Railway Experiences and Days Out

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is ideal for scenic heritage railway journeys, family days out, couples trips and railway-themed gift ideas. Its combination of moorland scenery, famous stations and coastal links gives it wide appeal beyond traditional railway enthusiasts.

Scenic Railway Day

Steam and Diesel Journeys

The railway is best known for scenic journeys across the North York Moors, with services linking heritage stations and selected trains continuing towards Whitby.

Great for scenic days out

Official Railway Website

Family Day Out

Family Railway Visits

The scale of the railway, the scenery and the station variety make it a strong fit for families looking for a memorable heritage railway day out in Yorkshire.

Great for families and groups

Family Train Days Out

About North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a major preserved railway based around Pickering, with trains running through Levisham, Goathland and Grosmont, and selected services continuing over the Esk Valley Line towards Whitby.

The railway’s appeal comes from its setting. Few heritage railways offer such a strong combination of open moorland, traditional stations, seaside access and recognisable television and film-location character.

Why railway enthusiasts rate it

• Moorland scenery
  The route crosses some of Yorkshire’s most atmospheric railway countryside, with long views, rural stations and a strong sense of journey.
• Famous station stops
  Pickering, Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby all give the railway clear variety and visitor appeal.
• Steam, diesel and coastal appeal
  The mix of heritage traction, scenic travel and selected Whitby services makes the railway feel larger than a simple preserved branch line.

Train Driving and Railway Experience Ideas

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is best known as a scenic heritage railway day out. Rail Away Days also helps visitors compare hands-on railway experiences elsewhere, including diesel train driving experiences and giftable railway days.

If you want to move from passenger journey to hands-on driving, compare the Rail Away Days train driving options below.

Route, Stations and Highlights

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway route is built around a classic heritage journey from Pickering through the North York Moors towards Grosmont, with many visitors choosing services that continue towards Whitby when available.

• Pickering
  The main heritage starting point, known for its restored station atmosphere and strong visitor facilities.
• Levisham
  A quieter moorland stop that suits visitors who enjoy rural railway atmosphere and walking country.
• Goathland
  One of the railway’s most famous stations, widely recognised for its television and film associations as well as its moorland setting.
• Grosmont
  A key railway village and connection point, with strong enthusiast appeal and access to the route towards Whitby.
• Whitby
  A popular coastal destination when services operate through, making the railway especially appealing as a full day out.

Best For

• Family railway days out
  The route length, famous stations and Whitby connection make it a strong choice for families.
• Steam and diesel enthusiasts
  The railway is one of the UK’s best-known heritage lines and has long-standing enthusiast appeal.
• Couples and scenic trips
  Moorland views, heritage stations and coastal options make it well suited to relaxed days out together.
• Visitors from Yorkshire and the North East
  Pickering, Whitby, York, Scarborough, Middlesbrough and the wider North York Moors all provide useful location context for planning a visit.

Plan Your Visit

• Main station: Pickering Station
• Address: 12 Park Street, Pickering, North Yorkshire
• Postcode: YO18 7AJ
• Nearby places: Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont, Whitby, York, Scarborough and the North York Moors
• Typical visit length: Half day to full day, especially if travelling towards Whitby or stopping at intermediate stations.
• Best time to visit: Spring through autumn for regular heritage railway days, with special events adding extra interest throughout the year.

Other Rail Away Days Guides

Continue planning your railway day out with more Rail Away Days guides and experience pages.

Frequently Asked Questions