Railways

This town offers Victorian charm with colourful cottages, stunning coastal walks including the Blackhead Path, and highly-rated dining

Venture slightly away from the usual tourist routes and you’ll discover this charming town, perfect for a peaceful coastal retreat, boasting picturesque strolls and breathtaking vistas.

Whitehead presents all the appeal of a Victorian seaside resort, featuring period architecture and meandering pathways that overlook the tranquil azure waters. Like any worthwhile destination, it boasts an array of delightful bakeries, cafés and public houses, all providing refreshments and a welcome break after a day spent discovering the coastline.

However, the Lighthouse Bistro and Bakehouse truly stands apart from the rest, earning the top spot for dining on TripAdvisor in the locality. Patrons keep returning for the delicious seafood chowder, fresh bakes and the lovely panoramas whilst enjoying a drink overlooking the ocean during summer months.

One delighted visitor said: “What a great find! This bakery/restaurant is excellent. We each had a delicious bowl of soup accompanied by freshly baked bread. Perfect lunch after our Blackhead Beach walk.”

Outdoor enthusiasts frequently find themselves drawn to explore this region, renowned for its trails, including the legendary Gobbins Cliff Path. Rich in heritage, this route offers more than simply a stroll but rather a voyage through the ages, where you’ll encounter all the natural forces and feel more connected to the ocean than ever.

You can peer down into the thundering waters of the North Passage whilst standing on a metal bridge suspended between clifftops, providing unparalleled panoramas. A passionate adventurer documented their visit on TripAdvisor, saying: “The views are spectacular, and the history is so interesting. Keep your eyes open in the water – we saw several seals in the water. “

The location is temporarily shut following recent rockfall, though it’s expected to welcome visitors back shortly. However, there are numerous other routes to appreciate the stunning Northern Irish coast, such as the Blackhead Path.

Renowned for its charming white lighthouse backdrop, this route attracts walkers of all kinds, being a manageable trail suitable for various fitness levels. One hiker said: “You’ll enjoy stunning views across Belfast Lough of North Down, Scotland and nearby islands. You can walk up to the lighthouse in a circular route – through the caves and up the back steps – or take a left up across the Golden Steps. Incredible views and all free!”.

Railway enthusiasts or those seeking educational experiences should definitely visit Whitehead Railway Museum. Here, guests can climb aboard a locomotive featuring a 140 year old engine and enter a genuine 1950s carriage, all maintained by the Railway Preservation Society of Ireland’s collection.

Punters can wander through the venue independently or absorb fascinating insights from the knowledgeable staff stationed at the museum. When the weather’s playing up, it’s a perfect spot for some indoor entertainment. One visitor confessed they “nearly didn’t call in” but were “so glad” they did, even expressing a wish to have allocated more time.

The Great British Rail Sale is returning for the fourth year, offering millions of discounted tickets with savings of up to 50% and more on popular routes across the UK

A massive sale for rail travel is set to launch this month, offering up to 50% off on thousands of popular routes from nearly every train operator.

The Great British Rail Sale is back to make train journeys more affordable, boasting millions of discounted tickets. The week-long sale, taking place from 6 to 12 January 2026, presents an opportunity to secure bargain fares with over 50% savings on advance and off-peak tickets.

These reduced fares are valid for travel on thousands of routes from 13 January to 25 March 2026. With almost all train operators joining in and routes covering the length and breadth of the UK, it’s the perfect time to book, whether you’re planning a city getaway, commuting, or looking for half-term activities.

Some of the deals include £10 trips from South Coast destinations, such as Portsmouth to London Waterloo, offering a whopping 59% saving. Travellers hopping on the train from Exeter to London Waterloo can also enjoy a staggering 76% discount with tickets slashed from £41.70 to just £10.

In other deals, a 50% reduction will be available on the London Marylebone to Birmingham Moor Street route, with tickets going for a mere £7. Passengers can also benefit from the discounted journey from Manchester Piccadilly to Manchester Airport, which will be priced at just £1.20, down from £2.90, reports the Express.

Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said: “The Rail Sale is back – and it means further discounts for passengers as we freeze rail fares for the first time in 3 decades to help ease the cost of living. We all want to see cheaper rail travel, so whether you’re planning a half-term getaway, or visiting friends or family, this sale offers huge reductions. It’s all part of our plans to build a railway owned by the public, that works for the public.”

