The North York Moors with Steam Train (NYM Railway) to Whitby
The Moors are one of Britain’s most important historical areas in terms of religion, farming, mining, fishing, and smuggling. This fabulous region of England is home to more ancient monuments than elsewhere in the UK, including standing stones, stone crosses, and burial mounds, making it the perfect rail escape.
Enjoy unrivalled panoramic views across the breathtaking Yorkshire countryside, with views stretching over 50 miles on a clear day! A highlight of any visit to the Moors is a nostalgic journey aboard the historic North York Moors Railway, a steam-powered adventure that winds through the scenic landscape and ends in the charming seaside town of Whitby.
This immersive tour is a guided scenic mini-coach experience, but there are times when you can walk up to a few hundred metres to take in a view or point of interest. Whether you’re attracted by the area’s ancient heritage, spectacular natural beauty, or the charm of Whitby, the Moors promise an unforgettable journey through Britain’s captivating history and landscapes.
Itinerary details
departure point
London King’s Cross Station
Begin your day at London’s Kings Cross Station and hop on a train to York. Gaze out the window as you pass through the calming English countryside with its rolling hills and bucolic landscapes. Upon arrival in York, meet your local guide to start your small group tour of The North York Moors.
North york moors national park
Head into the North York Moors National Park where you will explore the beautiful landscapes and historical sites before heading to the coast, this tour is a day to make memories you will never forget.
Our first tour stop is Byland Abbey, one of Yorkshire’s finest ruins. Byland Abbey stands just inside the boundary of the North York Moors National Park. One of over 70 Monastic ruins in Yorkshire, it helps to put Yorkshire’s incredible history into perspective.
From Byland, we head through the ancient forests surrounding Wass and climb up Wass Bank and onward to the famous old market town of Helmsley, meaning “Helms” Flowery Meadow. Helmsley has been an important settlement for at least 1500 years. Take a little break from the bus to explore the independent shops, use the facilities and grab some refreshments.
We stop next in Goathland, which is famous for its role in the TV series Heartbeat. Here, you will have a brief stop where you can see Goathland Station, which is featured in the world-renowned Harry Potter movies as Hogsmeade.
Your tour will leave Helmsley, and shortly, you will start to ascend higher into the North York Moors National Park. You will be driven to places that many people don’t know of. Truly off the beaten track, down winding country lanes, through deep cut glacial valleys and up high over the brooding windswept heather moorland that covers a third of this breathtaking landscape.
Harry potter & famous filming locations
Before long, you will arrive in “Heartbeat Country”, taken from the popular TV show Heartbeat and into “Aidensfield” itself. Goathland is the real name of the charming village that was the setting for the classic show set in the 1960’s.
You will get a chance to take a photo in the village before proceeding to the very quaint old railway station that was once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films.
north york moors railway to whitby
You will then have the chance to join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. Please note that the Steam Train can be swapped with a heritage diesel under certain conditions (e.g., hot weather or breakdowns), which are entirely in the hands of the NYMR.
You will arrive in Whitby at approximately 13:55. Your guide will meet you and explain the many options available; some will be ready for the famed fish and chips in Whitby, and your guide will recommend where to go! Others will prefer to learn about Captain Cook, who set sail from Whitby on the Bark Endeavor to discover Australia.
Perhaps you want to visit Whitby Abbey, which is synonymous with Dracula. Whatever you prefer, your guide will offer his best advice. You will have up to 2 hours of free time in Whitby before rejoining the minibus, heading back across the moors, and returning to York.
end point
London Kings Cross Station
What’s Included?
What’s Excluded?
Additonal Information
• Your train tickets and tour information will be sent to you one week before your scheduled departure date via email (or if booked within one week, then within 24 hours of booking). We would recommend arriving at London Kings Cross 30 minutes before your scheduled train departure time.
• Outbound: Train departs London Kings Cross: 06:15 / arrives York: 08:33
• Return: Train departs York: 18:33 / arrives at London Kings Cross at 20:38
• Train travel between London and York is with LNER
• Please note that the train journey is unescorted. On arrival at York, meet your guide and start your small group guided tour
• Itinerary is subject to change and all stops are subject to availability
• Child age: 5-15 yrs inclusive (Children under the age of 5 are not permitted on this Tour)
• On conclusion of your guided tour, you will be dropped back at York Station for your return train back to London
• We will make every effort to fulfil any requests you have for seating on the train however, this cannot be guaranteed
• On arrival in York, you join a guided scenic mini-coach tour, but there are times when you will have the option to walk up to a few hundred metres to take in a view or point of interest
• Routes may vary and are dependent on a variety of factors that will be taken into account by the guides on the day.
• Steam Train can be swapped with a heritage diesel under certain conditions (e.g. Hot weather or breakdowns), entirely in the hands of the NYMR.
More Information
The North York Moors with Steam Train (NYM Railway) to Whitby
Thank you for deciding to use Journeys of Distinction. If you could fill in some basic information below we can begin to answer any questions or provide any information you’re missing.
Pleases select how you would like us to contact you, and input the information for your option below.
