It must be one of the most loved sights in the British countryside - a steam train chuffing along the tracks, smoke billowing and whistle blowing.
In Lockton we are lucky enough to have the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) almost on our doorstep. Pickering - the beginning of the line - is just a 10-minute drive away, making it easy to jump aboard for an adventure.
What if you want to do more than just ride on the train? The new ticket system allows you to hop on and off the train for one price so you no longer have to stick to one route or plan. Here are a few ways you can make the most of your day on the NYMR.
Pickering
The 1930s themed station at Pickering has a charming tearoom and souvenir shop. While you're waiting for your train you can wander out into Pickering and take a look at the castle or wander round the independent shops on the Market Square.
Levisham
Small but perfectly formed, Levisham Station is delightfully pretty. If you're staying in Lockton you can walk the 2.5miles via Levisham village and get on here (be prepared to walk back later though!). If alighting here walk for approx. 1 mile into Levisham village for a drink and a bite to eat at the Horseshoe Inn. You can continue on to view the magnificent Hole of Horcum or go back to the train and carry on up the line.
Newtondale Halt
This station is only accessible via NYMR or by bike. It's a great opportunity to explore the woodland of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. You can trek the 6-mile circular route or follow the footpath back down to Levisham. If you're planning to stop here remember that the stop is by request only and you will need a good map to do the walk.
Goathland
Goathland is a charming village, best known as Aidensfield in the TV show Heartbeat. It's an easy walk up from the train station itself, which doubled as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films and is a great photo opportunity for Potterheads.
In the village you'll find lovely teashops and souvenir shops and sit on the village green to eat an ice cream and take in the surroundings.
If you're fond of walking you can do a circular route up to Mallyan Spout waterfall or hike the 3.5 miles down the rail trail to Grosmont Station.
Grosmont
Grosmont is a small village but is the beating heart of the NYMR and the end of the line for most services. At Grosmont you can visit the railsheds and see the engineers at work then take a circular walk to Beck Hole or head up the rail trail to Goathland.
Whitby
Select services go all the way to Whitby - if you get on the first train from Pickering you can spend the whole day by the coast. Explore the harbour, climb the 199 steps to Whitby Abbey and, of course, treat yourself to the best fish and chips in Britain!
Lock Cottage is a self-catering holiday home sleeping 6, situated in the heart of the North Yorkshire Moors National Park. Check availability, find out more about the cottage and book your stay here.
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