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Featured North East England

All aboard for February Half Term fun at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

By February 5, 2025 Article

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is set to welcome visitors this February half-term, with services running from 15 to 23 February 2025. Families are invited to blow off the winter cobwebs and enjoy steam rides between Whitby, Grosmont, and Goathland stations, while exploring the rich heritage and stunning scenery of the North York Moors.

Free February Fun

Visitors can also enjoy the launch of the free February Fun Kid’s Kit (available for download). Packed with activities and information, the kit is perfect for curious adventurers exploring Grosmont and Goathland Stations, or simply enjoying the journey on heritage trains.

During half-term, NYMR will host the North Eastern Railway Electric Autocar No. 3170, a unique, diesel-powered vehicle on loan from the NER 1903 Electric Autocar Trust. Visitors will have the opportunity to journey aboard this remarkable piece of railway history, traveling between Grosmont and Goathland stations.

The autocar’s visit is part of NYMR’s Railway 200 celebrations, marking 200 years since the birth of the modern railway in the UK. Designed by Vincent Raven in 1903, the NER Electric Autocar was the world’s first passenger vehicle powered by an internal combustion engine generating electric power. Decades ahead of their time, the autocars featured innovations like electric track brakes and showcased superior acceleration and hill-climbing abilities compared to steam-powered alternatives.

Electric Autocar

Laura Strangeway, CEO of the NYMR, said, “The NER Electric Autocar is a great example of early railway innovation, and we are so glad to feature it as part of our February half-term activities. It’s an extraordinary opportunity for visitors to experience a piece of railway history while enjoying the magic of NYMR’s steam services.”

The journey of the NER Electric Autocar from pioneering invention to preserved masterpiece is as compelling as its design. After being retired in the 1930s, the autocar body was converted into a holiday home in North Yorkshire. Years later, it underwent an extensive restoration to return it to its former glory, making its visit to NYMR a must-see event for railway enthusiasts and families alike.

Visitors can also enjoy steam train rides through the picturesque North York Moors, with stops at the historic Goathland Station, featured as the iconic Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film. While major signalling works at the southern end of the line mean services will be limited to Whitby, Grosmont, and Goathland, passengers can still experience the charm and heritage of NYMR’s iconic trains.

Tickets are available for February half-term with Adult (16+) Whitby, Grosmont & Goathland Day Rover £25, Adult (16+) Whitby & Grosmont Day Rover £13.50, Adult (16+) Grosmont & Goathland Day Rover £13.50, Dog Day Rover £3, and Kids (0-15) travel free when accompanied by an adult.

Fuss-Free Access Carriage is available on select steam services. To book accessible spaces, visitors are encouraged to contact the NYMR Customer Services team on 01751 472508 or email info@nymr.co.uk

For more information and to book, visit https://www.nymr.co.uk/half-term

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