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Steam Railways & Boat Trips in York

York's big draw here doesn't need a ticket at all. The National Railway Museum sits close to the centre, free to get in, with the Flying Scotsman, Station Hall and Wonderlab all under one roof, plus food on site if you need to refuel. If you'd rather be on a train than looking at one, Best of Britain's minicoach day out leaves from York itself and folds a steam ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway into a day on the Moors. For something cheaper and more hands-on, a drive out to Driffield brings you to the Yorkshire Wolds Railway, which is free, dog friendly and has a restoration shed worth a look after your ride. Families with younger children might prefer the shorter, gentler trip on the Middleton Railway out at Leeds, through Middleton Park, with two engine cabs kids can climb into. If a full day out suits better, the Grand Yorkshire minibus tour from York (from £80, ages 5+) needs booking ahead and takes in a steam train, the Herriot museum and Wensleydale Creamery.

6 places 2 free to visit

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Silver minibus parked on moorland overlooking a patchwork valley of green fields and scattered farmhouses.

Best of Britain – Yorkshire Day Tours

York · ages 5+

A small-group minicoach day out on the North York Moors, with a steam train ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway thrown in.

Rolling green countryside with stone-walled field divisions, scattered farm buildings, and hills in the background under blue sky.

from £80

Grand Yorkshire - Day Trips and Tours

York · ages 5+

A full day out from York on a minibus tour taking in a steam train ride, the Herriot museum and Wensleydale Creamery.

Booking required

Rolling green hillside with stone walls dividing fields, stone buildings, and forested valleys beneath mountains.

from £40

Mountain Goat -York

York · ages 5+

Full-day minibus tours from York out into the Yorkshire Dales, North York Moors or Whitby, with a guide doing the driving and the talking.

Booking requiredFood on siteToilets

Adult and child walking past a vintage steam locomotive and other heritage trains in a large railway depot hall.

Free

National Railway Museum

York

Free York train museum - Flying Scotsman vibes, Station Hall and optional Wonderlab.

Accessible toiletGift shopFood on siteToilets+3 more

The Middleton Railway

Leeds

A short steam or diesel train ride through Middleton Park, with woodland trails and two engine cabs to climb into.

Accessible toiletBaby changeBirthday partiesBlue badge parking+12 more

Heritage steam train with passengers boarding and standing on platform alongside vintage railway carriages.

Free

Yorkshire Wolds Railway

Driffield

Hop aboard a genuine steam-era carriage for a heritage ride along the old Malton and Driffield line, with a working restoration shed to peer into afterwards.

Dog friendlyFree parkingToiletsWheelchair accessible

Good to know: steam railways & boat trips in York

Are any of them free?

Yes, National Railway Museum and Yorkshire Wolds Railway are free to visit.

What does a paid visit cost?

Paid entry starts from £40 at Mountain Goat -York. Prices, ages and facilities are listed on every place page, taken from each venue's own published price list.

Which ones are indoor?

National Railway Museum is indoor, good to keep up your sleeve for a rainy day.

Whereabouts are they?

You'll find steam railways & boat trips in York, Leeds and Driffield. Every place we list is in or around York, and each listing has the full address and directions.