North Yorkshire Moors Railway - (Goathland Station) — Attraction in Great Britain

We absolutely adored this picture-perfect station—it felt like stepping into a storybook. Watching the steam trains roll in and out was like a scene straight from another era. For all the Harry Potter fans out there, you’ll be thrilled to know this is the iconic Hogsmeade Station from the movies! Even if you're not into wizardry, the charm of this station and its surroundings will win you over.

The weather during our visit was absolutely perfect (a rare gift in the UK), and the scenery was jaw-dropping. Think rolling hills, lush green farms, and sheep grazing as far as the eye can see—straight out of The Sound of Music. There's even a small footbridge where you can perch yourself and watch those majestic steam trains chugging by for hours. Honestly, I could’ve spent all day there pretending I was a Hogwarts student waiting for the next train.

We took the one-way train ride from Whitby to Goathland, and let me tell you, it was worth every penny. The ride itself is stunning, with postcard-perfect views that made us feel like we were living inside a painting. It's a treat for both Harry Potter fans and anyone who loves the magic of old-fashioned steam trains.

The village of Goathland, where the station is located, is equally charming. It’s quaint, peaceful, and brimming with character. If you have kids, they’ll love spotting the sheep wandering about and pretending they’re on their way to Hogwarts. And even if you're traveling without kids, the fresh air, scenic views, and nostalgic charm make this a destination that’s hard to beat.

Whether you’re a Potterhead, a train enthusiast, or just someone who appreciates beautiful landscapes, this spot is an absolute must-visit. Yorkshire, you’ve...

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is a heritage railway in North Yorkshire, England. It runs through the North York Moors National Park and has a fascinating history. First opened in 1836 as the Whitby and Pickering Railway, it was planned by George Stephenson to open up trade routes inland from the important seaport of Whitby. Here’s what you need to know:

Pickering Station: A must-see 1930s-themed station that transports you back in time to the steam era. The magnificent roof structure, reinstated to its original design, is a highlight. Don’t miss the traditional railway tea room for tasty meals and snacks.

Levisham Station: Experience a 1912-styled railway station surrounded by the North York Moors. The Weighbridge Tea Hut serves visitors, walkers, and cyclists during weekends and special events.

Goathland Station: This celebrity station became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film and featured as Aidensfield in the ITV program Heartbeat. Explore the charming village of Goathland, visit the national park, or take a country walk along the Rail Trail.

Grosmont Station: Home to the operating and engineering world of the NYMR, Grosmont houses steam and diesel locomotives. The George Stephenson tunnel leads to the shed shop, where you might catch a glimpse of engine work. Grosmont is the junction connecting Middlesbrough, Whitby, and the NYMR via the Esk Valley Line.

Plan your visit and experience 24 miles of Yorkshire’s amazing scenery on this...

A great day out, and great value too. I'm going to start with the fact that kids are free when travelling with an adult, and adults pay once for a whole year. The staff are all very welcoming and helpful too. Ensuring myself and my grandchildren had a great time.

The negatives are that the process seems somewhat convoluted, even though it is probably quite simple. A section of the website with step-by-step guide would be helpful with steps saying:

1. Go online and book your first ride, and pay for it. Adding any children as necessary.
2. Wait for email confirmation. This isn't your ticket. You'll need to arrive at the station about 30 minutes before travelling to get your actual ticket, along with a code that can be used for the rest of the year. And so on.

However, I'm still unsure what I need to do on the return journey? I couldn't find a place on the website to book the return, as it kept showing me from my starting station. I was unsure what to do on my return journey, although the staff were happy with me just showing them the code I received. I'm not sure if that is normal, or just very helpful staff.

Also, next time, do I need to just book online, or visit the station for my ticket? Information on the website is all over the place.

Don't let this put you off though, as it is highly recommended. Nostalgia for the adults, and an adventure...