North Yorkshire Moors Railway

ke 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
 

New Volunteers Open Day

Volunteer working in the North North Yorkshire Moors Railway Tearoom (photo credit NYMR)

Volunteering is at the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. From keeping our trains moving to welcoming visitors and caring for our historic carriages, our volunteers help bring the railway to life every day. Our New Volunteers Open Day is your chance to step behind the scenes, meet the people who make it all happen and discover how you could become part of our railway story.

Join us on Saturday 21 February between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm at the Learning Centre Classroom on Platform 2 at Pickering Station. Meet the team, chat with our current volunteers, and explore some of our behind the scenes areas. Complimentary tea and coffee will be available throughout the day.

Meet Volunteers & Staff from:

Volunteer at North Yorkshire Moors Railway ticket office (photo credit: NYMR)

• Booking Offices
• Tearoom and Shops
• Lineside
• Events
• Estates
• Operating, including Ticket Inspectors, Guards and Station Staff
• Engineering

Tours & Departments

After you have started in the Learning Centre, the following areas will have open doors, for you to explore:

Volunteer working at North Yorkshire Moor's Railway carriage and wagon department (photo credit: NYMR)

• Carriage and Wagon
• Customer Services
• Booking Office
• Tearoom
• Station Shop

What to Expect on the Day

Prospective volunteers can enjoy a warm welcome and a real insight into volunteering on the railway, with opportunities to:

•    Chat with our Customer Services team and see Booking Office ticketing demonstrations
•    Learn about refreshment preparation in the Tearoom
•    Meet our retail team in the Shop
•    Sit and chat in the Great Western Saloon and discover the behind-the-scenes work of our North Yorkshire Pullman services
•    Join Engineering for a tour of the Carriage and Wagon department
•    Speak to Station Staff about a day in the life of operating trains
•    Talk to the Lineside team about fire control and conservation along the railway
•    Watch an Estates team demonstration showing how we keep our carriages clean

We welcome interest from everyone, including:

•    Non-working individuals
•    Semi-retired and retired people
•    Students aged 17 and over

Pre-registration is preferred, see https://www.nymr.co.uk/forms/new-volunteers-open-day-registration

We look forward to welcoming you as you begin your journey to becoming a volunteer at one of the world’s most popular heritage railways.

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.