Is the Railway open? Expand The Railway is currently open to pre-booked ticket holders only. We ask that all passengers, including members, to pre-book their visit online in advance. Our Booking Offices at Pickering and Grosmont will not be open and you not be able to purchase a ticket. The Optimist - 17 August to 1 November 2020 Services daily from Pickering only. Service 1: Pickering departure 09:20 and will depart Whitby 14:00. Allowing approx. 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Pickering departure 12:00 and will depart Whitby at 16:30. Allowing approx. 2 hours 45 minutes in Whitby. Rail Trail Service: September to 1 November Travel on our new service ‘Rail Trail’ service. Take a scenic journey behind a steam locomotive from Grosmont to Goathland (approx. 15-20min) and then explore the North York Moors and walk the scenic Rail Trail. All tickets are return tickets, allowing passengers the option to disembark and walk the ‘Rail Trail’ or return to Grosmont. Those passengers travelling on the return service will have approx. 1hr wait for the service departure, having the option to walk into the village of Goathland. Facilities will be available at Grosmont only. Goathland Station facilities will remain closed. Service 1: Departs Grosmont at 11:00 and returns from Goathland at 12:15, steam hauled. Service 2: Departs Grosmont at 13:30 and returns from Goathland at 14:55, steam hauled. Book Tickets
Covid-19 mitigations - Zoono 'Fogging' Expand As part of the NYMR's Covid-19 mitigations we continue to use Zoono 'Fogging' for the foreseeable future. Zoono is used across all settings including: Stations Tea Rooms & Gift Shops Toilets Carriages and Onboard Facilities Booking Offices and Customer Services Behind the scenes areas for Staff & Volunteers Learn more about Zoono 'fogging' which provides an invisible layer which is more resistant to other disinfectants. The NYMR is 'fogging' Zoono, every 20 days, when required every 28 days. Learn more about Zoono 'fogging' and how it works.
Why do I need to pre-book? Expand As part of our phased re-opening, and to ensure social distancing measures, we are offering a limited service. To help us monitor capacity, our Booking Offices will remain closed and we are asking guests to book tickets online in advance. Tickets cannot be purchased on the day.
Why are you only operating non-stop services? Expand These services were carefully considered to ensure passengers can be socially-distanced on both the carriages and platforms. Additionally we are a registered charity run by volunteers, so we have had to manage our resource carefully. The pandemic has impacted the railway and we have lost vital income from not being able to operate during the 2020 season. Please help to keep us steaming by purchasing a ticket to travel. Your support makes an enormous difference to helping to keep us running.
What ticket types are available? Expand The Railway is currently open to pre-booked ticket holders only. We ask that all passengers, including members, to pre-book their visit online in advance. Our Booking Offices at Pickering and Grosmont will not be open and you not be able to purchase a ticket. The Optimist - 17 August to 1 November 2020 Services daily from Pickering only. Service 1: Pickering departure 09:20 and will depart Whitby 14:00. Allowing approx. 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Pickering departure 12:00 and will depart Whitby at 16:30. Allowing approx. 2 hours 45 minutes in Whitby. Rail Trail Service: September to 1 November Travel on our new service ‘Rail Trail’ service. Take a scenic journey behind a steam locomotive from Grosmont to Goathland (approx. 15-20min) and then explore the North York Moors and walk the scenic Rail Trail. All tickets are return tickets, allowing passengers the option to disembark and walk the ‘Rail Trail’ or return to Grosmont. Those passengers travelling on the return service will have approx. 1hr wait for the service departure, having the option to walk into the village of Goathland. Facilities will be available at Grosmont only. Goathland Station facilities will remain closed. Service 1: Departs Grosmont at 11:00 and returns from Goathland at 12:15, steam hauled. Service 2: Departs Grosmont at 13:30 and returns from Goathland at 14:55, steam hauled. Book Tickets
Covid-19 Control measures Expand Covid-19 Control measures in place at the NYMR Advanced booking is required. To help us maintain capacity we are asking all guests to book online in advance. Enhanced cleaning regimes. We will be cleaning carriages and compartments after each service. Hand Sanitiser Stations will be provided. Contactless payments only for all Refreshment or Retail purchases. There will be no onboard catering facilities. We will be asking our guests to maintain social distancing whilst using our facilities. Toilets will be available at Pickering and Whitby and our on board toilets are available to use when not in a platform. One way systems will be in place within our cafe and shop at Pickering and tea room at Grosmont. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit the following areas at this time: All Facilities at Levisham & Goathland. Passenger responsibilities We ask for your cooperation and that you always follow Government advice and local mitigations at all times including: Wear a face covering or mask whilst moving around the railway and on the train. These may be removed whilst seated in a compartment. Those exempt include children under 11 years old, passengers with disabilities, those with breathing difficulties and anyone travelling with someone who relies on lip reading. Wash Your Hands often and use the hand sanitiser stations provided. Avoid touching your face. Observe social distancing. If you are feeling unwell or experiencing symptoms of Covid-19 we would ask you and members of your party or family group to not visit the railway. Please visit our Terms & Conditions.
