Goathland Railway Station
Cow Wath Bank, Goathland, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO22 5NF
With its stone station building, crow-stepped gables, and steam trains puffing by, this quaint little station in the rural North Yorkshire Moors is a relic of a bygone era. The station’s good looks have not gone unnoticed, with it having been chosen as the set for Hogsmeade Station in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
The basics
Sightseeing tours of the North York Moors typically combine a visit to Goathland Railway Station with trips to nearby locations such as Hutton-le-Hole, an idyllic hamlet with a sheep-inhabited village green; the Hole of Horcum, a scenic hollowed-out valley; and the seaside town of Whitby.
Another way to see the station is by taking a ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), a popular heritage steam train that runs between Pickering and Whitby, offering period carriages and views of the North York Moors National Park. Goathland is also the starting point for several scenic walks.
Things to know before you go
- A tearoom at the station serves drinks and snacks.
- The small village of Goathland—just a few minutes walk away—is home to several inns, hotels, cafes, and a pub.
- There are wheelchair-accessible restrooms and parking at Goathland Station, and NYMR trains can accommodate passengers using wheelchairs.
How to get there
Goathland Railway Station is about a 70-minute drive from York via the A64 and A169. The Yorkshire Coastliner service 840 travels between York railway station and Goathland bus station, though the most atmospheric way to arrive is undoubtedly by traveling aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
When to get there
Heritage steam trains puff through the station daily from April through October, as well as on select dates during holiday periods, such as Christmas.
Walks from Goathland Railway Station
Goathland Railway Station is the starting point for several walks in the surrounding moorland. Follow the 3.5-mile (5.6-kilometer) Rail Trail between Goathland and Grosmont, which follows the tracks of an old railway line past several waterfalls and a historic inn. From Goathland village, a 3-mile (5-kilometer) loop trail leads through a wooded valley to the cascading Mallyan Spout Waterfall on the River Esk.
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