Is This England's Most Beautiful Train Ride?

When we planned our trip in the UK and booked our train tickets to get from city to city, a question popped in my mind: "Is there a unique train ride nearby that we are completely missing?". England is such a well connected country in terms of railway and trains have played such an important role in developing their society, so it seemed only natural that there would be some railway hidden gems somewhere around where we would be.

After some research I was pleased to find out that not far away from York there is a very unique and Historical train ride we should definitely not miss out on.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is a an Historical undertaking, not for profit and run by hundreds of volunteers.

It all started in 1967 when some locals got together and decided to do something about their beloved railway. They dreamed about seeing the line between Grosmont and Pickering being used again, so they fought to get access to the railway in order to maintain it and even organize "Steam Galas". As the project grew, the small group of private citizens became a charity and started hiring the staff that was necessary to help the many volunteers who kept the charity going. Nowadays there are more than 100 people working to keep it going, alongside the many dedicated volunteers who dedicate so many hours to this project.

Long story short, nowadays visitors can travel in Historical steam trains all the way from Pickering to Whitby, a charmy coastal town that is most famous for its connection to Dracula. With the charming English countryside passing by peaceful and the uniquely gentle swing that is so typical of steam trains, a ride in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is sure to please anyone looking to get a memorable day in England.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway's (NYMR) route

Starting at Pickering, take a moment to enjoy the small charming town center before you hop on the train. With lovely houses and flowers adorning the town, plus a small stream passing by at the town's center, the overall atmosphere is truly English and is sure to get you even more in the mood for the amazing train ride that is waiting for you.

Straight by the stream, Pickering's train station welcomes NYMS's guests with a wonderful 1930s style and offers a visitor center where guests can contribute to this non-profit cause by buying interesting books, pamphlets and souvenirs about the Historical train.

Enjoy the stream locomotive arriving at the station before you get on the train - it's one of the best views you will get of it - and get ready for a memorable ride.

Historical steam train arriving at Pickering's station

Departing from Pickering and embarking on your 24 miles-long Historical ride, you will be able to enjoy the green surroundings of the North Yorkshire National Park - a 1,430 km2 Nature and wildlife oasis in north-eastern Yorkshire.

Train ride and views of the North York Moors National Park

After around 20 minutes of scenic ride, you will arrive at the beautiful station of Levisham. This 1910s-style station serves the small village of Levisham and is just a mile away from from Skelton Tower. For those wishing to visit it, it is possible to go off the train and catch a later one. This isolated ruin dating back to 1830 is a perfect place for visitors to enjoy privileged views of the valley and the steam trains passing through the landscape.

For visitors not looking to stray too far from the train station, simply take the opportunity to admire the charming station of Levisham when the train makes its brief stop there.

Levisham train station in the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

If you are looking to experience the National Park on foot, a great idea is to exit at Newton Dale Halt station. The sleepy station is not even accessible by road and it is a perfect starting point for visitors wanting to take forest walks and enjoying the pristine Nature the area has to offer. Beware that this is a station where the steam train only stops when a passenger has requested it.

If you aren't planning on going on a hike from Newton Dale, simply enjoy the ride toward the most famous station of the whole route: Goathland.

Did you Google it and the station looks familiar? It's only natural, because this is the famous station used as "Hogsmeade Station" on Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone.

Arriving at Goathland Station

Goathland Station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

After seeing the iconic place where the magical Harry Potter train station was filmed, the lovely train ride will continue and about 10 minutes later another beautiful train station will show up: Grosmont. Take the few minutes when the train stops to head out to the station and admire the picturesque surroundings.

Grosmont's train station

After Grosmont a lot more scenic views await the North Yorkshire Moors Railway's passengers, including a majestic bridge close to the trip's destination of Whitby, making for one of the trip's most memorable sights. This 13 arch brick viaduct called Larpool Viaduct, but also known as Esk Valley Viaduct, reaches 37 meters of height and was built over the River Esk in order to transport the Scarborough and Whitby Railway. Nowadays the route doesn't exist any more and it has become the so-called "Cinder Track", a multiuse path. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs below the viaduct and allows a truly privileged view of it.

Passing below Larloop Viaduct

The last stop and destination of the NYMR is the charming coastal town of Whitby. After an amazing ride and the opportunity to see the beautiful English countryside, it is finally time to say goodbye to the iconic train and start exploring the city and all it has to offer.

If you would like to experience this unique ride in Yorkshire, check the North Yorkshire Moors Railway website. You will be amazed by the wonderful activities they organize, such as Christmas specials where passengers get to meet Santa onboard, the Annual Steam Gala, the new "Light Spectacular Express" and even fancy lunches on board.