The North Yorkshire Moors Railway, which runs for 18 miles from Pickering to Grosmont, is preparing for the 2022 season which opens on Monday, 4th April.

This year the railway will be running Seaside Special and Yorkshire Express services between Pickering and Whitby, whilst for anyone not wishing to travel the whole distance, there is the Moors Explorer service.

The six miles from Grosmont to the seaside town of Whitby is over Network Rail track. Prices for a full line ticket start from £20.50 for Children, £41 for Adults, and £84 for a Family which includes two adults and two children.

The journey takes in the breathtaking scenery of the North York Moors National Park, including Goathland railway station, known to millions as the filming location for the iconic Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone.

Special events during 2022 include:

• Annual Steam Gala from 22nd to 25th September, with a range of iconic steam locomotives, traction engines, and the much-loved annual beer festival.
• Light Spectacular from 22nd to 30th October, with an hour-long illuminated journey from Pickering to Levisham Station. Carriages will be adorned with 17,000 LEDs and a one-of-a-kind highly visual and audio-based event.
• Santa Specials on selected dates during December. This is the ultimate family festive adventure on board the Santa Express. There will also be the chance to meet and greet Santa and his elves in a unique setting.

Laura Strangeway, Director of Corporate Services, said: “After nearly two years of trials and tribulations we couldn’t be more excited to once again welcome visitors back for a season of special events, incredible journeys through the picturesque national park, and memories that will last a lifetime.

“Over the upcoming months, we are working behind the scenes and preparing for the 2022 season. Conversations with stakeholders including Pickering Town Council are due to take place over the upcoming weeks on how we can host a Railway in Wartime event in October.

“The impact of the pandemic has led to a substantial drop in volunteer resources. Additionally, we are nervous about any future restrictions and managing large-scale events. More details will be released on our website over the next few months.”

“We still really encourage visitors to pre-book their tickets enabling them a guaranteed seat for both the outward and return journeys, and of course follow the latest government guidelines, but this year will be so exciting – events are back, some walk-ups tickets are available and, thanks to the hard work and endless support from our volunteers and staff, the engines, stations, shops and tea rooms at the railway have never looked better and been more prepared to welcome everyone back. See you all in April!”

Further information about the services and booking information is available online at https://www.nymr.co.uk/pages/category/book-tickets