Scattering of Ashes Ceremony

We understand that this is a very personal and meaningful journey for you and your loved ones. Our team is on hand to offer advice and support as you start to organise a memorable and fitting tribute.

Our Protocols

Each request is considered on an individual basis. However, to keep everyone safe and to protect the railway environment, all scattering of ashes ceremonies must follow NYMR health and safety protocols and be approved in advance.

What we do not allow:

• Ashes cannot be scattered on the lineside, on the track, in flower beds at any of our stations or along the line at any time.
• Guests are strictly prohibited from accessing the track or lineside at any time. Anyone entering the track without permission or training are breaching strict health and safety regulations as well as trespassing and could be liable to prosecution.
• Please do not ask station staff, train crew or volunteers to make exceptions to existing protocols. They are unable to give permission for arrangements that have not been formally approved.
• Drivers are unable to accept ashes unless a request has been processed and approved in advance and the necessary paperwork has been completed.
• We are unable to place plaques on benches at stations or in other area, but families can remember loved ones through our seat sponsorship option.

Before You Make Your Request

Please read the information below carefully before making a request:

When Ceremonies Can Take Place

Ceremonies are subject to timetable, steam availability, operational requirements and special events.

• Ceremonies may take place on available Saturdays, Mondays, Tuesdays or Wednesdays during our main season of March, April, May, September and October.
• We are unable to accommodate ceremonies during special events, including our Annual Steam Gala.
• We are unable to accommodate ceremonies on Pullman services.
• We are unable to accommodate ceremonies on visiting engines dates.
• The ceremony can only take place on a steam-hauled service and is subject to final operational clearance on the day.
• If a ceremony cannot proceed as planned, we will work with you to arrange another suitable date, subject to availability.

During the Ceremony

• Family members and friends are not permitted on the footplate.
• Ashes are placed in the firebox of a steam engine between Grosmont and Goathland only.
• Guests must travel on the train when the ashes are placed in the firebox. We are unable to do this ceremony if we do not have any family or friends travelling on the service.
• The driver will sound the whistle to let the family know when the ashes have been placed in the firebox.

Travel and Accessibility Information

• Please let us know if anyone in your party has mobility requirements.
• Please tell us if anyone will be travelling with a scooter, wheelchair or pushchair so that seating can be planned appropriately.
• Reserved seating will be provided for both journeys, and labels will be displayed in the windows of your allocated area.
• Where possible, we will seat the party in the nearest suitable carriage to the engine.

Honouring Their Memory

• If you would like to honour your loved one’s memory in another way, we offer seat sponsorship on selected Mark 1 carriages.
• Families may also choose to send a donation helping to support the preservation of the NYMR for future generations and details can be made available once you have booked.
• Further information about seat sponsorship can also be made available once you have booked.