How long will the journey take? Expand The Optimist Service 1: The Pickering departure at 09:20 will depart Whitby 14:00, allowing approx 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: The Pickering departure at 12:00 will depart Whitby at 16:30, allow approx 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby. The Rail Trail Travel on our new service ‘Rail Trail’ service. Take a scenic journey behind a steam locomotive from Grosmont to Goathland (approx. 15-20min) and then explore the North York Moors and walk the scenic Rail Trail. Book Tickets
Fuss-free access Expand Passengers who require the use of a wheelchair can access the train via the Guards Van. Passengers will need to be able to transfer to their pre-booked seats.
Will these services be steam hauled? Expand 'The Optimist'and 'Rail Trail' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. We reserve the right to suspend, reschedule or cancel services if operational circumstances or safety make this necessary.
How do I book tickets for the Railway? Expand To minimise physical contact as much as possible, we’re now only accepting online bookings, made prior to your visit. This is so we can limit the number of visitors at the Railway each day. We look forward to seeing you at the Railway soon. Tickets are only available on the website and must be pre-booked. We will not be taking bookings via the Customer Services Telephone or on the day via the Bookings Offices. Refunds and Cancellation Due to services being pre-booked with limited capacity, we won’t be able to amend your ticket booking once purchased. Outstanding balances will be transferred to a Gift Card. If you are feeling unwell, neither you nor members of your household should visit. If you have pre-booked tickets, outstanding balances will be transferred to a Gift Card. In the event we are able to operate services before your return visit you will be able to move your date of visit, move the balance to a Gift Card or request a refund.
I have a Gift Voucher, Booking held for a later date or an upcoming visit. What do I do? Expand Due to delaying the start of the 2020 season we cancelled tickets month by month. If you have been issued a Gift Voucher or have a booking held you can redeem these for our services via Customer Service Team. You'll need to bring this booking confirmation to travel on the services. When contacting our Customer Service Team, please quote your booking reference. The offices are open Monday to Friday 09:00 – 15.00 whilst the railway is closed and Monday to Sunday 09:00 - 17:00 once operating trains. Contact [email protected] or telephone 01751 472508
Can I visit if I am a member? Expand The Railway is currently open to pre-booked ticket holders only. We ask that all passengers, including members, to pre-book their visit online in advance. Our Booking Offices at Pickering and Grosmont will not be open and you not be able to purchase a ticket. The Optimist - 17 August to 1 November 2020 17 August - 27 September Standard Tickets Member Tickets Individual Ticket £35.00 £17.50 Duo Tickets (2 Adults/1 Adult & 1 Child) £70.00 £35.00 Family (2 Adults & 2 Children) £72.00 £52.50 (Adult/Child Standard Pricing) Table (4 Adults) £140.00 £70.00 Private Compartment (Max 6, Adult or Child) £150.00 £75.00 Dogs £3.00 Free Services daily from Pickering only. Service 1: Pickering departure 09:20 and will depart Whitby 14:00. Allowing approx. 3 hours in Whitby. Service 2: Pickering departure 12:00 and will depart Whitby at 16:30. Allowing approx. 2 hours 45 minutes in Whitby. Rail Trail Service: September to 1 November Travel on our new service ‘Rail Trail’ service. Take a scenic journey behind a steam locomotive from Grosmont to Goathland (approx. 15-20min) and then explore the North York Moors and walk the scenic Rail Trail. All tickets are return tickets, allowing passengers the option to disembark and walk the ‘Rail Trail’ or return to Grosmont. Those passengers travelling on the return service will have approx. 1hr wait for the service departure, having the option to walk into the village of Goathland. Facilities will be available at Grosmont only. Goathland Station facilities will remain closed. Service 1: Departs Grosmont at 11:00 and returns from Goathland at 12:15, steam hauled. Service 2: Departs Grosmont at 13:30 and returns from Goathland at 14:55, steam hauled. Book Tickets
Can I bring a group to the Railway Expand We are now accepting group bookings for 'The Optimist' from 17 August - 27 September at a discounted group rate. However, we are restricting the numbers of visitors coming to the Railway each day so that we can facilitate social distancing measures, adhering to the latest government guidance. So we ask that you please call us well in advance for availability and dates. If you’re a group organiser and would like to receive details when you can visit, please email[email protected]