This marks the fourth year of the Great British Rail Sale, with travellers saving approximately £8 per trip last year, leading to more than one million tickets being snapped up. The government is understood to be determined to increase the number of people using trains in an effort to reduce carbon emissions and clear road space for emergency vehicles and freight.

Jacqueline Starr, executive chairperson and CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: “The Rail Sale gives people even more reasons to choose rail, whether it’s reconnecting with loved ones or exploring new places. Rail continues to play a vital role in the lives of millions, supporting local economies and offering a more sustainable way to travel.

“This year’s Rail Sale will offer millions of discounted advance fares across the network from 6 January, giving customers the chance to save on journeys big and small. By making rail travel more accessible, we hope even more people will enjoy the convenience and comfort of travelling by rail.”

Key discounts

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Neil Roarty has shared his “genius” travel hack that he believes is foolproof – but there is a major caveat that could leave you out of pocket if executed wrong

A British rail passenger’s “genius” travel hack has gone viral online after he appeared to travel in first class for free thanks to a strategic use of the UK railways’ compensation system. However, the trick carries a big risk for those willing to take it.

On Christmas Eve, one man shared a thread on X celebrating what he called his “biggest Christmas gamble.” Neil Roarty wrote: “Booked first class train home knowing that there would be a delay and I’d get the refund. There’s ALWAYS a delay.”

According to his post, he paid £238.20 for two first-class tickets, making his total a whopping £476.40, only to discover that his train was delayed by an hour and a half. Under UK rail rules, this meant he qualified for full compensation – including the cost of his ticket – through the industry’s Delay Repay scheme, effectively making the first-class journey free.

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What is the Delay Repay Scheme?

The Delay Repay scheme is a compensation system designed to reimburse passengers whose trains are significantly delayed or cancelled, regardless of the reason for the disruption.

Under the standard rules:

• Delays of 30–59 minutes can qualify for 25 percent refund of the ticket cost.
• Delays of 60–119 minutes typically qualify for 50 percent refund.
• Delays of 120 minutes or more generally mean passengers can claim a full refund – even if they complete the journey.

Importantly, compensation is based on the actual departure and arrival times recorded by the train operator, not what was printed on the timetable. This can vary depending on the train company.

How to Claim

Most UK train operators now allow passengers to submit a Delay Repay claim online, either through the operator’s official website or app. Here’s a general guide to the process:

1. Keep your ticket or reference number. You’ll need either the digital ticket confirmation or a paper ticket reference.
2. Visit your operator’s Delay Repay page. Common operators (e.g., Avanti West Coast, LNER, Great Western Railway) all have dedicated forms.
3. Enter your journey details. This includes date, time, origin and destination, and ticket price.
4. Upload supporting information. Depending on the operator, this could be a screenshot of the delay or your ticket receipt.
5. Submit and wait for a response. Claims usually take a few days to several weeks to process. Many operators will email you with an approval and payment instruction.

Some operators also allow passengers to make claims by post or at station ticket offices – though online submissions are fastest.

When this ‘hack’ works – and when it doesn’t

At first glance, booking an expensive ticket and waiting for compensation may seem like a clever loophole. But experts caution that it’s far from a guaranteed strategy.

Here’s why:

• Delays are not guaranteed. While rail services often experience disruptions, many journeys run on time – which would leave passengers out of pocket.
• Compensation depends on operator policies. Though most UK operators use Delay Repay, the exact terms and payment timeline vary, and not all refunds are paid in cash; some are offered as vouchers.
• Increased fare doesn’t always mean larger compensation. Refunds are proportional to the price paid, but for journeys with unusual fare structures or advance tickets, terms may differ.
• Operators may challenge borderline claims. If a delay is very close to the qualifying threshold, or was caused by external factors, train companies sometimes review claims more closely.

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A feasibility study has concluded that a railway tunnel beneath the Strait of Gibraltar is technically viable, with Spain now commissioning blueprints for the ambitious project

A colossal underwater tunnel linking Europe and Africa could finally be on the cards after the project received a major boost.

The ambitious project, which would see the tunnel burrow beneath the Strait of Gibraltar, has been reignited by Spain after being mooted by various governments for decades. Now scientists have declared that such an engineering feat is possible.

In October, a study commissioned by the Spanish Government and carried out by German tunnel experts Herrenknecht concluded that drilling a railway tunnel below the Strait would be technically achievable with current technology. Since then, Spanish consultancy firm Ineco has been tasked with drawing up a blueprint for the project by the end of next year, with hopes that Government approval could be granted as early as 2027.

