Where to Find Free Train Rides in East Yorkshire for a Special Open Weekend Celebration

Looking for something different to do at the end of September? Well, something pretty special is happening over at the only heritage railway in East Yorkshire. The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is throwing a big party to mark a massive birthday for trains, and the best bit is, everyone's invited for free rides. This isn't just any old get-together; it's a full-on open weekend celebration marking 200 years since railways started changing the entire world.

A big birthday for trains

It's hard to imagine life without trains, isn't it? They connect towns and cities, get people to work, and deliver all sorts of things. But it all had to start somewhere. That 'somewhere' was the Stockton and Darlington railway, which opened way back on September 27, 1825. It was the first public railway in the world to use steam trains, and it kicked off a revolution that connected communities and transformed how people lived and worked. It's a huge milestone for every railway across the globe.

The team at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway, a brilliant heritage site run by passionate volunteers, thought this massive anniversary deserved its own special event. Matthew Brown, the media director, put it perfectly: "This is such a milestone for railways across the globe. It began with the opening of the Stockton and Darlington railway on September 27, 1825 that ultimately led to people, places and communities being connected, and transforming the world." This celebration is their way of tipping a cap to that incredible history.

All aboard for free rides

So, what's happening at this party? The main event is that the railway is offering completely free rides all weekend. That's right, free! It's the perfect chance to experience a piece of living history without spending a penny on the train journey itself. If someone has never visited this heritage site before, there's no better time to find out what it's all about. It's a fantastic day out for families from Hull, York, and all over Yorkshire.

Matthew Brown added: "We wanted to have our own little celebration and will be giving free rides all weekend. If you have not been to the YWR before, this is the perfect opportunity." The open weekend is set for Saturday, September 27th, and Sunday, September 28th. The trains will be running from 10 am until 4 pm, with the last ride of the day departing at 3.30 pm. So, plenty of time to get down there and hop on board. The team is really looking forward to welcoming visitors to the site for this special railway event.

Fancy a golden ticket?

While the standard train rides are free, for those wanting to make the celebration extra special, there's an option to grab one of the limited edition 'Golden Tickets'. Think of it as a VIP pass for the day. These special Golden Tickets add a bit of sparkle to the experience and are a great way to support this wonderful heritage railway.

Katy Bowser, the business development director, explained what makes them so special: "We will also be offering Golden Tickets for £30 each that will feature a limited-edition goody bag, access to a grazing table of food and a glass of fabulous local fizz. Not only that, but we will be launching a very exciting product from a local company that we have been working on for some time and this seemed like the perfect time to do so." A grazing table, by the way, is a bit like a buffet but much fancier, with all sorts of lovely nibbles laid out. So, visitors get treats, fizz, a goody bag, and get to be among the first to see a brand-new local product. What's not to love?

Radio waves and railway lines

The celebration isn't just happening on the tracks. It's also taking to the airwaves! The Hornsea Amateur Radio Club will be setting up at the Fimber Halt site for a special broadcast. They're taking part in 'Railways on the Air,' an annual event that happens at the same time to mark the original opening of the railways. It's a brilliant way of connecting the past with the present, using radio technology to link up with around 40 other heritage railway lines across the country. So, while visitors enjoy the trains, they might also hear chatter from other enthusiasts across the UK, all sharing in the same celebration. It's a fantastic example of a modern community coming together to celebrate heritage.

More than just trains

A heritage railway like this one is about so much more than just the engines and carriages. It's about the people and the local community. The Yorkshire Wolds Railway is kept running by a dedicated team of volunteers and supported by local members and businesses. This whole event is partly a big 'thank you' to everyone who helps keep this piece of Yorkshire history alive. It's an important part of the local fabric, attracting visitors and preserving a unique story.

Phil Robson, the finance director, summed it up: "The YWR is proud of its community connection and we are very grateful for the continued support of members, visitors, and businesses. The Railway 200 event is a great way to pass on those thanks, and giving free rides seemed the perfect way to do just that." Anyone who wants to get more involved can find out about becoming a member or volunteering on their website. It's a great way to meet people and learn new skills.

When to visit and what to expect

Beyond the big open weekend, the Yorkshire Wolds Railway is open for visitors regularly. It's a brilliant destination during the school holidays or for a Sunday outing. Here's a quick guide to their opening times:

• Trains and Visitor Centre: Every Sunday until the end of October, 10 am - 4 pm.
• Trains and Visitor Centre: Every Wednesday during the school holidays, 10 am - 4 pm.
• Visitor Centre Only: Every Wednesday outside of school holidays until the end of October, 10 am - 4 pm.

There are often members on the site on Saturdays too, who are usually happy to show visitors what's going on, as long as it's safe to do so. This article should help everyone find the information they need for a fantastic day out. The celebration event promises a weekend of fun, history, and community spirit.

Address: Fimber Halt, Beverley Road, Fimber, East Yorkshire, YO25 3HG