Will school visits be allowed? Expand We’ll be restricting the numbers of visitors coming to the Railway each day so that we can facilitate social distancing measures, adhering to the latest government guidance. For that reason, we won’t be able to accept large school bookings. If you wish to book a school visit for a future date, please contact [email protected]
2020 Events - What's going ahead? Expand Unfortunately due to the pandemic we have had to make some difficult decisions and cancel the below events. Diesel Gala - 4, 5 & 6 June Behind the Scenes- 6 & 7 June 60s Fest - 4 & 5 July Annual Steam Gala - 24, 25, 26 & 27 September Railway in Wartime - 9, 10 & 11 October Northern Lights & Santa Specials We are launching a new Santa Special event - Santa Re-Imagined: Book Now
I'm a Volunteer - Can I come back to volunteering at the Railway? Expand We are currently reviewing functions to get the Railway operational - We'll be in touch directly with the individual volunteer groups when it is possible to return to the Railway. We're really missing you! If you have any questions please email Marcus Aldrich, Head of Volunteers at [email protected]
What facilities will be open? Expand To adhere to government advice we have made the below changes: We have introduced one-way systems at Pickering Station. All payments are contact free by card when purchasing any catering or retail products. Limited availability of refreshments. Although we will endeavor to provide refreshments on the day of your visit, these will be limited to takeaway products. There will be no onboard Trolley service. We will be asking our guests to maintain social distancing whilst using our facilities. We are asking that you wear a face covering whilst moving around the railway and on the train. These maybe removed whilst seated in a compartment. Unfortunately, you will not be able to visit the following areas at this time: All Booking Offices, Pickering Tea Room & Gift Shop, All Facilities at Levisham & Goathland and Grosmont Gift Shop. Car parks will be operational as normal, with a £5.00 charge.
Will Pullman and Speciality services run? Expand Unfortunately due to the historic carriage layouts we have made the difficult decision to cancel these services in 2020. If you require more information or if you have a booking for 2020 and you have not been contacted already, please call Customer Services 01751 472508 Mon-Sun 09.00 - 16.45.
Will Shed Tours, Photography courses and Footplate Experiences go ahead? Expand Unfortunately due to limited resource and changes to how we operate we will not be offering these additional experiences. We will update and review on a regular basis
Will the other Stations be open? Expand To adhere to government advice we have changed the way we are operating. We are limiting the capacity on the services and limiting how many Stations we reopen. 'The Optimist' - 17th August 27th September As part of our second phase of opening 'The Optimist' will not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Grosmont Tea Room Grosmont tea room is open daily from 10am to 3pm.
Can you access the Stations if you have not pre-booked? Expand To manage capacity, passengers that have not pre-booked will not be able to access the Stations.
Can I bring my dog? Expand Yes, well behaved dogs are welcome at £3 per dog. Members may bring dogs for free. We ask you to please keep then on a short lead at all times and they are not allowed on the seats.
Do I need to wear a face covering? Expand Passengers must wear a face covering or mask whilst moving around the railway and on the train. These may be removed whilst seated in a compartment. Those exempt include children under 11 years old, passengers with disabilities, those with breathing difficulties and anyone travelling with someone who relies on lip reading.
Tea Rooms and Gift Shops alterations? Expand Pickering Station: Refreshments will be available from the Pickering Tea Room and Gift Shop on Platform 1 is now open before each train departure. Grosmont Station: The Gift Shop will remain closed. Limited refreshments and gifts will be available from Grosmont Tea Room. Goathland Station: Closed Please follow the one way system to allow for social distancing. Face covering may be removed whilst consuming food and drinks. All payments in these areas must be contactless.
I have a wedding booked - Is this going ahead? Expand Unfortunately due to social distancing we will be unable to facilitate upcoming weddings. We will be monitoring the situation, following government guidelines.
Can I use a promotional offer or discount pass? Expand Unfortunately because we are limiting capacity on services we will not be accepting any promotional vouchers, offers or discount cards, such as HRA passes.