The concept of creating a man-made link between Europe and Africa first surfaced in the 1970s, popping up intermittently in election campaigns and Government agendas since then, but no tangible steps have been taken until now. Previous proposals included the establishment of a joint Spain-Morocco committee in 1979 to assess the feasibility of the plan.

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The proposed tunnel, to be drilled beneath the nine-mile stretch of water separating southern Spain from Morocco, would take inspiration from the Eurotunnel, which opened in 1994 and links Britain to northern France under the English Channel.

The Herrenknecht report, formally commissioned by the Spanish Society for Studies on Fixed Communication across the Strait of Gibraltar (Secegsa), under the Ministry of Transport, has assessed the feasibility of constructing the railway tunnel in its most complex sections, especially under the Camarinal Threshold – an area with extremely difficult geological conditions.

The most recent cost estimate for the project is €8.5 billion (£7.4 billion), according to Voz Populi.

The project, featuring two separate railway tunnels each carrying trains in one direction, is set to connect Punta Paloma in Cadiz with Morocco’s Cape Malabata, near Tangier. The tunnel would span roughly 26 miles, with nearly 17 miles of the route submerged underwater, reports the Express.

It’s also projected to reach a depth of 1,540 feet – significantly deeper than the Channel Tunnel, which only dips to 246 feet below sea level. Upon completion, the journey is estimated to take about 30 minutes by train, with the capacity to carry both passengers on high-speed AVE trains and freight.

The project faces significant technical challenges, particularly due to its location at the boundary between the Eurasian and African tectonic plates along the Azores-Gibraltar fault line, Morocco World News reports.

If given the green light, fieldwork is anticipated to commence in 2030, with the main construction phase scheduled for between 2035 and 2040. However, these dates could be subject to change.

While initial plans aimed to complete the tunnel by 2030, coinciding with the FIFA World Cup co-hosted by Spain, Portugal, and Morocco, experts have since stated that this timeline is unrealistic, given the project’s complexity and its current preliminary stage of studies.

The current proposed route, from Punta Paloma to Cape Malabata, comes after decades of discarded proposals, including an early concept for a suspension bridge. This type of connection was eventually ruled out due to the Strait’s depth, seismic activity and extreme wind conditions.

The project is being jointly managed by SECEGSA and its Moroccan counterpart, SNED (National Society for Strait Studies). Both organizations are working to establish a reliable rail connection for passengers and freight between Europe and North Africa.

WE’VE taken a look at how to spend a family day out for FREE across multiple locations in the UK.

We’ve pinpointed three UK counties brimming with free activities for all ages, ensuring everyone stays entertained without spending a single penny.

And with activities covered for all ages, you can be sure there’ll be no getting bored.

Sussex: Beach days, railways and pirate festival

Across Sussex there are plenty of free things to do, meaning that you can take the kids out for an action-packed day of activities without breaking the bank.

If you’re visiting when the sun’s out, head to one of the many beautiful beaches in the county.

Camber Sands is perfect for families with its sprawling stretches of golden sands, perfect for bucket and spade days and paddling in the water.

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It’s a top choice due to its nearby facilities including parking, cafes and loos – perfect for parents of young children.

A sunny day is also the perfect time to go for a family bike ride.

The South Coast East route will take you along the coast, past stunning cliffs and landscapes.

And if the children (or Dad) are into steam trains, there’s multiple ways to enjoy them in Sussex – without booking a pricey ticket.

The Bluebell Railway is a great spot to visit, with its interactive “SteamWorks” exhibition at Sheffield Park station, and its own outdoor playground at Kingscote station.

There is no charge for platform entry on non-service days, and the gifts and models shop often remains open on these days too – just check their website ahead of time.

You can also head to Hotham Park, a short walk from Bognor Regis town centre, where there’s a popular miniature railway.

The park is free to enter if you’re wanting to stroll and have a look around.

But there’s loads to see and do for an optional small fee, such as crazy golf, a boating lake and kids’ adventure play area.

And if you do visit with some change in your pocket, the Hotham Park Railway is only £2.50 for adults and £2 for kids (under 2s go free).

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends Hastings in Sussex for its annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

It’s a pirate-themed weekend with free things to do including a treasure hunt, craft workshops and kids pirate tattoos.

