The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is gearing up for October half term and Halloween with a series of events, making the attraction the perfect addition to a touring trip.
Families enjoying a caravan or motorhome holiday near Pickering, where the railway is located, may want to take advantage of the full calendar of activities between October 26th and November 3rd.
The award-winning heritage railway invites children and their parents to visit stations along the line, which runs to Whitby.
Spooky station stories
Pickering and Grosmont stations will be hosting a seasonal story competition for the duration of half term, encouraging youngsters to use their imaginations.
They’ll learn about the histories of these supposedly haunted destinations and can pick up a competition sheet from one of the station shops.
Wand making
Expected to be very popular are the drop-in wand making sessions at Goathland Station on October 28th.
Budding witches, wizards and sorcerers will find everything they need to draft a magical wand ready to cast spells on unsuspecting parents and grown-ups.
Storytelling with Hoglets Theatre
The actors from Hoglets Theatre will be gracing Pickering Station on October 29th for a day of captivating storytelling.
Bringing the mysteries of the Moors to life, these sessions are limited to 25 children each, so pre-booking is advised to avoid disappointment.
Owl crafts
All young fans of the wizarding world know that an owl is an essential companion and kids will be able to create their own on October 30th at Goathland Station.
Just in time for Halloween, each participant will have a feathered friend to take home with them after crafting it from the supplies available.
Potion classes
Do your kids know their eye of newt from their frog’s leg? Find out on Halloween itself as Goathland Station hosts position classes on October 31st.
The drop-in sessions will be held throughout the day and the best bit is your children won’t even notice they’re doing science along with all that magic.
Mini broomstick craft
Even after Halloween, there’s still time for your little ones to channel their inner witches and wizards with a mini broomstick making activity.
Head to Goathland Station on November 1st and get ready for your kids to fly away on their own broomstick.
Riding the railway
Of course, no visit to the North Yorkshire Moors Railway would be complete without a ride on one of its steam trains.
There are daily services seven days a week up until November 3rd, with the chance to ride the whole 24-mile route, hopping off at stations as and when you choose.
Alternatively, you should choose to travel between one or two stations at a reduced price. Only adults pay, as kids go free.
Photo credit: Andrew Jeffery
