If you’re looking for a memorable day out in North Yorkshire, climb aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway in Pickering.
This much-loved heritage railway combines steam, history and spectacular scenery. It runs through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, connecting Pickering with Whitby.
The journey takes you through some of the most beautiful countryside in North Yorkshire. Along the way, there are historic stations, moorland walks, villages to explore and plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments.
Even if you don’t have time for a full journey, Pickering Station and the surrounding area are well worth exploring.
Start your journey at Pickering Station
Pickering Station is the traditional starting point for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The station has a wonderful 1930s feel, making it easy to imagine travelling by steam train decades ago.
Watch the locomotives arrive, explore the station and soak up the atmosphere before boarding your train.
For many visitors, the journey itself is the highlight. However, there’s plenty to discover once you leave the platform.
Levisham – step into the North York Moors
Levisham Station is the first stop after Pickering. It’s a small, peaceful station surrounded by beautiful moorland scenery. The station is particularly popular with walkers and anyone wanting to explore the countryside.
There are walks from the station into the North York Moors National Park.
In late summer, the surrounding moors can be transformed by purple flowering heather, making this a particularly beautiful time to visit. If you enjoy walking, the NYMR has a useful collection of walks to help you plan your route.
Newtondale Halt – a stop in the middle of nowhere
Next comes Newtondale Halt, which is a little different, this is a request-only stop, so you need to tell the guard if you want to get off.
There’s no road access, making it a wonderful place for walkers and nature lovers. The station is surrounded by the stunning North York Moors, with walks leading into the beautiful Newtondale landscape.
It’s also a great reminder that you don’t always need a busy attraction to enjoy a day out; sometimes, the best places are the quiet ones.
Goathland – Harry Potter, Heartbeat and so much more
Next stop is Goathland, one of the most recognisable villages on the North York Moors, you might recognise the station from the big screen.
Goathland Station famously appeared as Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film.
Fans of Heartbeat may recognise the village too, Goathland became Aidensfield, the fictional village featured in the popular ITV series. You can still find Scripps garage here, and much Heartbeat memorabilia.
However, there’s much more to Goathland than its film and television connections.
The village has cafés, shops and places to eat. Sheep also wander freely across the village green and roads. There are several lovely walks nearby, including the route to Mallyan Spout, a spectacular 70-foot waterfall.
Grosmont – railway history comes alive
Carry on to Grosmont, a fascinating village tucked away in the Esk Valley.
Here, the railway is still very much at the heart of village life, with the station frozen in time to the 1950s. The station is home to the NYMR’s engineering operations. If you’re lucky, you may see locomotives being worked on in the engine sheds.
There’s also a station café and shop, making Grosmont a good place to stop for refreshments, and across the road, you can find the entrance to the Grosmont Engine Sheds.
The railway’s history is particularly fascinating here. Grosmont played an important role in the development of the railway and the area’s industrial past.
Fancy a walk?
You don’t have to spend the whole day on the train, one of my favourite ideas is to combine the railway journey with a walk.
The Rail Trail runs between Goathland and Grosmont along the route of the old railway line.
It’s around 3½ miles and passes through woodland, open countryside and the Esk Valley. You could catch the train to Goathland and walk to Grosmont, then catch the train back to Pickering.
It’s a lovely way to experience both the railway and the surrounding countryside.
Steam or diesel?
Although steam trains are probably what first spring to mind, the NYMR also operates heritage diesel trains. So, if you’re a railway enthusiast, there’s often something different to discover.
There’s something rather special about sitting by the window as the train winds its way through the countryside.
And if the track curves just right, you might even get a wonderful view of the train stretching away behind you.
Take your four-legged friend
If you’re staying at Low Costa Mill with your dog, you can take them on standard NYMR services too. Well-behaved dogs are welcome for a small charge, currently £3 per dog per day.
Dogs must be kept on a short lead and cannot sit on the seats.
There are some exceptions for specialist dining and event services, so do check before you travel.
Special events throughout the year
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs a programme of special events throughout the year.
These range from family activities to special steam and diesel events.
There are also special dining experiences, including services aboard the North Yorkshire Pullman for top-class food in luxurious surroundings.
For railway enthusiasts, the annual Steam Gala is a particularly exciting event. The 2026 gala takes place from 24–27 September.
At Christmas, the railway also becomes home to the popular Santa Express, giving families the chance to enjoy a festive steam train journey, and meet the big man.
Because events and timetables change, always check the NYMR website before travelling.
A brilliant day out from Low Costa Mill
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of those days out where the journey really is part of the adventure.
You can travel through beautiful countryside, explore historic stations and discover some of the North York Moors’ most interesting villages.
Best of all, Pickering Station is right on our doorstep. Hop aboard in Pickering and let the railway take you back in time.
And, of course, if you need help planning your day, just ask us. We’re always happy to suggest places to visit and walks to try.It’s another great reason to make Low Costa Mill your base for exploring North Yorkshire.