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
 

Locomotion No. 1 at the NYMR

As part of the Railway 200 celebrations, we are proud to welcome the replica steam locomotive Locomotion No. 1 to the NYMR this autumn. The original engine was a remarkable milestone in passenger rail travel, and this stunning replica offers a rare opportunity to experience the spirit of 1825. Step aboard for a journey that brings the early days of the railway to life, a moment to be treasured by history lovers and railway enthusiasts alike.

Event Info

????️ Dates: 25, 26, 28, 29 Oct, 1, 2, 4, 5, 8 & 9 Nov.
???? Location: Return journey from Pickering Station to the New Bridge Crossing.
⏰ Timings: Runs from 10:10 am each day. The journey lasts approximately 15-20 minutes. Please arrive for the start of your 30 minute time slot as we will depart around other services running on the day.

Ticket Information

• Adults (16+): £10 per ride.
• Children (3–15): £5 per ride.
• Baby & Toddlers (0–3): Free on a Parent/Guardian lap.

Did You Know?

• Did you know Locomotion No. 1 was the very first steam locomotive to haul a passenger train on a public railway back in 1825?
• It was built for the Stockton & Darlington Railway, the world’s first passenger line.
• The engine was the work of father-and-son pioneers George and Robert Stephenson.
• The replica you’ll see when you visit was built in 1975 to celebrate the line’s 150th anniversary.
• Its visit to the NYMR is part of Railway 200, a nationwide celebration of 200 years of railway history.

Make memories this autumn, visit Pickering Station and ride behind replica Locomotion No. 1!

Service Notes

Small dogs are permitted on these services,

 however space is limited on board.

Due to the nature of the passenger carriage, we regret that wheelchair users cannot be accommodated on these services.

Flying Scotman

25, 26, 27, 28 & 29 October, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 8, 9, 10, 11 & 12 November.

Early Online Booking Offer: Save 10% if you book before 31 August 2025.

As part of our Railway 200 celebrations, don’t miss your chance to ride behind one of Britain’s icons from the golden age of steam. No. 60103 Flying Scotsman will be in action at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway between Grosmont and Pickering this late-autumn, courtesy of the National Railway Museum and Northern Steam Operations Ltd.

Your booking is for a seat-allocated return journey from Grosmont to Pickering behind Flying Scotsman. Other non-seat-allocated services between Pickering/Grosmont and Whitby, hauled by different locomotives, will be running on the date of your visit. You're welcome to board these services with your Flying Scotsman ticket and explore the full length of our line if you wish.

Standard Fare: £54.50

Departs 08.45, 11.40 or 15.00

Pre-booked allocated seats

Enjoy approx. 2 hours and 35 minutes of our heritage line behind Flying Scotsman

Discounts are available for Groups of 20+ people. Please contact our Customer Services Team on grouptravel@nymr.co.uk for details.

About the Flying Scotman 

Flying Scotsman, built in 1923 at Doncaster and numbered 60103, is one of the most iconic steam locomotives in the world. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, it became the first UK loco to reach 100 mph and holds a long-distance steam record in Australia. After retirement in 1963, it was preserved and later restored by the National Railway Museum. In 2023, during its centenary year, Flying Scotsman made history once again by hauling the Royal Train along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Pickering, proudly carrying King Charles III on a memorable journey through our stunning heritage landscape.

Flying Scotsman was originally built as an A1-class locomotive, later rebuilt as an A3, and has carried several liveries throughout its life, including LNER green, wartime black, and British Rail Brunswick green. It was named after the famous London to Edinburgh express service it once hauled non-stop. Over the years, it has become a symbol of British engineering and rail heritage, drawing crowds wherever it goes. Now owned by the National Railway Museum, it continues to steam on mainline and heritage tracks, connecting generations with the golden age of rail travel and inspiring new fans of steam history.

Santa Express

29, 30 November, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20 to 24 December

Come and enjoy a brand new interactive adventure for families as they meet Father Christmas on the NYMR Santa Express. The steam train ride will be packed with songs, jokes and the magic of Christmas, brought to life by Santa’s Elves - families will also get to meet the great man himself on board.

Your Santa Express

At Pickering station, families will be welcomed by the sights and sounds of the Santa Express steam train with Christmas decorations, traditional games, and live singing to get everyone in the Christmas spirit. Once on board, Santa’s team of elves will keep everyone entertained with sing-alongs, Christmas-cracker jokes, and plenty of fun. Each child will also receive a special keepsake to take home.

Meet The Elves

• Elton Elf, known for his musical skills. 
• Joey Marshmallow, the cheeky trickster. 
• Chef Custard, who looks after Santa and his reindeer with his special recipes. 
• Also, keep an eye out for Chris Mouse, the Station Mouse, who checks that everyone is on the Nice List with his cheeky “eek, eek, eek!” 

Fares & Booking

Tickets for the Santa Express start from £29.50 per person with an extra 10% off if you book online before 31 August 2025.

Registered Carers: Registered adult or child carers of a disabled Santa Express passenger are eligible for a reduced-rate ticket when the standard Santa Express fare applies to the disabled passenger. Passengers booking a reduced-rate carer's ticket will be required to provide a valid form of ID to confirm eligibility.

Wheelchair users: On each service we have two dedicated wheelchair user spaces available in our Fuss Free carriage with fold down seats for up to two travel companions, bookable online.

 

NYMR Pickering to Whitby Winter Excursions

Every day from Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026.

If you’re already planning things to do between Christmas and New Year, why not get everyone out of the house to take one of our special steam-hauled excursions to Whitby!

It’s that strange time of year when you’re never quite sure what day of the week it is, what you’re supposed to be doing or what routine ever felt like - but it’s the perfect time for a heritage train ride!  

Come with the family and enjoy a winter’s day out from Pickering and blow the cobwebs away at the seaside or perhaps work off some of that Christmas pudding with a brisk walk in the fresh seaside air.

Your Journey

These pre-booked, seat allocated services, depart from Pickering Station and traverse the North York Moors National Park to Whitby. Here you will have just over a couple of hours to spend in the town before the steam hauled service returns from Whitby back to Pickering.

The Station Tea Room at Pickering will be open, serving Bacon Rolls, Tasty Snacks, Hot Drinks and Alcoholic & Non-Alcoholic Drinks.

There will also be an on-board Buffet Carriage available on each service. Cash and cards accepted.

Dates & Times

Every day from Saturday 27 December 2025 to Sunday 4 January 2026. Departing at 09:35 am from Pickering (arr. Whitby at 11:15 am) and departing from Whitby on the return journey at 2:10 pm. Journey time is approximately 1h 50m in each direction.

Fares

Adult: £49.50, Child: £12.15, Dog: £3
Member Rate - Adult: £24.75, Child: £6.08, Dog: Free
Premiere Life Member Rate - Adult: Free

Return visits using an Annual Pass are valid for these special services, they must be booked online with your unique code. Travel Passes are not valid.

Registered Carers: Registered adult or child carers of a disabled passenger are eligible for a reduced rate ticket when the standard fare applies to the disabled passenger, for both adults and children. Passengers booking a carer's ticket will be required to provide a valid form of ID to confirm eligibility. 

Wheelchair users and their travel companions: A dedicated wheelchair space in our Fuss Free carriage with fold down seats for their travel companions.

Please note: 

• Please note you cannot get off at the stations along the line on this service.
• Concessions for Carers and Disabled People. Our policy admits the necessary companion, or carer, of a disabled visitor at a reduced rate, while the full Whitby Winter Excursions ticket cost applies to the disabled visitor.

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.