The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has now completed four ‘fuss-free’ accessible coaches with funding via the Yorkshire‘s Magnificent Journey project as part of its long-term plan to make the popular attraction accessible to all.

The new accessible coaches will allow all of the railway’s carriage sets to feature one coach which has been adapted for wheelchair users with access needs and will support them, their friends and family as they enjoy their day out. The coaches feature ramps, accessible toilets and space to accommodate wheelchair users.

The railway has also recently carried out a full review of its access points and facilities in a bid to make the required changes to support accessibility including some significant adjustments and upgrades including:

• Large print and braille menus and accessible route maps for Pickering Station
• The installation of fixed and portable hearing loops
• Free travel for carers
• Accessible parking spaces
• Further signage at its stations.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railways website has also been updated with the introduction of the new ‘access champions’

The heritage railway has also updated its website, introducing new ‘access champions’ which allow staff members to go through access training and has introduced downloadable station guides.

Laura Strangeway, Director of Corporate Services and Deputy CEO at NYMR, said: “This project is the start of an ongoing journey towards access for all at the NYMR. The introduction of our four new coaches means that now everyone can experience and enjoy the 24 miles of stunning scenery that our railway offers. We wouldn’t have been able to complete these important adjustments without the funding and support from key partnerships, and the hard work and dedication of our volunteers, staff and loyal NYMR visitors.”

2022 saw the heritage railway reveal that it was working with ‘The North York Moors Accessibility Project’ which aims to support the region’s tourist trade recovery from the impact of the pandemic and is funded via Visit England.

The accessible coaches are just one of seven of the Yorkshire’s Magnificent Journey projects to be completed all of which have been able to happen due to grants and funding from:

• The European Union
• The National Lottery Heritage Fund
• The Department of Environment Farming and Rural Affairs
• The Local Enterprise Partnership
• Donations from the charity’s members and supporters.

North Yorkshire Moors Railway has secured funding via the North York Moor National Park with the support of Visit England in order to supply a range of useful equipment such as portable hearing loops, large-handled cutlery, toilet raisers and magnifiers.

The project will also see support from Access For All UK who are providing free mentoring and training to all participants as well as site visits and advice on how accessibility guides can be created for venues.