North Yorkshire Moors Railway Resumes Full Line Service To Whitby Following Bridge Repairs

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has fully reopened its 24-mile heritage route from Pickering to Whitby after completing temporary works on a historic bridge, boosted by a £50,000 donation.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has confirmed that its full line service connecting Pickering to Whitby has reopened to passengers following essential repairs to a historic bridge.

LMS Stanier Black 5, 4-6-0, No. 44806 led the first train from Whitby through to Pickering of 2026, marking the first full line journey since the reopening of Bridge 42 after the completion of temporary propping works.

The reopening follows a period of necessary closure to allow for the inspection and temporary propping of the bridge. According to the railway, these proactive measures were required to guarantee safety and operational reliability along the historic route.

A significant funding boost has also been announced, with the North York Moors National Park awarding a £50,000 contribution to the Bridge 42 appeal.

The money has been provided from the S106 Landscape and Ecology fund under the Restoration of Degraded Heritage Assets scheme.

The funding will go directly towards the stabilisation and protection of Bridge 42 at Grosmont, a Grade II listed structure and the most historically significant bridge on the railway. The organisation noted that without intervention, this crucial piece of heritage faced irreversible deterioration.

To fund these essential works, a major appeal has been launched. The North Yorkshire Moors Railway aims to raise a minimum of £800,000 to cover both the costs associated with the temporary propping and the vital permanent repairs needed to secure the future of the line.

The railway has scheduled permanent repairs for Bridge 42 to take place over the closed season during the winter of 2026 into 2027. This programme will restore the bridge to its long-term structural integrity and ensure its preservation for future generations.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, said:

"Our heritage railway is at the heart of the local community, and it's important that we continue to provide a safe and enjoyable experience for all our visitors. The proactive measures for Bridge 42 reflect our commitment to both operational safety and the long-term preservation of this historic line. I want to thank a number of vital suppliers and organisations and the residents of Grosmont, whose help and support during this period has been invaluable - North Yorkshire Council, North York Moors National Park, GGP, Murlac, CML, and Prop Hire."

Passengers will once again be able to travel the complete 24-mile heritage journey. The route takes visitors through the stunning landscapes of the North York Moors National Park before arriving at Whitby, which will once again serve as the end of the line for visitors travelling on the heritage steam and diesel services.

Along the route, the service also stops at the charming village of Grosmont. Visitors alighting here can begin The Rail Trail walking route, explore the railway's engine sheds, and visit independent food and drink outlets, an art gallery, and the oldest surviving Cooperative in the country.

A new fare structure has been introduced, which the North Yorkshire Moors Railway states is part of a commitment to making heritage rail travel more accessible for families. A 'Kids Go Free' offer is available on standard services, allowing one free child ticket per fare-paying adult to help families enjoy the iconic journey.

For the 2026 season, two distinct fare types will operate. A School Holiday Saver Rate will be available during school holiday periods, running from the 18th of July to the 6th of September, and again from the 24th of October to the 1st of November. Regular Fare Dates will apply outside of these peak times.

Passengers can select from a wide range of ticket options. Shorter journey tickets start at £11.95 per adult aged sixteen and over. For those seeking a full-day experience, Day Rover tickets provide unlimited travel across the entire heritage line, allowing visitors the freedom to hop on and off at various stations throughout the day.

Laura Strangeway added:

"We're delighted to once again be taking passengers all the way from Pickering to Grosmont and Whitby on the NYMR . Whether visitors are looking for a short heritage journey or a full day out exploring the line, we've got a ticket to suit everyone; especially with our Kids Go Free offer on standard services and School Holiday Saver Rates to help families enjoy adventures together."