Lastly, Sussex is home to some fantastic free museums.

The Shipwreck Museum is free to enter, and is full of fascinating maritime artifacts.

Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum in Chichester for families.

It also has free entry, and kids can learn about history covering the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Lincoln: Horse sanctuary, lakeside picnics and history museums

There’s loads of free and cheap things to do for families in Lincolnshire.

So much so, that there’s a Facebook group with more than 15,000 members sharing free things to do with the kids “in and around Lincoln”.

If you’ve got any mini history buffs in the family, they’ll enjoy a visit to the Museum of Lincolnshire Life.

The museum takes a deep dive into life in the county, from 1750 to the present day.

There’s an authentic WWI tank, interactive exhibitions and group quiz sessions.

Similarly, The Lincoln Museum is another indoor attraction well-worth the visit.

Aside from the fascinating exhibitions, it offers “Play at The Lincoln Museum” – a free activity centre packed with activities for younger children and a play zone for babies.

For older kids, there’s lots of interactive games and trails too.

Alternatively, just 20 minutes from Lincoln you’ll find Bransby Horses.

The charity owns a 600-acre site which is home to over 300 horses, ponies, donkeys and mules.

Visitors can walk through to admire the animals and set up for lunch at the designated picnic area.

There’s also a play park, cafe and gift shop.

Entry is free, although donations are recommended upon visiting to support the charity.

Sun reader Sarah Al-Aidi recommends Hubbard’s Hills – a vast green space near Louth with plenty of trees and a water valley.

“It’s a real beauty spot with great picnic areas, dog walking trails and nature walks” she says.

In the park you’ll find a play area and plenty of scenic picnic spots by the river – and it’s a great place to bring the dog, too.

Devon: Free soft play, giant animal models and discovery trails

Whilst Devon is known for it’s family-friendly beaches, there’s more to it than building sandcastles and wasting away your change at the arcades.

One of the best ways to explore the county is by undertaking one of its many outdoor discovery trails.

Haldon Forest near Exeter has a popular family activity trail which often has new themes depending on the time of year.

It’s a beautiful winding trail which ends at a picnic spot, home to an impressive Gruffalo sculpture.

And for kids of all ages, geo-caching can make for an exciting and energy-burning day out – and can get your kids away from their screens.

Geo-caching in Dartmoor or Exmoor National Parks is a fantastic way to get the kids to explore the outdoors.

Hidden around the parks you’ll find stashes of hidden items known as caches.

They’ll often have quirky items in to trade, as well as a log book to record your win finding the geo-cache.

In fact geo-caching happens all over the UK, and all the rules are on the geo-caching website.

Plus, the Royal William Yard Geo Trail in Plymouth is a fascinating look back in time to 380 million years ago.

And whilst you’re visiting Plymouth, dads can make the most of free soft play.

“On Thursdays, Barnardo’s runs a Dads and Dinkies session, which is free soft play for dads and the children” says Gem Krupa, Holiday Home Sales Manager at Challaborough Bay holiday park.

“Mums can have a rest while Dads take the kids down to the YMCA for a play.”

The free soft play sessions take place every Thursday at 1.30pm. Just make sure to prebook first!

Lastly, on the outskirts of Dartmoor in Bovey Tracey you can’t skip out on The Jolly Roger.

Here you’ll find incredible showrooms displaying giant animal and dinosaur models – and the best part is, it’s free to visit.

There’s also models of race cars, fairies, and at Christmas time the showroom even gets decked out with Santas and sleighs.

IF you’re off on a £9.50 Holiday with the family to Sussex, you’ll be happy to hear that there’s plenty to keep your whole crew entertained.

Of course, you can easily spend your time on the beaches, which don’t cost a penny to visit.

West Wittering, Brighton Beach and Camber Sands are among the top-rated beaches for families.

But if the weather doesn’t play ball, or if you’ve already had your fill of sandcastle building, then there’s a whole raft of family-friendly activities near your holiday park by the coast.

Maybe the arcades and fun fair rides of Brighton Palace Pier are calling you, or perhaps it’s the animals and all-ages play areas at the top-rated Drusillas Park. 

We’ve chatted to local experts and Sun readers who have already enjoyed a £9.50 Holiday in Sussex to get their top tips on the family attractions that are worth visiting. 

