Steam engines, rural stations and uniformed staff make a trip on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway feel like stepping back in time. Running from Pickering to Grosmont, on certain days you can go all the way to Whitby under steam power or change onto the Esk Valley Line.

The Esk Valley Railway connects the historic seaside town of Whitby with the city of Middlesbrough travelling across moorland, through woods, valleys and pasture and into the industrial landscape of Teeside. There are many picturesque villages to stop at along the way such as Kildale, Danby and Lealholm. Try one of the popular summertime Friday evening Music and Real Ale Trains, sampling the local brew and visiting one of the village pubs along the line.

For a rather different but fun rail experience, you can ride on one of the miniature trains at Gilling East. The Ryedale Society of Modern Engineers operate a multi-gauge railway and have ‘passenger days’ when, for a nominal fee, you can take a trip on one of their tiny trains round the entire 400 yard line.

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