A stay at Cliff House Holiday Cottages would not be complete without a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways. This magnificent railway line runs through the stunning North York Moors National Park, offering visitors a truly unique and unforgettable experience.
History of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a rich and fascinating history dating back to the early 1800s. The line originally opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, connecting the port town of Whitby to the market town of Pickering. It was later extended to reach Grosmont in 1839, where it connected with the Whitby and Middlesbrough Union Railway. The line was closed in 1965 but was reopened in 1973 as a heritage railway, operated by a team of dedicated volunteers.
Route
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs for 18 miles through some of the most beautiful scenery in the UK. The route takes visitors through the heart of the North York Moors National Park, passing through quaint villages, rolling hills, and lush green countryside. The line has a number of stations along the way, each with its own unique charm and character.
Stations
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a total of six stations, each with its own unique atmosphere and attractions. Here are some of the highlights:
Pickering Station: The starting point for most journeys on the railway, Pickering Station is a bustling hub of activity. The station is home to a museum, gift shop, and a traditional tea room, serving delicious cakes and sandwiches. Pickering station is the nearest station to our self catering holiday cottages at Cliff House Holiday Cottages.
Goathland Station: Better known as “Hogsmeade” to fans of the Harry Potter films, Goathland Station is a charming village station that has been lovingly restored to its former glory. The station is home to a gift shop and a café, and visitors can take a stroll along the platform and admire the vintage steam trains. People may also remember Goathland as “Aidensfield” from the period drama “Heartbeat” set in the 1960’s
Grosmont Station: The final stop on the line, Grosmont Station is a busy working railway station that also serves as the headquarters of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Visitors can watch the steam trains being prepared for their journeys, and explore the engine sheds and workshops.
Whitby Station: On some services trains run through to the seaside town of Whitby, which makes for an excellent day out.
Events
Throughout the year, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway hosts a range of events and activities for visitors of all ages. From classic car shows and beer festivals to Santa specials and murder mystery evenings, there’s always something exciting going on at the railway. Check the events calendar on the railway’s website for details.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a truly special experience, offering visitors the chance to step back in time and experience the golden age of steam travel. With its stunning scenery, charming stations, and range of events and activities, it’s the perfect day out for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone who loves history and heritage. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for yourself.
Stay at Cliff House Holiday Cottages
If you are thinking about a day out on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, why not make Cliff House Holiday Cottages your base? We are just on the edge of Dalby Forest, and 20 minutes away from Pickering, where the NYMR starts.
At Cliff House we have five self catering cottages that sleep from 6 to 1 – all dog friendly. As all of our cottages are set within 2 acres of grounds, if there are more of you, you can mix and match the cottages to suit the size of your group – ideal for get togethers with friends or family. We aren’t just self catering holiday cottages, we also have outdoor play equipment, a games room and best of all an indoor heated pool. As we live on site, we are usually always on hand to answer questions and give recommendations as to where to go and what to visit.
