White Horse Farm Hotel

Not enough time to do it justice.

by planxty

"A mere flying visit."

During a recent trip to nearby Pocklington whilst touring with my band, a friends father was kind enough to take us out for an afternoons drive to Pickering. the main reason for this was that I had expressed a wish to see the North York Moors Railway, undoubtedly the major tourist atraction of the town.

Unfortunately, time was against us and we did not have enough of it to travel the railway, although I certainly intend to do so at some point. Instead, we had a look round, wandered round the the railway station and restoration yards, bought some excellent local cider, had a quick drink and then had to return to the business of playing gigs.

On such a brief acqauintance, I found it to be a very tidy, pleasant Yorkshire market town, and I would certainly like to return some day.

A Train Ride Across the Yorkshire Moors

by ranger49

"Coming out of the Tunnel"

Tunnels were difficult to build here because of underlying marshy ground.
This was one of the most difficult and the original track bed had to be lined with various materiasl to absorb and contain the moisture - including many layers of sheepskin fleeces.

"Waiting for the whistle."

We saw what seemed like lots of people at work along the track. I assumed that most volunteers were former railway workers but heard of one engine driver who took early retirement from an unrelated type of work in order to realise a life long ambition to be an engine driver.

"A very happy passenger."

John had a great time - I kept on expecting him to produce a little note-book with a stubby pencil to start writing down the Engine Numbers as I remember my brother and his friends did many years ago!

"Pullman Fine Dining -"

A peep through the windows showed tables set most elegantly - just waiting for diners to arrive....

"Arriving at Goathland"

Goathland Station has achieved celebrity status because it has featured as a film location for the popular TV series "Heartland" - and also doubles as Hogsmeade in the film Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone.
As a result many passengers break their journey here to see the village and spot the famous location scenes.

"A long walk to see famous locations"

We were advised by locals that it really was not worth getting off here - the village is quite an uphill walk away from the station with a steep climb then steps to enter the village. Many of the people who did alight here had significant walking difficulties and we wondered if they knew what a climb lay ahead of them.
We decided to break the journey at Grosmont where the engine sheds and work-shops are, and you walk straight from the platform into the village to find bookshops, a Post Office and a grocery store.
And you can have refreshments in a 1952 era station cafe.
N.B.do not expect 1952 prices - they were -almost - bang up to date.

"An example of the preservation work on NYMR."

We were interetsed to see this proud insignia of the marque of the Sheffield Company that made this stylish carriage on which it was displayed.

"Elegance restored"

These carriages dating from 1947 were a delight to see and demonstrate the skills devoted by enthusiastic people from many walks of life to restoring the lost heritage of steam.