Days out: North York Moors Railway, Pickering

Running through 18 miles of spectacular scenery from Pickering to Whitby, this privately owned railway is one of the world’s most popular heritage steam railways – and it’s easy to see why. Lovingly restored steam locomotives pull period carriages, dazzling with polished brass and bright paintwork, through the heart of the North York Moors National Park. To make the most of your trip, discover the history of the railway at the visitor centre in Pickering before boarding the train and making your way to Goathland, made famous by Harry Potter and Heartbeat. Stretch the legs with a walk along the Rail Trail to Grosmont, before travelling on to Whitby for some well-deserved fish and chips by the sea. This month, the NYMR will also boast the best of Scottish railway during its Scottish Branch Line Gala weekends. Running from May 6 to 8, and May 13 to 15, the weekends will see the railway host a range of steam and diesel locomotives, as well as model railway exhibitions from Scarborough and District Railway Modellers, food stalls at Pickering Station and plenty of Scottish food and drink. Youngsters who create homemade shoebox trains and present them at Platform Two at Pickering Station will also receive a free activity sticker book to keep themselves busy. There’s a £100 goody bag and family ticket up for grabs for the best one. FACTFILE Prices: Pickering to Whitby return ticket – adult £27, child £13.50. nymr.co.uk/timetables-and-fares/fares Opening times: Daily services between Pickering and Whitby via Levisham, Newtondale Halt, Goathland and Grosmont until October 30. Car parking: At stations Tel: 01751 472508 Website: nymr.co.uk More: yorkshire.com