Families looking for a memorable day out this May half term can head to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) for a week filled with exciting, hands-on activities. From May 24 to 31, the award-winning heritage railway will host a range of family-friendly events at Pickering Station, celebrating 200 years of railway history.
Highlights of the Half-Term Lineup
• Brickin’ It Workshops (May 24-25)
Budding builders can test their skills at the Rail200 or Mini Engineer Lego workshops run by Bricks McGee. These sessions promise to challenge young engineers with fun, train-themed construction projects. Tickets are £5 per person (ages 5+), with adult supervision required. Booking is essential.
• Art Day (May 26)
Aspiring young artists can drop in for a self-led creative session from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., where they can paint, sketch, and craft railway-themed masterpieces. These creations can be entered into the NYMR’s Railway 200 Writing & Art Competition. No booking is needed.
• Train Time Stay & Play (May 27-28)
Little engineers can get hands-on with train tracks and imaginative play from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. during these free, drop-in sessions.
• Birds of Prey (May 31)
Visitors can meet majestic birds of prey from Whitby Falconers in a static display at Pickering Station. This free-to-view exhibit runs from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with a small handling charge for those who want a closer encounter.
As part of the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, the NYMR is also running a Writing & Art Competition for young creatives, inviting them to share their train-inspired stories or artworks. Esteemed judges, including children’s authors G.M. Leonard and Peter Bently, will select the winners, who will receive a Family Day Rover Ticket. Entries must be submitted by November 2, 2025.
NYMR CEO Laura Strangeway said, “We’re thrilled to offer such a vibrant mix of events this half term. Whether it’s building with Lego, getting crafty, or meeting incredible birds of prey, there’s something for every child to enjoy. This is about inspiring the next generation of railway lovers while celebrating two centuries of railway history in a fun and interactive way.”
Plan Your Visit
Adult Day Rover tickets are priced at £54.50 and Child Day Rover tickets at £13.50, both including a voluntary donation. These tickets come with a Thank You Voucher worth up to 15% of the paid fare, which can be used at the railway during your visit. Family Day Rover tickets, which include two adults and two children, offer excellent value, and children under four travel for free.
For full event details and booking information, visit www.nymr.co.uk/halfterm. For more information on the Railway 200 Writing & Art Competition, visit www.nymr.co.uk/200competition.
About the NYMR
The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is one of Britain’s most popular heritage railways, attracting around a quarter of a million passengers each year. It operates a historic route from Pickering to Grosmont and continues on to Whitby over Network Rail. As an Educational Charitable Trust and accredited museum, the NYMR is dedicated to preserving and celebrating the steam age for future generations.
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