A young girl smiling towards the camera in a black cape, with a wand in hand and Goathland Station as the backdrop.

October Half Term Family Days Out

22nd Sept 2026

We are inviting families to make the most of the October Half Term with a memorable day out without the higher prices often associated with school holidays.

On running days from 24th October to 1st November, the NYMR’s School Holiday Savings Rate will be in place, giving families the opportunity to enjoy a journey on one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways at a discounted rate.

At the heart of the fare structure is a commitment to making family days out more accessible. Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, allowing families to enjoy the iconic journey through the North York Moors while keeping the cost of their day out down.

The October Half Term programme will also feature a range of free, or low-cost activities, adding even more value to a family day out.

  1. Station Trick or Treat

    • 24th - 28th Oct 2026, 31st Oct - 1st Nov 2026
    • Pickering Station, Goathland Station, Grosmont Station

    Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, it's time for spooky season on the NYMR! This October half term, Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, so bring the whole family along for a day of Halloween fun.

    Read more

  2. Spooky Tiny Engine Tuesday

    • 27th Oct 2026
    • 10:00 - 12:00
    • Pickering Station

    Free play with toy trains, hands-on activities and a remote-control maze mat for young explorers aged 1-10.

    Read more

  3. Spooky Station Stay and Play

    • 28th Oct 2026: 09:30 - 11:00
    • Pickering Station

    Join our Station Stay and Play session for under 5s, with soft play, sensory activities and a touch of steam-inspired fun.

    Read more

The NYMR’s 2026 fare structure has been designed to challenge the traditional approach of increased pricing during peak school holiday periods. Rather than charging more during the holidays, the heritage railway is offering a School Holiday Savings Rate.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at the NYMR, said: “We know that families are often looking for ways to make the most of school holidays without the costs adding up. That’s why we’ve taken a different approach, with discounted fares during school holiday periods and Kids Go Free on our standard services. October Half Term is a fantastic time to visit the railway, and we want families to enjoy a great day out, experience the beauty of the North York Moors National Park and make lasting memories.”

With autumn scenery across the North York Moors, family activities and the chance to travel by heritage steam and diesel trains, October Half Term offers visitors the opportunity to turn a school holiday into a memorable adventure.

To find out more about services and to book tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk/autumn