Mutiny on the rails: Pirates to take over the North Yorkshire Moors Railway!

Story Trains: Every Friday until 1 September 2013

Cutlasses at the ready!  There will be mutiny in the carriages on Friday 9 August, when a band of land-locked pirates board the Story Train on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway for a nautically-themed day of tall tales, high sea adventure and pieces of eight!

The story trains take place each Friday during the summer holidays, with a different theme every week to keep travelling families entertained as they ride the rails from Pickering to Grosmont and back again, hosted by costumed performers from Make A Wish Entertainment. 

“There really is not a dull moment aboard the Story Trains – from the moment our characters get on board to the final gathering back on the platform when we return to Pickering, their infectious and captivating characters will have you splitting your sides,” comments marketing manager, Danielle Ramsey.  “When our pirates take over the train, we expect all kinds of high jinx – we’re just hoping that they don’t try to get anyone to walk the plank along the way!”

All of the travellers get to meet the characters on the journey out to Grosmont, with colouring activities and trail sheets provided to ensure that younger visitors are well occupied during the trip.  Disembarking at Grosmont to find a hidden trail clue, Story Trainers then return to Pickering, stopping off at Goathland for fun and games next to the Goathland Hotel (or inside, in case of inclement weather).  The Story Train also takes a break at Levisham, for storytelling and a chance to enjoy an ice-cream, hot or cold drink in the paddock alongside the railway.

The following Friday, 16 August, the theme will appeal especially to younger travellers, as the train is populated with nursery rhyme characters, including Little Bo Peep and Mary (who promises to be as contrary as one would expect).  They will be joined by the Ginger Bread Man at each station along the line.

“We all know that the Gingerbread Man prefers to run, run as fast as he can rather than travel on the train, so he’ll be meeting us at each stop along the way,” adds Danielle.  “Little Bo Peep is especially looking forward to visiting Goathland, as there are always plenty of lost sheep wandering around the verges of the village!”

Depending on the weather, travellers can choose to bring a picnic to enjoy either on the train, or at the stops in Goathland or Levisham.  Children are also welcome to wear costumes to match the theme of the Story Train each week with a prize of a family ticket given at the end of the story train for the best dressed.

The Story Trains leave Pickering at 10.00am each Friday, returning at around 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:

2nd August – Hogwarts
9th August – Pirates
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