Steam Railways in Yorkshire with Midi & Isobel

Steam Railways in Yorkshire 

The sun shone brightly as we made our way out for our first train journey on a charming diesel engine train bound for Goathland. We travelled through some beautiful countryside to the now famous platform which is featured in the blockbuster film Harry Potter. 

We spent some time taking photos, imagining how the station must have looked when the Hogwarts Express steamed through during the Harry Potter filming. For train enthusiasts, our return journey was on the Class 37264 engine. 

Ready for another day we set off for York - our destination being the renowned National Railway Museum. Upon arriving, we began our visit with a nice warm drink, a perfect start before diving into the world of trains. The museum is a treasure trove for train enthusiasts, and our excitement was palpable. One of the highlights was the Duchess of Hamilton. This streamlined, burgundy-coloured beauty is an icon of British engineering. Built in 1938, this locomotive is a striking example of the power and elegance of steam trains. Its sleek design was meant to symbolize speed and modernity, and it certainly made an impression on us. Next, we saw the famous Mallard 4468. Jonathan, our guide and a wizard of all things engine-related, explained that the Mallard is akin to the sports cars of the train world. Holding the world speed record for a steam locomotive, the Mallard reached an impressive 125 mph in 1938. Designed by Sir Nigel Gresley, this train's aerodynamic shape and engineering prowess were truly ahead of its time.

The museum houses an extensive collection of trains, including both diesel and steam locomotives. Each train tells a story of the journeys it has taken and the people it has transported. 

We spent the day in Ripon and made our way to the magnificent Ripon Cathedral. This architectural marvel, with its roots dating back to the 7th century, left us in awe. We were most impressed by the sheer size and the intricate design of the roof, a true testament to medieval craftsmanship. 

The afternoon was spent on a delightful canal boat trip on the Ripon Canal. This is a picturesque waterway with a rich history, stretching for about 2.3 miles and offers serene views of the surrounding countryside. It was an absolute treat to steer the boat, an experience we fondly called the "captain experience." We loved every moment of it! 

Off we went to Pickering once more, where we caught the Eric Tracey Black 5, a steam locomotive renowned for its power and reliability. The Black 5 steam engines, officially known as the LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0, were designed by William Stanier in 1934 and became a staple on British railways due to their versatility.

After exploring Whitby for a few hours, we returned to the station, where we watched a diesel engine pull up, ready to take us back to Pickering. This time, we had the opportunity to see the sheer power of the diesel engine up close. The Black 5 of diesel engines, the Class 37, also known as the English Electric Type 3, is renowned for its robust design and impressive longevity, having been a mainstay on British rails since the 1960s. Once back at Pickering, we enjoyed a close-up look at the engine, appreciating its mechanical prowess.