North Yorkshire Moors Railway

A proper steam-train adventure through Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of the most memorable days out within easy reach of Barn Owl Cottage. From Pickering, the heritage line runs through the North York Moors to Levisham, Goathland, Grosmont and Whitby, covering around 24 miles of spectacular countryside. For families, the train itself is part of the adventure; for adults, the scenery and beautifully restored stations make the journey feel like a proper step back in time.

For Families

The railway is genuinely family friendly, with school-holiday activities running across several stations. In summer 2026, these include family trails, story activities, Stay & Play sessions and hands-on engineering challenges, while the railway also offers shorter journeys for families who do not want to spend the whole day travelling the full line. During the 2026 summer season, one child aged 4–15 can travel free with each fare-paying adult on standard services.

For Walkers

The railway works brilliantly with walking because several stations connect directly with countryside routes. At Goathland, for example, the signed Rail Trail runs for around three-and-a-half miles to Grosmont along the old railway line, so you can walk one way and return by train. There are also local walking routes around Goathland, including the path towards Mallyan Spout waterfall, making the railway a good option for people who want to combine travel with a proper walk.

Dog Friendly

Well-behaved dogs are welcome on standard services for a small daily fare and must be kept on a short lead. They are not allowed on the seats. Goathland Station Tea Room specifically welcomes dogs, and Pickering has covered outdoor seating for visitors travelling with four-legged companions. This makes the railway a genuinely workable day out for guests who are staying at Barn Owl Cottage with a dog.

For Couples

The railway suits couples particularly well because you can make the journey as relaxed or as special as you want. A simple day can involve riding from Pickering through the moors, getting off at Goathland or Grosmont, having lunch and wandering around before travelling back. For something more special, the railway also operates its North Yorkshire Pullman dining service from Grosmont, giving couples the chance to combine the scenery with a meal onboard a heritage train.

For Food & Drink

There are tea rooms at several stations, including Pickering, Goathland and Grosmont. Pickering Station Tea Room serves freshly prepared meals and drinks on Platform 1, while Goathland’s tea room is housed inside a converted 1922 goods shed and serves savouries, homemade cakes, sweet treats and ice creams. Grosmont has both indoor and outdoor seating with meals, drinks and homemade treats, so it is easy to build a food stop into the journey rather than treating lunch as an afterthought.

What to expect

Expect a slower, scenic day rather than simply transport from A to B. You can choose a Day Rover ticket and hop on and off along the line, or select a shorter journey between heritage stations. Pickering is the easiest starting point from Brandsby, while Goathland and Grosmont are particularly good stops if you want to explore on foot. Trains operate to a published timetable rather than continuously, so it is worth planning your outward and return journeys before you set off.

Perfect for

Families with children
Steam-train enthusiasts
Grandparents and grandchildren
Dog owners
Couples wanting a relaxed day out
Walking and train combinations
Scenic journeys
Tea-room stops
A memorable Yorkshire experience

Annie-style local tip

You do not have to ride the entire line just because it is there. With younger children, a shorter journey to Goathland or Grosmont, a wander around the station and something to eat can be far more enjoyable than turning the day into a mileage challenge. If you fancy a walk, Goathland to Grosmont is a particularly nice combination because you can walk one way and let the train do the hard work on the return.

Before you go

Check the timetable for your chosen date because the railway does not run daily throughout the whole season. In 2026, trains operate Saturday to Wednesday from late March to mid-July and again from mid-September to early November, with daily services during the main summer period. Dogs are welcome on standard services for a small charge but must stay on a short lead, and it is worth checking which locomotive and services are running if travelling specifically for steam. Advance booking can also save money on some tickets.

Useful Link

⁠North Yorkshire Moors Railway official website