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Goathland Railway Station serves the picturesque village of Goathland in the heart of the North York Moors National Park in North Yorkshire, England. Surrounded by rolling moorland, stone cottages, and scenic walking trails, Goathland is one of the most charming villages in northern England and a popular stop for visitors exploring Whitby, the Yorkshire coast, and the North York Moors.

The station first opened in 1865 under the name Goathland Mill, chosen because of its location near a watermill on the Murk Esk River. With very few alterations over the last century, Goathland Railway Station has beautifully preserved its historic character and remains an active stop on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. Today, it attracts visitors from all over the world who come for its heritage trains, nostalgic atmosphere, and famous television appearances.

Whether you plan to ride a steam train or simply explore the platform and surrounding countryside, Goathland Railway Station is a wonderful place to include in any North Yorkshire itinerary. If you are building a North York Moors road trip, this is also a great place to base yourself.

You can browse charming inns, countryside hotels, and cozy cottages in and around Goathland on Booking.com, Expedia, or Vrbo.

A Ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Goathland Station is one of the most popular stops along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, a preserved heritage railway that runs between Pickering and Whitby. The journey takes passengers through some of the most beautiful landscapes in the region, including open moorland, deep valleys, and forested countryside.

You can check the official timetable and pre book tickets here if you would like to ride one of the historic steam or heritage diesel trains. Many visitors choose to travel between Whitby and Goathland, making this station a perfect addition to a Whitby day trip. Guided heritage railway experiences and North York Moors tours that include Goathland are often available through platforms like Viator.

The Goathland Station Café

One of the highlights of a visit is the Goathland Station Café, a unique tea room located inside the station within a converted 1920s style goods shed. The café is walker friendly and dog friendly, and guests are welcome to sit indoors or outside on the platform to watch the trains arrive and depart.

The café serves a variety of hot and cold drinks, savory items, homemade cakes, sweet treats, and ice creams. Their sandwiches, classic scones, and hot chocolate are especially popular. It is a perfect stop after a countryside walk or before boarding a train.

Opening times vary according to the railway timetable. Because hours change seasonally, it is always a good idea to check ahead if you are planning a visit around the café. You can check opening times HERE.

Film and Television Appearances

Goathland Railway Station is famous for its on screen roles and has appeared in several major film and television productions.

It was used as Hogsmeade Station in the Harry Potter films, making it a must visit spot for Harry Potter fans. The station is also well known as Aidensfield Station in the long running British series Heartbeat. In addition, it has featured in All Creatures Great and Small, Keeping Mum, and Carrington.

Because of this, Goathland is often included on themed film and television tours of North Yorkshire. A private tour like this one is a great option if you would like deeper insight into the area’s film and television appearances.

Stay in a Vintage Train Carriage at Goathland Station

One of the most unique experiences in Goathland is the opportunity to stay overnight in a vintage camping coach located just behind the station platform. This restored carriage offers a truly memorable way to experience the railway and countryside.

The camping coach includes a living area, a kitchen, a twin bedroom, a double bedroom, and a shower room. Staying here allows you to wake up surrounded by moorland scenery and historic trains, making it a fantastic option for families, couples, and railway enthusiasts.

If you prefer a traditional stay, there are also beautiful guesthouses, inns, and countryside cottages throughout Goathland and the surrounding villages, many of which can be booked through Booking.com and Vrbo.

Click here to check availability and book the camping carriage

Parking and Practical Information

There is a car park located next to Goathland Railway Station that allows all day parking for a single fee. This makes the station an easy stop for visitors exploring the North York Moors by car.

Public buses also connect Goathland with Whitby and other nearby villages, making it accessible even if you are not driving. If you are arriving from a nearby airport such as Leeds Bradford or Manchester, Welcome Pickups and Kiwitaxi are convenient options for arranging private transfers.

Things to Do Near Goathland Station

A visit to Goathland Railway Station pairs perfectly with exploring the rest of the village and surrounding countryside. Consider adding these nearby experiences to your itinerary:

• Walk through Goathland village to see traditional stone cottages and local tea rooms
• Visit the famous Goathland Waterfall, also known as Mallyan Spout, located about a mile from the village
• Hike across the North York Moors for sweeping views and peaceful nature trails
• Take a scenic train journey to Whitby and spend the afternoon exploring the harbor, abbey, and historic streets
• Explore Heartbeat filming locations throughout the village

Outdoor tours, walking excursions, and North York Moors day trips are often available through Tripadvisor, Viator, and GetYourGuide.

Final Thoughts

Visiting Goathland Railway Station is like stepping back in time. Between the historic platform, scenic railway, cozy station café, and famous filming history, it offers one of the most atmospheric experiences in North Yorkshire.

Whether you are a Harry Potter fan, a railway enthusiast, or simply looking to explore one of the most beautiful corners of the North York Moors, Goathland is well worth adding to your travel plans.