The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is inviting visitors to discover the people, places, and stories that have shaped the heritage railway as it takes part in Heritage Open Days 2026 with a programme of free events across Pickering, Goathland, and Grosmont.

Taking place between 11th - 20th September, the programme offers a rare opportunity to explore areas of the railway that are not usually accessible, meet the volunteers and staff who keep the railway running, and delve into the rich history of the line through exhibitions, guided tours and interactive demonstrations.

A highlight of this year’s programme is Living Histories: A Dive into the Archive exhibition in the Learning Classroom at Pickering Station (14th-16th September). Visitors can explore archive materials spanning the railway’s mainline years through to preservation and present day.

Across the Heritage Open Days, visitors can also enjoy:

Pickering, Goathland, Grosmont Station Tours | 14th-16th September

Explore the history of the stations, its buildings and the railway. Explore the 1930s-themed Pickering Station, the NYMR’s celebrity station, Goathland, which became Hogsmeade Station in the first Harry Potter film, and Grosmont, the 1952-themed heritage station - home to the operating and engineering world of the NYMR.

Motive Power Depot Walking Shed Tour | 12th-13th September, 11am-3pm

Step behind the scenes at the locomotive sheds in Grosmont, the operating hub of the railway, with the opportunity to take photographs of the locomotives and see restoration and maintenance first-hand on the historic fleet.

Motive Power Depot Guided Talk | 14th-16th September, 1pm-3pm

Meet a guide at the front of the Motive Power Depot (MPD) Shed to hear about the world of operating and engineering.

Signal Box Demonstrations | 14th-16th September, 10am-12pm and 12:30pm-2pm

Explore the role of the Signaller in this 10-15 minute demonstration at Pickering Station to see the workings of the Signal Box and find out how important they are in ensuring safety on the railway. There will be a chance to have a go at changing a signal and using the token machine.

Behind the Scenes at Armstrong Oilers | 13th-16th, 20th September

Meet Brian and Tammy, the team behind the fascinating Armstrong Oilers manufacturing and production facility based at the MPD in Grosmont. As featured in the recent Channel 4 series 'Steam Train Diaries', get behind the scenes access to a vital part of the heritage rail industry - without the products produced at Armstrong Oilers, steam locomotives everywhere would quite literally grind to a halt.

Rhiannon Hope, Learning and Interpretation Lead at the NYMR, said: “Heritage Open Days is a wonderful opportunity to share the stories that make the North Yorkshire Moors Railway so special. From the memories preserved in our archive to the incredible engineering skills that keep our locomotives running, every experience offers visitors a chance to connect with the people behind the railway. Whether you’re a lifelong enthusiast or discovering us for the first time, we look forward to welcoming everyone to explore, learn, and experience our heritage from a new perspective.”

Heritage Open Days is the country’s largest festival of history and culture, with thousands of free events and experiences taking place across England. Each year, millions of people take part in a nationwide celebration of their heritage, community and history. The festival is brought to you by the National Trust and supported by Postcode Lottery players, with an exciting programme of events delivered locally by thousands of organisations and volunteers.

Many activities are available on a drop-in basis, while selected tours and demonstrations can be reserved by registering interest via learning@nymr.co.uk. For more information, visit www.nymr.co.uk/hods