Yorkshire What's On

Pixies and Pirates at NYMR

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) have announced their latest family-friendly activities, A Summer of Pixies and Pirates, which will run across the school holidays, from 19th July to 31st August. Families can expect a magical summer full of fairy-tale fun and with children travelling for free this summer, it’s bound to be a swashbuckling adventure.

Pixie Activities - 19th July - 8th August
On Saturday 19th July, children are encouraged to come dressed as their favourite pixie, with a chance to win a family ticket by tagging NYMR in a social media selfie. Free face painting will also be available at Pickering Station. Throughout the weekend, enchanting entertainers and performers will bring the magic to life with surprise appearances and acts.

Visitors can enjoy outdoor games for the Pixie Olympics at Levisham Station, then share a positive note on the Wishing Tree at Grosmont Station. On Mondays at Pickering Station and Thursdays at Goathland Station from 11am - 2pm, there will be craft workshops including pixie potions, wand making, and flower crowns.

On Sunday 20th July, children can enjoy a theatre show, ‘A Midsummer Night’s Mischief’ by Hoglets Theatre at Levisham Station. Tickets are £8 per person for a 45-minute performance at 12.30pm, 1.45pm, and 3pm.

Pirate Fun - 9th August - 31st August
Swashbuckling children can test their skills with Pirate Games at Levisham Station, then discover hidden gold with the Treasure Hunt around Grosmont Station.

On Saturday 9th August, pirate lovers are encouraged to visit dressed in their best buccaneering outfit, take a selfie, tag NYMR on social media and be in with a chance of a family ticket. There will also be free face painting on the day at Pickering Station.

On Mondays at Pickering Station and Thursdays at Goathland Station, from 11am - 2pm, families can get creative by designing a pirate flag or decorating their very own pirate sword.
On Tuesday 26th August, there will be a theatre performance, ‘The Sleep Pirates’ by Hoglets Theatre, taking place at Pickering Station. Tickets are £8 per person for a 45-minute performance at 12.30pm, 1.45pm, and 3pm.

Until September 24th, the much-loved heritage railway has introduced two exciting summer offers:

  • Kids Go Free - Children (aged 4-15) travel for free on all standard services.
  • Up to 30% off advance booking. Families planning ahead can enjoy savings of up to 30% on tickets when booked 14 days or more in advance: 4 to 7 days before = 10% off, 8 to 13 days = 20% off, 14 or more days = 30% off


The NYMR’s summer savings will run throughout the peak summer season, including July and August, when seven-day services will operate. With heritage steam and heritage diesel services running through the stunning North York Moors National Park, the railway provides a nostalgic journey like no other. Prices start from £34.65 for an Adult Day Rover, with shorter journey tickets also available.

To find out more and to book tickets, visit www.nymr.co.uk/summer.

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