Summer just got more affordable for families seeking a magical steam railway adventure through the Yorkshire countryside.
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is making summer travel dreams more accessible with an exciting new campaign that puts family fun at the forefront. From June 13th through September 24th, Britain’s most popular heritage railway is rolling out generous offers designed to welcome more families aboard their historic locomotives.
Kids Ride the Rails for Free
The headline offer is beautifully simple: children aged 4-15 travel completely free on all standard services throughout the summer season. For families with multiple children, this represents substantial savings and removes a significant barrier to experiencing one of Yorkshire’s premier attractions.
The offer applies across the railway’s entire 24-mile route, which winds through some of England’s most spectacular countryside. Whether families choose a short hop between stations or embark on the full journey from Pickering to Whitby, young passengers can enjoy the ride without adding to the family budget.
Plan Ahead and Save Even More
Forward-thinking families can unlock additional savings through the railway’s advance booking discount system. The earlier you book, the more you save:
- 4-7 days in advance: 10% discount
- 8-13 days in advance: 20% discount
- 14+ days in advance: 30% discount
These discounts apply to the railway’s Day Rover tickets, with adult fares starting from £34.65. When combined with the free child travel, a family planning two weeks ahead could see significant savings on what promises to be an unforgettable day out.
A Journey Through Time and Landscape
The NYMR offers far more than simple transportation—it’s a journey through both stunning landscapes and railway history. The route showcases the breathtaking North York Moors National Park, where rolling hills, heather moorlands, and picturesque villages create a constantly changing panorama from the carriage windows.
Each station along the route offers its own unique character and attractions:
Pickering Station welcomes visitors with authentic 1930s theming that immediately transports passengers back to the golden age of steam travel. The carefully preserved period details create an immersive experience from the moment families step onto the platform.
Levisham Station provides access to some of the most spectacular moorland scenery in Yorkshire, surrounded by the pristine landscapes of the National Park. It’s a perfect spot for photography enthusiasts and nature lovers.
Goathland Station holds special magic for Harry Potter fans—it transformed into Hogsmeade Station in the first film of the beloved series. The station also featured prominently in the long-running TV series Heartbeat, giving it a special place in British television history.
Grosmont Station serves as the operational heart of the NYMR, where visitors can glimpse the engineering expertise that keeps these historic locomotives running. It’s a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at heritage railway operations.
Whitby marks the end of the line with its narrow cobbled streets, bustling harbour, and the dramatic ruins of Whitby Abbey perched high above the town. The seaside location provides the perfect conclusion to a railway adventure.
Part of a National Celebration
The summer offers coincide with Railway 200, a nationwide celebration marking two centuries since the birth of modern railways in the UK. The NYMR is participating with special activities including The 200 Trail—a checklist of railway-themed activities for visitors to complete, and The 200 Mile Challenge to track distances traveled.
A Railway 200 Writing and Art Competition provides creative opportunities for young visitors to engage with railway heritage beyond simply riding the trains. These activities add educational value to what’s already an enriching experience.
Supporting Heritage for the Future
The NYMR operates as a charitable trust, and the new pricing structure reflects the reality of maintaining historic railways in challenging economic times. Adult Day Rover tickets are priced at £54.50, with child tickets at £13.50 (including a voluntary 10% donation).
Visitors choosing to support the railway through donations receive Thank You Vouchers worth up to 15% of their paid fare to spend during their visit. Those opting for Gift Aid allow the railway to reclaim an additional 25% in tax, providing crucial funding for ongoing operations and conservation work.
Laura Strangeway, CEO at the NYMR, emphasized the railway’s commitment to accessibility: “We know that families are looking forward to the summer holidays and this summer it pays to plan ahead for fantastic days out at the NYMR. We want to share the magic of the railway with families from all over to experience everything we have to offer.”
A Full-Service Family Experience
The railway operates seven-day services throughout July and August, providing maximum flexibility for family visits. Both heritage steam and heritage diesel services run regularly, ensuring that visitors experience authentic period locomotives regardless of their travel date.
The 24-mile journey can be enjoyed as a complete round trip or broken into segments, allowing families to explore stations and surrounding areas at their own pace. The combination of stunning scenery, historic locomotives, and famous filming locations creates an experience that appeals to multiple generations.
Planning Your Visit
With around 250,000 passengers annually, the NYMR has established itself as one of the North East’s premier visitor attractions. The summer offers make this award-winning experience more accessible than ever for families seeking memorable days out.
The advance booking system rewards early planners while the Kids Go Free promotion removes cost barriers for families with children. Combined with the railway’s educational value and spectacular setting, these offers position the NYMR as exceptional value for summer family entertainment.
Whether it’s a child’s first train ride or a beloved family tradition, the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s summer campaign ensures that magical railway journeys remain within reach for families across the UK.
Tickets can be booked in advance at www.nymr.co.uk/book-tickets. The summer offers run from June 13th through September 24th, 2025.
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