Lord of the Rails: The Hobbit steps aboard the North Yorkshire Moors Railway
The Hobbit Story Train, Friday 23 August 2013
Fairies Story Train, Friday 30 August 2013
You don’t have to travel to Middle Earth to meet a Hobbit this summer, as one will swapping epic journeys on foot for a ride on the railway on Friday 23 August when Bilbo Baggins boards the Story Train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, part of the railway’s summer event programme for the whole family.
Like in the famous books and movies, Bilbo will not be travelling alone, with his companions including Gandalf the Grey, beautiful elf princess Arwen and, providing some muscle in case the train is attacked by orcs or trolls, a dwarf warrior!
“Our beautiful North Yorkshire countryside easily stands up to the New Zealand landscapes that provide the backdrop for Middle Earth, so what better place is there to hear the stories of adventure and peril?” asks Danielle Ramsey, marketing manager for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. “This is a day out that will appeal to the whole family, with light-hearted fun and games and friendly banter between the travellers as you join the hobbit and his friends for this entertaining adventure!”
Assuming that there are no unforeseen attacks by orcs or dragons, the Hobbit Story Train departs Pickering at 10.00am, taking pilgrims up to Grosmont station, where they have to find a hidden clue, before climbing back aboard the train for the return journey. On the way back, travellers disembark at Goathland for fun and games at the Goathland Hotel (just a short walk from the station), and then again at Levisham, where they will hear enthralling tales from the famous books by JRR Tolkien.
The following week, on Friday 30 August, the Story Train will once again be filled with magic, but this time courtesy of Fairy Enchantica and her friends! With a wave of her wand, travellers will enjoy a fun-filled trip through the North York Moors National Park powered by fairy dust (and helped by coal and steam!)
The Story Trains leave Pickering at 10.00am each Friday, returning at 2.40pm. Visitors are advised to wear appropriate clothing for the weather (including plenty of sun cream if the weather remains hot) as some of the activities take place outdoors. Tickets for the return trip cost £19.50 for adults and £10.00 for children, with a family ticket (two adults and up to four children) available for just £39.00. Pre-booking is strongly recommended, by calling 01751 472508 or visiting www.nymr.co.uk
Every other day, children travelling along the NYMR this summer are invited to take part in Tracker Jack’s fun trail, spotting clues at the stations along the line. Every participant is also invited to take part in a free draw to win family tickets for a return visit to the railway over the next 12 months.
For visitors who are happy to enjoy the trip along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway without the activities, there are services running every day throughout the summer between Pickering and Whitby. As part of NYMR’s 40thanniversary celebrations, the world’s most popular heritage railway is also offering special week-long tickets, ideal for those holidaying at any point along the line, which cost £39/week (Pickering to Grosmont) or £49 per week (Pickering to Whitby) for an adult, or just £78/£98 per week for a family of two adults and up to three children for unlimited travel for seven days. These summer holiday tickets are available exclusively from NYMR booking offices.
For more information, please call 01751 472508 or visit www.nymr.co.uk
ENDS
Notes to editors:
The themes for the Story Trains throughout the summer are:
16th August – Nursery Rhymes
23rd August – The Hobbit
30th August – Fairies
For further media information, please contact:
Jay Commins – Pyper York Limited
Tel: 01904 500698
Mob: 07810 546567
Email: jay@pyperyork.co.uk
