Grab your broomsticks and cauldrons, it’s time for spooky season on the NYMR! This October half term, Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, so bring the whole family along for a day of Halloween fun.

Steam Through the Moors for Less

First, the good news for family budgets. On running days from 24 October to 1 November, our School Holiday Savings Rate will be in place, giving families the chance to enjoy a journey on one of the UK’s most iconic heritage railways at a discounted rate. Plus kids go free on standard services with one free child ticket per fare-paying adult. Whether you opt for a hop-on, hop-off Day Rover to explore all the stops from Pickering to Whitby, or a shorter journey between neighbouring stations, you can build a full day out without the price tag that usually comes with school holidays. 

Trick or Treat at the Station Shops

Grab your broomsticks and dust off the capes — it’s time to go full Halloween at the NYMR. Dress the family in your best costumes and head to the Station Shops at Pickering, Goathland or Grosmont, where a “Trick or Treat” earns a free chocolate treat (subject to availability, no booking required). Keep an eye out for spooky selfie frames dotted around the stations, and share your best ghoulish looks on social media. After all that excitement, warm up in one of the station tea rooms with a hot chocolate or a Halloween biscuit — all three stations are open throughout the half term running days.

Harry Potter fans take note: Goathland Station, famously used as Hogsmeade Station in the first film, has an extended selection of Harry Potter gifts and memorabilia in its shop. Pick up a bottle of witches’ potion or some themed gifts to take a little Halloween magic home.

Little Ones’ Play Sessions at Pickering

The Pickering Classroom hosts two sessions perfect for younger children during the week. On Tuesday 27 October (10am–12pm), Tiny Engine Tuesdays is a free, drop-in session for ages 0–10 — relaxed, train-themed free play with a Halloween twist, no booking needed. The following day (Wednesday 28 October), the Under 5s Stay & Play (booking required) offers a sensory wonderland of soft play, train tracks, foam blocks and push-along trains for the very youngest visitors. Two mornings, two brilliant reasons to start your half term at the station.

Not Just for Little Ones…?

If you have older children or teenagers in tow, the Mad Alice Ghost Train (ages 14+) takes passengers through the haunted North York Moors after dark, with ghostly storytelling and atmospheric entertainment.

Whether you’re after wholesome steam-powered sightseeing or spine-tingling Halloween fun, the NYMR has half term well and truly covered. Plan your visit at nymr.co.uk/autumn.

This is a promotional feature in partnership with our friends at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway