Nestled amidst the rolling heather-clad hills of the North York Moors National Park, Goathland Station is more than just a railway stop—it’s a journey through Victorian engineering, cinematic legend, and timeless rural charm. Serving the quaint village of Goathland in North Yorkshire, this heritage station has welcomed steam locomotives since 1865, and continues to delight over 250,000 visitors each year with its authentic period atmosphere and world-famous film appearances Wikipedia.
Goathland Station first opened on 1 July 1865 as “Goathland Mill,” part of the North Eastern Railway’s deviation line to bypass the steep Beckhole Incline of the original Whitby and Pickering Railway Wikipedia. Designed by NER architect Thomas Prosser, the station buildings remain largely unchanged since their construction, offering a rare glimpse into late‑Victorian railway architecture Wikipedia.
Like many rural lines, Goathland fell victim to the Beeching cuts and closed to passengers in March 1965. However, thanks to passionate volunteers and the formation of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) Preservation Society, it was tastefully restored and reopened in 1973 as a heritage line, breathing new life into this Grade II listed site Wikipedia.
Goathland Station’s pristine period look has made it a magnet for filmmakers:
Heartbeat (1992–2010) – Served as Aidensfield station throughout the ITV drama Wikipedia
Harry Potter films – Doubled as Hogsmeade station for the Hogwarts Express scenes Wikipedia
All Creatures Great and Small (2020– ) – Featured as Mannerton station in Season 4 Wikipedia
Simply Red – Backdrop for the “Holding Back the Years” music video (1985) Wikipedia
Carrington (1995) and Keeping Mum (2005)
Film buffs can explore the exact spot where cinematic history was made, and enthusiastic photographers will find endless angles for capturing the steam engines against dramatic moorland skies.
Today, Goathland is a key station on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway—one of Britain’s largest preserved steam railways. Stretching 18 miles between Grosmont and Pickering, the NYMR carries visitors through the heart of the national park on beautifully maintained vintage coaches and locomotives. Goathland’s two platforms host:
A craft café housed in the former goods shed
Heritage camping coaches, available to rent for overnight stays
Authentic signage, period luggage trolleys, and a charming footbridge
An adjacent model of the station in Hornby’s “Skaledale Junction” range Wikipedia
Tea Room & Gift Shop: Enjoy homemade cakes and browse railway memorabilia.
Camping Coach Holidays: Stay overnight in a converted 1950s coach for a unique glamping experience.
Interactive Exhibits: Learn about railway history through interpretive panels and restored signalling equipment
Santa Specials in December—ride behind a steam engine decorated for Christmas!
Footplate Experiences—ride in the cab of a steam locomotive for a day.
Photography Days—access restricted areas to capture the perfect steam shot.
All event dates and ticket bookings are available on the NYMR timetable and tickets page.
Goathland Station Address
Goathland Station, YO22 5NF
Travel By Vehicle
From Whitby, follow the A171 and then take the A169 to Goathland (approx. 25 mins). Parking is available nearby.
Travel By Train
You can arrive directly by steam train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (check seasonal schedules).
Travel By Foot
Easy access from Goathland village centre – around 5-10 mins walk.
Opening Times
Daily during NYMR operating season (April–October)
Entry Prices
Free to visit the station and platform. Train rides require a valid NYMR ticket.
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