North Yorkshire Moors Railway

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage diesel trains between Pickering and Grosmont, through Newton Dale, Levisham and Goathland, and in most seasons selected services continue along the Esk Valley line to Whitby (through running has been suspended at times for engineering work, so check the current timetable). It is one of the busiest heritage railways in the world and the best way to see the landscape.

Grosmont is the railway's engineering heart. Beside the station, a walk through George Stephenson's original 1835 tunnel leads to the engine sheds, where locomotives are restored and maintained; a viewing gallery lets you watch the work.

The railway runs galas, dining trains, Santa specials and 1940s weekends through the year. Whether you ride the whole line or just hop between Grosmont and Goathland to walk the Rail Trail back, it is the essential Esk Valley day out.

Northern's ordinary Esk Valley tickets are not valid on NYMR trains, so buy a separate ticket.