North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a heritage railway that has been around since 1836 and is the town’s major tourist attraction. Visitors from all over the globe are pulled in by the North Yorkshire Moors Railway attraction!
Imagine stepping back in time when you enter the Station to be surrounded by beautiful stone and iron architecture. Along with the hustle and bustle of noise as the steam train enters the station. It all happens here on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Pickering station. The ‘toot’ sound of the steam engine along with the ‘hiss’ sounds of steam can be heard every day when the train is in operation.
The Railway is 18 miles long and starts at Pickering and runs across the North York Moors National Park. The track winds its way through to Whitby via several villages (Levisham, Newtondale Halt, Goathland Train Station, and Grosmont Station). It will take approximately 1 hour and 45 mins on a steam train to complete the journey.
Pickering Station has many trains and services on offer and typically runs between April and October every year, shutting down for maintenance, etc. the remainder of the year. Use the links below to take you to the NYMR website and keep up to date with the latest events. As these are planned regularly throughout the season.
What’s great about it?
North Yorkshire Moors Railway makes a great day trip out. You will immerse yourself in a unique experience and if that isn’t enough – you have the town center just over the road. In the Town Center (Market Place) you will find a variety of cafes, boutique shops, pubs, restaurants, and Costa Coffee!
Should you have never set foot on a steam train before, you are in for a treat! In addition to the steam train (or diesel train) experience you have a stunning view of the North York Moors National Park out of your train window. Where you will see the rolling hills and lovely scenery with one or two Sheep and Cattle thrown in for good measure! For the bird watchers out there – you can spot a variety or two from the train window. Away from the roads, nestled in the valley.
You have the opportunity to get off in Whitby, look around and jump back on the train following to go back to Pickering and do it all again. So fish and chips by the seaside are a bonus!
Not to forget to mention – If you like photography you will love this. Even if you do not catch the train, and you are just visiting the station – you could get some cracking shots. For Discover Pickering’s photo portfolio visit Adobe Stock.
What else you should know?
Both Steam and Diesel trains run on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, so if you are looking for the Steam train in particular make sure you check when booking. Also, be aware that it generally runs in the Summer Season mainly with some other times during the Festive Season, etc. Check the website for an up-to-date schedule.
There is a newly renovated café, Shop, and toilet facilities at the Station and has disabled access via a ramp at the bottom entrance. There is also a museum at the Pickering station on the far side platform that is worth a peek.
‘War Weekend’ has been an event in the past that has been very popular with the town and the Pickering Station gets transformed back 100 years or so with people out wearing costumes. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway empties the back visitors’ car park and various attractions will be laid out for the crowds.
A general note regarding parking, do not be tempted to park outside the front of the station for extended periods over 30 mins as they are patrolled by the traffic warden and a fine could be issued. Instead, travel around to the long-stay car park at the rear of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
Other Facts
It is probably well known by now, that the Harry Potter Film used Goathland Train Station as ‘Hogsmead’. Well, that’s part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway journey! Not to be missed.
What is probably a little less known is that in 2021, the Hollywood A-lister, Tom Cruise was filming on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for his latest Mission Impossible film. He had a film crew camped up by the NYMR overflow car park and appeared at times for photos with Fans.
Even more randomly, a Nazi ‘Railroad Gun carriage’ from the Latest Indiana Jones movie was also stored there very briefly, as filming was taking place somewhere on the moors. This was quite a surreal sight to see!
If you want a sneak preview before your visit, you could check out the NYMR Webcams, which will lead you to the Live streams from the Goathland and Grosmont Train Stations.
Book your Hotel!
Book your hotel today to get your accommodation in place ready for your trip. Take a look at some options on our Hotels in Pickering page.
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Location Map
References
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NYMR TimetableNYMR Timetable
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Webcam Grosmont StationWebcam Grosmont Station
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Webcam Goathland StationWebcam Goathland Station
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