North Yorkshire is even more magical with a trip to Hogsmeade Station; sorry, we mean Goathland Train Station! Here’s why you have to visit Goathland Train Station.
Even if you are not a Harry Potter fan, Goathland Train Station is still one of the most magical places to visit in the North York Moors. It’s a beautifully bright train station; as soon as you step onto the platform, you feel nostalgic. Home to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s steam trains, this station is also where you can visit the village of Goathland, explore the national park, or walk to the Mallyan Spout Waterfall. Here is why you have to visit Goathland Train Station.
What is the connection between Goathland Train Station and the Harry Potter films?
You know those bright, red engines that look like the Hogwarts Express? You’ll find those at Goathland Train Station. Goathland Train Station is famously known as the filming location for Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter series.
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Goathland Station is where Harry and his friends arrive at Hogsmeade for the first time. It’s where Harry reunites with Hagrid, and they all take the boats across the water to the castle. You can visit the spot where Hagrid greeted them and waved goodbye to all the students.
One of the things I love most about Goathland Station is how easily you can envision Hogwarts Castle sitting atop the hill.
Goathland Train Station
The station is situated on the deviation line established by the North Eastern Railway in 1865 to bypass the cable-worked Beckhole Incline, which formed part of the original 1836 Whitby and Pickering Railway route. Initially named Goathland Mill, the station derived its name from its proximity to the watermill on the Murk Esk River located next to it.
Deemed to be uneconomic, the line through the station was closed to passenger traffic in 1965 as part of the Beeching cuts before reopening in 1973 as part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.
The station is part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), a heritage railway that operates vintage steam locomotives and beautiful carriages. The NYMR provides a fantastic service. They run regular steam and diesel trains between Pickering and Grosmont, with Goathland as a key stop.
Riding a steam train through the North York Moors is an unforgettable experience. The gentle chugging of the engine and the nostalgic billow of steam create a magical ambience.
The station hosts events throughout the year, including themed weekends and special steam train excursions. Goathland Station has its own shop and a tea room in a converted 1922-style goods shed.
Goathland Village and things to do nearby
It’s a pretty moorland village on the eastern edge of the North York Moors National Park. Its proximity to Whitby, York, and the Yorkshire Coast makes it a perfect base for walkers. Goathland Village may be familiar to you from the ITV show Heartbeat, where it was known as Aidensfield. The show featured characters like Greengrass and Nick Berry as the local bobby, PC Nick Rowan.
Relax with some food and drink
While Goathland may be a small village, it offers plenty of pubs and hotel bars. One of the most famous establishments is The Goathland Hotel, also known as ‘The Aidensfield Arms’ from the popular ITV series Heartbeat.
If you have a sweet tooth, the Goathland Tea Rooms is the perfect place to indulge. This tea room serves freshly baked treats such as pastries, pies, cakes, and sandwiches. You can complement your delicious snack with a proper cup of Yorkshire Tea, considered the finest brew in the land.
Visit the Mallyan Spout Waterfall
The Mallyan Spout waterfall captivated many Victorians, drawing them to this former spa village in the 1900s. The 21-metre cascade of water mesmerised visitors of that time, firmly establishing Goathland as a popular tourist destination. Take the chance to explore this during your visit to Goathland. The Mallyan Spout stands as the highest waterfall in Yorkshire.
Walk the ‘Rail Trail’ from Goathland to Grosmont
5.5km | Takes 1h 30m | Easy route
This is a straightforward walk from Goathland to Grosmont along the old rail line. You can enjoy the return journey on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a beloved heritage steam railway.
The route is predominantly downhill, with a brief incline near the end. The path is free of stiles and has several gates, including a few kissing gates. The paths are well-maintained, with only one section alongside the river that becomes rocky, with numerous steps among the rocks and tree roots. Some paths have sheep, so caution is advised when walking dogs.
The train service frequency varies throughout the day and month, so checking the website (www.nymr.co.uk) before travelling is advisable. Dogs are permitted on the train for an additional fee. Plan a 2-hour walk, with an extra 30 minutes for the rail journey.
From its magical connection to Harry Potter to its stunning scenery to explore, you must visit Goathland Train Station and the surrounding area.
Header Image: HarshLight from San Jose, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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