North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Take a trip on one of the world’s greatest railway experiences, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Railway Conservation. Run by Volunteers. Not for Profit. It really is one of the most unique experiences in Yorkshire, making it one of our top recommendations for a memorable family day out in the North York Moors.

Photo credit: NYMR

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the world’s greatest heritage railway experiences with thrills and family fun at its heart. Climb on board a steam or heritage diesel train and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s amazing scenery at this must-see visitor attraction.

Upcoming Events

A Summer of Pixies and Pirates at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

This summer, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway invites families on a magical journey of fairy-tale fun and swashbuckling adventure from 19th July to 31st August.

Pixies (19th July – 8th August)

Step into a world of fairy-tale fun and get involved in the Pixie Olympics, build dens, craft wands, and enjoy the magical show A Midsummer Night’s Mischief by Hoglets Theatre (20 July at Levisham Station – £8). Get dressed in your best pixie outfit for opening day on 19 July, with free face painting at Pickering Station. Enjoy Pixie Arts on Mondays (Pickering Station) and Thursdays (Goathland Station), 11am–2pm.

Pirates (9th – 31st August)

From treasure hunts to crafting pirate swords, dive into swashbuckling fun! Catch The Sleep Pirates performance on 26 August at Pickering Station – £8 per ticket. Pirate crafts run Mondays and Thursdays, 11am–2pm. Don’t miss the Treasure Hunt at Grosmont Station and Pirates Games at Levisham Station running everyday.

The NYMR has also launched two new exciting summer offers, making it easier (and cheaper) for families to enjoy a great day out. Kids Go Free - Children (aged 4-15) travel for free on all standard services and take advantage of up to 30% off when booking in advance.

Plan your adventure at nymr.co.uk/summer

Railway 200 Celebrations

Join our 200 Mile Challenge and complete 200 miles on the NYMR in 2025. Plus, discover 200 railway-themed activities throughout the year.

Explore the Railway

• Pickering Station is a beautiful 1930s themed station;
• See stunning scenery and wildlife in the North York Moors National Park;
• Visit Goathland, which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film;
• Explore Grosmont Station, home to the operating and engineering world of the NYMR;
• Visit Whitby with its narrow streets, bustling harbour and the ruins of Whitby Abbey.
  
  

Engine 92134 at Levisham Station (Photo credit: Charlotte Graham)

Ticket Information

Various ticket prices – please see website for details.

Visit website

Accessibility

Fuss-free access means that all of the carriage sets in service on the full length of the line contain one vehicle that has been specially adapted to ease access for everyone with mobility problems and accommodate them with their friends and family.

Parking

There is paid parking available just a short walk from Pickering Station.

Engine 76079 at Newtondale (Photo credit: Charlotte Graham)

Directions by car from Great Ayton to Pickering

There are various routes to take you from Great Ayton to North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering, we have detailed two options below:

Shortest Route

A beautifully scenic route taking you over the moors via the A170.

Duration: Approximately 50 minutes drive (29 miles)

• From the stone bridge over the River Leven at the Low Green take the direction up Easby Lane (1.6miles)
• Turn left onto Battersby Avenue and travel to Crag Bank (4.2 miles)
• Turn onto Sleddale Road then Upper Esk Road which leads to Blakey Ridge (6.1 miles)
• At Blakey Ridge take the Yarn Brow (A170) to Park Street in Pickering

Via Guisborough

Takes you through the historic market town of Guisborough and up onto the moors via Blakey Ridge.

Duration: Approximately 1 hour drive (36 miles)

• From Great Ayton take the A173 towards Guisborough
• At the roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Middlesbrough Road (A171)
• At the next roundabout take the first exit, remaining on the A171
• At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit, remaining on the A171
• At the next roundabout take the 2nd exit onto Whitby Road on the A171
• Turn right onto Smeathorns Road
• Continue onto Blakey Ridge on the A170 to Park Street in Pickering
  
  

Try the Train from Great Ayton Station to Grosmont

Grosmont Station (Photo credit: Charlotte Graham)

Travel directly from Great Ayton Station to Grosmont using the Esk Valley Railway (train operator is Northern Railway). From Grosmont Station you can take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Pickering and return.

Travel Info

Engine footplate (Photo credit: Charlotte Graham)

All information and images are courtesy of North Yorkshire Moors Railway with the exception of directions.