The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most famous heritage railways in the world and one of the most popular attractions in northern England. Running through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, the railway offers visitors the opportunity to travel aboard beautifully restored steam and heritage diesel trains while enjoying some of the finest countryside in Yorkshire.
The railway follows part of a historic line that originally connected rural communities across the North York Moors. Following the closure of sections of the route during the 1960s, a determined group of volunteers worked to preserve the railway and reopen it as a heritage attraction. Today, the line operates for approximately 24 miles between Pickering and Whitby, passing through rolling countryside, ancient woodland, heather-covered moorland and picturesque villages.
For many visitors, the experience is as much about the journey as the destinations. Travelling in traditional carriages behind a steam locomotive evokes the golden age of railway travel, while the spectacular scenery outside the window provides a constantly changing backdrop. The railway is particularly popular with families, railway enthusiasts, photographers and anyone looking to experience the landscapes of the North York Moors in a unique way.
The line has also appeared in numerous films and television productions. Most notably, Goathland Station became famous as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films, attracting visitors from around the world. Historic stations, period architecture and lovingly restored locomotives add to the sense of stepping back in time.
Whether you choose a short journey between stations or travel the full route to Whitby, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway offers one of the most memorable ways to experience the beauty, history and character of the North York Moors National Park.
Best Things to See and Do on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
1. Ride a Heritage Steam Train
The highlight of any visit is travelling aboard one of the railway’s magnificent steam locomotives. The sight, sound and smell of a working steam engine provide an experience that few modern railways can match. Comfortable heritage carriages and spectacular scenery combine to create an unforgettable journey through the Yorkshire countryside.
2. Travel Between Pickering and Whitby
One of the railway’s greatest attractions is the opportunity to travel between the historic market town of Pickering and the famous coastal town of Whitby. The route passes through forests, farmland and moorland before eventually reaching the North Sea coast, offering some of the most scenic railway journeys in England.
3. Visit Goathland Station
Goathland Station is one of the most famous stops on the line. Beautifully preserved and largely unchanged since the early twentieth century, it became internationally known after appearing as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films. The station remains one of the most photographed locations on the railway.
4. Explore Grosmont Station
Grosmont is the operational heart of the railway and one of the best places to see locomotives up close. Visitors can often watch engines being prepared for service, explore parts of the engineering facilities and enjoy a traditional railway atmosphere that has changed little over the decades.
5. Enjoy the Moorland Scenery
The railway passes through some of the finest landscapes in the North York Moors National Park. Open heather moorland, wooded valleys, stone bridges and traditional villages provide constantly changing views throughout the journey. Late summer is particularly spectacular when the heather is in bloom.
6. Visit Levisham Station
Levisham is one of the most picturesque stations on the route. Surrounded by peaceful countryside, it provides access to excellent walking routes and offers a glimpse of a rural railway station largely unchanged from Victorian times.
7. Attend a Special Event
Throughout the year the railway hosts themed events, dining experiences, vintage weekends and seasonal celebrations. Popular events include steam galas, wartime weekends and festive Christmas services, which attract visitors from across the country.
8. Visit Whitby
Many visitors use the railway as a scenic way to reach Whitby. Once there, attractions include Whitby Abbey, St Mary’s Church, the harbour, sandy beaches and the town’s famous fish and chips. Combining the railway with a day in Whitby makes for an excellent excursion.
Visitor Information
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway operates throughout much of the year, although services vary by season. Visitors can join trains at a number of stations including Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby.
Journey lengths can vary depending on the route chosen, but many visitors allow a full day to enjoy the railway and explore one or more stations along the way. Advance booking is recommended during school holidays, special events and summer weekends.
Official website: https://www.nymr.co.uk
Google map Whitby Station 4.3/5
Google map Goathland Station 4.7/5
Google map Pickering Station 4.7/5