North Yorkshire Moors Steam RailwayRailway Attractions of Yorkshire

Take an unforgettable steam train ride through spectacular Yorkshire countryside.  Jump onboard and experience the chug of the engine and shriek of the whistle for yourself.  An enchanting steam train outing will delight the whole family. Experience attractions that have been the 'star' of numerous movies, including: Harry Potter, Heartbeat and The Railway Children to name just a few.

And with loads of other attractions thrown in, you're guaranteed a fun-filled day to remember.   

 

Railway Specials

This summer the Railway Touring Company is operating a series of steam hauled trains from York, Leeds and the Aire Valley over the spectacular Settle-Carlisle line, probably the most famous rail route in the UK. With four very powerful express locomotives for these trains, representing the advances and achievements of UK steam power between 1930 and the 1950s.  Every Sunday from 25th July to 5th September inclusive, they will be running a steam hauled excursion from York to Carlisle and back called "The Waverley", passing by TUDOR HOUSE en route. Click here, to access the Tudor House Steam Special offer.

Heritage and Steam Railways

Derwent Valley Light Railway

Murton, Nr York.

Tel: 01904 489966

Web: www.dvlr.org.uk

Take a trip on the last remaining half mile of the Derwent Valley Light Railway, at Murton to the east of York.

 

Elsecar Heritage Railway

Elsecar, nr Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

Tel: 01226 746746

Web: www.barnsley.gov.uk

The Elsecar Heritage Railway is made up of heritage steam or diesel locomotives and rolling stock lovingly restored by a group of volunteers.

 

Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Nr Skipton, North Yorkshire.

Tel: 01756 794727

A pleasant walk to the ruins of the 12th Century priory. Most trains are hauled by magnificently restored steam tank engines.


Keighley and Worth Valley Railway

Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 01535 645214

Step back in time and enjoy a train ride on The Railway Children's Railway through the heart of Brontë country. A 5 mile long preserved railway running steam and diesel trains from Keighley up the Worth Valley to Haworth and Oxenhope.

 

Kirklees Light Railway

Huddersfield, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 01484 865 727

The Kirklees Light Railway makes for a fantastic value-for-money family day out.  At around four miles long, the line is just about the right length to keep the children entertained.

 

Middleton Railway

Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 0113 271 0320

Come and ride on the oldest working railway in the world and see the "Leeds built" locomotive collection in the Engine House.

 

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Pickering, North Yorkshire.

Tel: 01751 472508

From the smoke and steam pouring from the magnificent steam engines, to the cosy wood-panelled carriages and friendly conductor service - a visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway is like taking a step back in time.

 

Wensleydale Railway

Leeming Bar, North Yorkshire.

Tel: 08454 505474

A very special way to see and enjoy the Yorkshire Dales Countryside.  Services are operated by two historic diesel multiple units, a Class 107 and a Class 110.

Railway Museums

Leeds Industrial Museum

Armley Mills, Leeds, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 0113 263 7861

Once the world's largest woollen mills, today this museum presents a fascinating insight into the city's industrial heritage.

 

National Railway Museum

York.

Tel: 01904 621261

The largest railway museum in the world; offering three giant halls packed full of incredible trains and interactive fun, this award-winning museum also has an exciting rolling programme of exhibitions running throughout the year.

 

Vintage Carriages Trust Museum of Rail Travel

Ingrow, nr Keighley, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 01535 680425

www.vintagecarriagestrust.org

Over 50 TV and film productions have featured restored railway carriages from this multi-award winning museum. Sit in our carriages and imagine what rail travel used to be like.

Other Rail Attractions

Great Northern Railway Trail

Web: www.thegreatnortherntrail.co.uk

A recently developed cycle path and public bridleway which follows sections of the route of the (now disused) Great Northern Railway line. At present the section between Harecroft and Cullingworth (which crosses no less than two scenic viaducts) is open as a right of way, as is the (as yet unconnected) section across Thornton Viaduct, but it is understood that there are plans to develop more of the original route for the benefit of walkers, cyclists and horse riders in the area.

