Yorkshire News

Step onto the footplace with NYMR

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the return of its highly sought-after footplate experiences for the 2026 season, giving railway enthusiasts the rare opportunity to travel in the cab of a working heritage locomotive, and experience the sights and sounds of steam and diesel operations first hand.

Running on selected dates throughout the main season, the experience allows visitors to journey alongside the locomotive crew between Pickering and Grosmont, on one of Britain’s most famous heritage railways. 
 
During a Steam Footplate Experience, visitors can immerse themselves in the golden age of steam, with a truly unforgettable journey on a heritage steam locomotive. On arrival, the footplate crews are on hand to welcome them onboard to take in the sights, sounds, and smells of the steam age on a return journey departing from Pickering at 12:00 to Grosmont, returning on the 14:40 service.
 
For 2026 the NYMR will offer Steam Footplate Experiences for £475 per person and Diesel Footplate Experiences from £300. At the start of the season, a new shorter mixed-traction experience for £300 per person, between Pickering and Goathland is also available. Each experience will include access to the locomotive footplate during the journey, lunch voucher for the tearoom, a 10% discount voucher for the station shop, and a commemorative certificate. A companion ticket is also available for £30, allowing a friend or family member to travel on the same train while the participant enjoys their footplate experience.
 
Paul ‘Piglet’ Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at the NYMR said, “Standing on the footplate of a working locomotive is something many railway enthusiasts dream about. Our footplate experiences put people right at the heart of the action, alongside the crew as they fire, drive, and manage these historic locomotives across the North York Moors. It gives people a real appreciation for the skill and teamwork needed to operate a heritage railway.”
 
Along with the footplate experiences, the railway is also offering Driver Experiences, perfect for those who have ever dreamed of taking the controls of a powerful heritage locomotive.
 
Visitors can step onto the footplate of a steam engine or into the cab of a heritage diesel locomotive starting at Grosmont and Pickering respectively; traveling along 36 miles of the scenic line and under expert supervision from the NYMR crews, they will learn how to drive these magnificent pieces of machinery along 18 miles of the journey, observing another participant for the remainder of the experience. For the first time, the 1903 NER Autocar can be booked for a Driver Experience giving participants a unique day out, taking control of such a fascinating piece of engineering history. These experiences are between £650-£850 per person.
 
All participants should be physically fit and aged 18 years plus. A medical declaration will need to be completed online before the experience.
 
With limited places available, early booking is recommended by visiting www.nymr.co.uk/footplate.