Railway Conservation. Run by Volunteers. Not for Profit.
'The Optimist' services are pre-booked, steam-hauled, with limited capacity. Services will depart from Pickering and will travel directly to Whitby where you will be able to disembark and enjoy 2.45 hours exploring the Yorkshire Seaside Town, before returning back to Pickering.
'The Optimist' will not stop at any intermediate stations - Levisham, Goathland & Grosmont. Currently we are unable to offer any other journeys. Passengers can book either a private compartment (max 6) or travel in a standard TSO Carriage (min 2/max 4) with social distancing measures in place. Passengers include children from 1 years old.
Service 1: Departs Pickering at 09:20 and returns from Whitby 14:00, allowing approx. 3 hours in Whitby.
Service 2: Departs Pickering at 12:00 and returns from Whitby 16:30, allowing approx. 2 hours 45 mins in Whitby.
Standard Tickets:
Members receive 50% off standard ticket prices. For all other discounts click here.
Book Now
Occasionally, due to operational requirements, we may substitute a steam engine with a diesel locomotive. Members (Standard, Life, Premier Life, Premier First & Shareholders): Receive 50% discount on the Standard Ticket Price. Tickets are available on both services, with a limited capacity. You must pre-book in advance. You will need to enter your Membership ID/ Shareholder number when booking. Premier First and Premier Life Members - Entitled to the 50% discounted member tickets. 100% discount only applies to normal services.
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.
Ticket Availability: Monday 14th September – 1st November 2020
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.
Standard Return Tickets:
Discover the seaside town of Whitby. Travel from Pickering to Whitby direct and enjoy a few hours exploring the historic town. Read more