend in the shop/tea room. Although it is a day rover ticket, the timetable is quite limited especially if you're going to Whitby, so I'd recommend having an idea of where you want to stop.
The timetables also tell you if it's steam or diesel however do be aware this can change, especially if there's risk of fire.
We went on a Sunday and found it wasn't too busy so was easy to find a table to sit at. Going all the way through to Whitby took around 1hr 45 and pretty much ran to the timetable. It's such a relaxing ride and you see different landscapes from woodland to moorland, and of course the lovely stations! The different stops do have things to see too from engine sheds to tea rooms (and of course Heartbeat and Harry Potter too!).
We didn't use the tea room but did use the shop (the Pickering one is the main one, there is a small ticket office/shop in Whitby but it has limited opening days) which had a good selection of books and souvenirs and some lovely postcards too!"
Natalie D
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The main stations are Pickering and Whitby. Pickering is accessible by car with a large car park, and also by bus. Whitby is a popular coastal town reachable by train and bus.
Yes, Pickering station has a large car park, which is also convenient for visiting Pickering Castle.
Yes, both Pickering and Whitby are served by bus routes, and Whitby has a train station on the Esk Valley Line.
The most scenic and enjoyable way is by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway itself. You can purchase a day rover ticket to hop on and off.
While the stations are historic, efforts are made to accommodate visitors. It's advisable to check with the railway directly for specific accessibility needs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary, but a return journey to Whitby can be around £54 per adult, with dogs costing an additional £3. Donation fares are also available.
Yes, you can buy tickets on the day, but booking in advance is recommended to secure your preferred train time, especially for the popular Whitby route.
A day rover ticket allows you to travel on the railway for the entire day and hop on and off at different stations as many times as you like, provided you choose your first train when purchasing.
The railway offers a donation fare where a portion is given back as a voucher for the shop or tea room. Check their website for any seasonal offers or family tickets.
Opening hours for ticket purchase vary by station and season. It's best to check the official North Yorkshire Moors Railway website for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The journey is a relaxing ride through stunning moorland and woodland scenery. You'll pass through immaculately kept stations, some of which are famous filming locations.
The journey from Pickering to Whitby takes approximately 1 hour and 45 minutes. The timetable dictates the duration of specific routes.
Yes, with a day rover ticket, you can hop on and off at various stations to explore the villages and attractions.
Visitors consistently praise the volunteers for being informative, helpful, and smartly dressed, adding to the authentic heritage experience.
Stations like Pickering have gift shops and displays, while Grosmont features engine sheds. Many stations are also gateways to charming villages and local attractions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a buffet car on some trains offering food and drinks. The gentleman working on the buffet was extremely helpful.
Many stations have tea rooms offering refreshments and light meals. Pickering station has a nice gift shop and tea room.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring your own snacks and drinks for a train journey, especially for longer trips.
Whitby is a coastal town with numerous fish and chip shops, restaurants, and cafes offering a variety of dining experiences.
Reviews suggest the food in the cafe is good, and the buffet car staff are very helpful.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire journey offers picturesque views. Capture the steam train at stations like Pickering or Grosmont, and the sweeping moorland landscapes.
Yes, you can take photos inside the beautifully maintained carriages, especially if you're in a first-class compartment.
Generally, photography is encouraged. However, always be mindful of other passengers and railway staff.
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with a versatile lens will capture the best detail. However, a good smartphone camera can also produce excellent results.
Early morning or late afternoon light often provides the most dramatic and flattering light for landscape and train photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as this can be helpful for keeping children happy during the ride. Many stations offer opportunities to stretch legs and explore, and the novelty of a heritage train ride is usually a big hit. The 'Heartbeat' and 'Harry Potter' connections might also add an extra layer of fun for older children.
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
The meticulously maintained rolling stock and the dedication of the volunteers create an immersive experience. You'll find a wealth of information about the railway's history and the locomotives themselves, often shared enthusiastically by the staff. Don't miss the opportunity to explore the Pickering station gift shop, which often stocks rail magazines and books.
📸 Photographers & Instagrammers
Stations like Pickering and Grosmont offer excellent vantage points for capturing the trains and the historic architecture. The changing light throughout the day can create dramatic effects, so consider visiting during the golden hours for the most atmospheric photos. The vintage carriages also make for great interior shots.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Heritage Experience
This commitment to preservation extends to the rolling stock. The passenger carriages are beautifully maintained, offering a comfortable and evocative journey. Whether you're in a standard carriage or a more luxurious first-class compartment, the attention to detail is evident. The railway also boasts a collection of historic locomotives, some of which are rarely seen in operation elsewhere, making it a dream destination for railway enthusiasts.
Beyond the trains themselves, the railway is a gateway to the North York Moors National Park. The journey winds through breathtaking landscapes of heather-clad moorland, ancient woodlands, and picturesque valleys. This scenic backdrop elevates the experience, making it a truly memorable day out for all visitors, not just train buffs.
Filming Locations and Pop Culture
Furthermore, the railway has been featured in 'Harry Potter' films, adding a touch of magic to the journey. The iconic steam engines and historic stations evoke the wonder of the wizarding world, making it a special experience for fans of the franchise. The chance to see these famous locations firsthand adds an extra layer of excitement to the trip.
Beyond these major productions, the railway's timeless charm has made it a sought-after location for various documentaries and historical reenactments. The photogenic nature of the steam trains against the dramatic moorland scenery ensures its continued appeal to filmmakers and visitors alike.
Planning Your Day Trip
When planning, it's crucial to consult the timetable carefully. Timings can vary, and understanding when trains depart from each station will help you structure your day efficiently. Consider which stations you most want to visit and factor in travel time between them. For instance, a journey to Whitby takes nearly two hours, so plan your day accordingly.
Don't forget to factor in time for meals and refreshments. Many stations have tea rooms offering local treats, and the buffet car on the train provides convenient options. If you're heading to Whitby, the town itself offers a wide array of dining choices, from traditional fish and chips to more contemporary eateries.
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