The North York Moors with Steam Train (NYM Railway) to Whitby

What your day looks like

Explore the famous area of the North York Moors National Park. Famed for the largest area of heather Moorland in England, there is much more than meets the eye. The Moors are one of the most important historical areas in Britain in terms of religion, farming, mining, fishing, and smuggling. It has more ancient scheduled monuments than anywhere in the country including, standing stones, stone crosses,s, and burial mounds. Enjoy unrivaled views for miles across the Yorkshire countryside. On a clear day, views can exceed 50 miles! Join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. This tour is a guided scenic mini-coach tour, but there are times when you will have the option to walk up to a few hundred meters to take in a view or point of interest. Begin your day at London's Kings Cross Station and hop on a train to York. Gaze out the window as you pass through the calming English countryside with its rolling hills and bucolic landscapes. Upon arrival in York meet your local guide to start your small group tour to The North York Moors. Head into the North York Moors National Park where you will explore the beautiful landscapes and historical sites before heading to the coast, this tour is a day to make memories you will never forget. Our first stop of the tour is Byland Abbey, one of Yorkshire's finest ruins. Byland Abbey stands just inside the boundary of the North York Moors National Park. One of over 70 Monastic ruins in Yorkshire it helps to put Yorkshire's incredible history into perspective From Byland we head through the ancient forests surrounding Wass and climb up Wass Bank and onward to the famous old market town of Helmsley, meaning “Helms” Flowery Meadow. Helmsley has been an important settlement for at least 1500 years. Take a little break from the bus to explore the independent shops, use the facilities, and grab some refreshments. We stop next in Goathland, famous for its role in the TV series Heartbeat. Here you will have a brief stop where you can see Goathland Station, which is featured in the world-renowned Harry Potter movies as Hogsmead. Your tour will leave Helmsley and shortly you will start to ascend higher into the North York Moors National Park. You will be driven to places that many people don’t know of. Truly off the beaten track, down winding country lanes, through deep-cut glacial valleys, and up high over the brooding windswept heather moorland that covers a third of this breathtaking landscape. Before long you will arrive in “Heartbeat Country”, taken from the popular TV show Heartbeat, and into “Aidensfield” itself. Goathland is the real name of the charming village that was the setting for the classic show set in the 1960’s. You will get a chance for a photo in the village before proceeding to the very quaint old railway station that once doubled as “Hogsmeade” Station in the Harry Potter films. You will then have the chance to join the historic North York Moors Railway for a nostalgic steam journey to the popular seaside town of Whitby. Please note Steam Train can be swapped with a heritage diesel under certain conditions (e.g. Hot weather or breakdowns), entirely in the hands of the NYMR. You will arrive in Whitby at approximately 13.55. Your guide will meet you and give you directions to the many options available, some will be ready for the famed fish and chips in Whitby and, and our guide will recommend where to go! Others will prefer to learn about Captain Cook who set sail from Whitby on the Bark Endeavor to discover Australia. Perhaps you want to Visit Whitby Abbey, synonymous with Dracula. Whatever you prefer your guide will offer his best advice. You will have up to 2 hours of free time in Whitby before rejoining the minibus heading back across the moors and returning to York.