 

Settle-Carlisle Railway

Settle, North Yorkshire

Web: www.settle-carlisle.co.uk

The 72 mile route from Settle to Carlisle takes you on a journey through the magnificent Yorkshire Dales, over the 24 arches of the Ribblehead Viaduct before plunging in to the longest tunnel on the line at Blea Moor. Emerging onto the side of Dentdale, the line leaves the Dales at Garsdale and makes it way through the gentle, lush rolling hills of the Eden Valley, with rural villages and market towns before arriving at the great border city of Carlisle.

 

Shipley Glen Tramway

Baildon, nr Shipley, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 01274 589010

Web: www.glentramway.co.uk

The Shipley Glen Cable Tramway is the oldest working cable tramway in Great Britain (cliff lifts excepted). Dating from 1895, the line was built to serve the local beauty of Shipley Glen, near Saltaire in West Yorkshire. At nearly a quarter-mile in length, the woodland ride provides a pleasant alternative to the steep path.

Miniature Yorkshire Railways

Kirklees Light Railway - Huddersfield. Tel: 01484 865727

www.kirkleeslightrailway.com

This 15 inch narrow-gauge railway was once an old branch line which has since been extensively redeveloped to become an all-weather attraction, hugely popular with adults and children alike.

 

Lightwater Valley Miniature Railway

Lightwater Valley, nr Ripon, North Yorkshire.
Tel: 0870 458 0040

Web: www.lightwatervalley.co.uk

The Lightwater Valley Miniature Railway first opened in 1979 and is situated in the Lightwater Valley Theme Park near Ripon. On the journey, the train makes brief stops at stations 'Fort William' and 'Whistle Stop'.

 

Newby Hall Railway

Newby Hall, Ripon, North Yorkshire.

Tel: 0845 450 4068

The Newby Hall Miniature Railway first opened in 1971, running in the grounds of Newby Hall Estate near Ripon.

 

North Bay Railway

Scarborough, North Yorkshire.
Tel: 01723 260004

Web: www.nbr.org.uk

Journey from Peasholm Park to Scalby Mills station, offering beautiful views of Scarborough's North Bay.

 

Orchard Farm Lakeside Railway

Hunmanby,North Yorkshire.
Tel: 01723 891582

Situated in Orchard Farm Holiday Village, ride on the 600 yard line in the centre of the holiday village, through grassland and round a lake.

 

Pugneys Light Railway

Pugneys Country Park, Asdale Road, Durkar, Wakefield, West Yorkshire.
Tel: 01924 302360

The Pugneys Light Railway first opened in 1998 and trains run from Pugneys Lakeside to Pugneys Central, where a nature reserve is situated.

 

Shibden Miniature Railway

Halifax, West Yorkshire.

Tel: 07854 658635

Set in the park that contains Shibden Hall, the railway run in the lower part of the park, passing a picnic area and boating lake.

 

South Garden Miniature Railway

National Railway Museum, York.
Tel: 01904 686263

Web: www.nrm.org.uk

Pass through a 'live' willow tunnel and over a pond on a simple 200 yard line in the South Yard of the National Railway Museum.

 

Wolds Way Lavender Railway

Wintringham, Malton, North Yorkshire.
Tel: 01944 758641

Web: www.woldswaylavender.co.uk

Originally built to transport lavender from the fields to the lavender distillation plant, jump onboard the Roanoke petrol locomotive and 2 sit-in coaches, in a smart cream and purple livery.

 

Abbeydale Miniature Railway

Sheffield, South Yorkshire.

Tel: 01142369002

Visit the steam locomotive, as well as 'diesels' at this popular miniature railway.

 

York Model Railway

York Station, York.

Tel: 01904 630169

 

Please note: not all railways listed are running every day and, before visiting, the reader should ring and check the details of operation.