Relax and enjoy the Yorkshire countryside on the county’s historic railways. It’s fun for all the family and not just train spotters
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
This is no ordinary preservation railway. Not only does it run steam trains through the heart of the stunning North York Moors National Park it also hosts all kinds of events such as a Wizard of Oz themed story train journey from Pickering to Goathland and back (May 29th) and a luxury Pullman dining service with an on-board chef. You can also enjoy a ‘footplate experience’ package which includes a return footplate ride between Pickering and Goathland, lunch and one year membership of the NYMR. Volunteers who run the railway are passionate and knowledgeable about steam trains.
01751 472508 nymr.co.uk
Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
Jump on board a steam or diesel train for a ride from Keighley up the Worth Valley to Haworth (home of the Brontes) and Oxenhope. Film makers love this railway which has featured in movies including mostly famously The Railway Children. 01535 645214 kwvr.co.uk
Wensleydale Railway
The restored railway is cherished and supported by the Wensleydale Railway Association which formed a company to take a 100 year lease on the 22 miles of line from Northallerton to Redmire. Special events include 25th anniversary celebrations. 0845 450 5474 wensleydalerail.com
Kirklees Light Railway
Different from the rest and known as the home of Yorkshire’s Great Little Steam Trains. Take the children for a journey on the 15” narrow-gauge rail through the beautiful South Pennine foothills and take tea at Shelley station tea room. 01484 865727 kirkleeslightrailway.com
Elsecar Heritage Railway
This unique South Yorkshire railway known as the Coalfield Line is run by volunteers who carry out every duty from driving the engines to maintaining the track. Elsecar Heritage Centre, a living history centre is next door. O1226 746746 elsecarrailway.co.uk
Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway
This heritage railway runs on part of the former Skipton-Ilkley line between Embsay and Bolton Abbey through beautiful Yorkshire Dales country. Take in the ruins of the priory and picnic on the banks of the Wharfe. 01756 710614 embsayboltonabbeyrailway.org.uk
Yorkshire Wolds Railway
This is a relatively new restoration project on part of the former Malton to Driffield line and is the only heritage railway in the East Riding of Yorkshire. Research so far has revealed fascinating images and stories which will be shared through their website. 01377 338053 yorkshirewoldsrailway.org.uk