From thrilling water parks to pirate festivals, here’s what they recommend… 

Make a splash

If you have older kids in tow, why not let them burn off steam with something that will really get their adrenaline pumping?

Georgie Radford-Brown, Assistant Guest Experience Manager at Camber Sands Holiday Park recommends Rye Water Sports.

She said: “It’s an action water park that’s really close to us. They have a variety of water sports, like sailing, kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding.”

The location will also put parents’ minds at ease – lessons take place on a safe inland lake between Rye and Camber Sands.

The centre runs everything from board hire (from £20) to holiday clubs for children aged eight to 15 (one day from £85 including sailing, windsurfing and paddle boarding).

Meanwhile, in West Sussex, Chichester Watersports has an aqua park, complete with inflatable slides and jumps in the water. Suitable from age seven, a 50-minute session costs £20. 

Get on your bike

For something that will burn energy without burning a hole in your pocket, head to one of the brilliant cycle paths in Sussex.

If you have your own bike, they are also completely free to explore, and the traffic-free terrain also works well for families with prams.

The South Coast East route takes you along the seafront – you could start at Worthing and extend it to Shoreham, Lancing or Brighton depending on how far you want to go.

Alternatively, start at Shoreham-by-Sea and head inland past woods, streams and rivers on the Downs Link.

For a quick trip, you can hire a Donkey Bike via the app (from £1.80 for 30 minutes), or try Riverside South Downs who rent bikes from £20 for two hours.

Meet pirates in Hastings 

Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, recommends visiting Hastings during the annual Pirate Festival.

She said: “Hastings is brilliant for live music, with lots of events on the seafront like the pirate festival.

“It’s very popular, and you can pop into one of the nice pubs along the front – the best are located in the Old Town like The Crown and Ye Old Pumphouse.

“Some of the pirate events happen in these pubs like live music and themed roast dinners.”

Hastings Pirate Weekend is packed with family-friendly activities, like a treasure hunt, free kids’ tattoos and craft workshops.

To learn more about pirates, head to The Shipwreck Museum. It’s free to enter and kids will love touching artefacts from many ships wrecked in the English Channel.

Spark their curiosity

Museums don’t have to be boring – especially if they have children’s activities on tap. Sue Mercer, 62, from Pagham recommends The Novium Museum for families.

Built on top of the remains of a Roman bathhouse in Chichester, it’s free to enter (though donations are welcome) and has oodles to make learning fun, such as hands-on workshops about everything from the Stone Ages to the Saxons.

Kids can try on costumes, handle real artefacts and even join in organised sleepovers at the museums, complete with torchlit treasure hunts and bedtime stories.

Sue said: “There are also brilliant children’s activities at the Aldingbourne Country Centre and Pallant House Gallery.”

Ride the railways

There’s nothing like a train ride to keep the kids entertained.

And there’s a whole host of options near your £9.50 Holiday in Sussex.

Sue Mercer recommends taking the kids to Hotham Park in Bognor Regis, which has a miniature railway, plus a boating lake, crazy golf and Alice in Wonderland wooden sculptures.

Meanwhile, in East Sussex, take the family for a ride on a railway that’s been in use for over 100 years, the Kent and East Sussex Railway (£53 for a family of four).

Netflix’s Man vs Baby has been a hit with viewers and they can’t get enough of the picturesque village at the beginning of the series.

Man vs Baby, featuring Rowan Atkinson reprising his role as Trevor Bingley, has become a massive hit on Netflix. The festive comedy is a four-part sequel to Man vs Bee, and it sees Trevor taking up a new position as a school caretaker. Following his separation from his wife, Trevor leads a simple, somewhat solitary life in a quaint rural cottage that still relies on a coin meter for electricity. He was looking forward to his daughter’s Christmas visit, but a change of plans left him alone.

After a string of unexpected events, Trevor ends up house-sitting a luxury penthouse in London, where most of the story unfolds. However, viewers have been captivated by the idyllic village featured at the start of the series, which is currently topping the Netflix charts, and are eager to know its location.

The opening scenes of this Christmas comedy were shot in the charming village of Aldbury in Dacorum, Hertfordshire. Dacorum Borough Council proudly shared a snapshot of the film crew on their Facebook page, delighted to see their picturesque locale gaining recognition.

They explained: “The production, which includes Rowan Atkinson among its cast, brought a festive transformation to Aldbury last winter, complete with snow-covered streets, Christmas trees, and seasonal decorations. Working under the production code name St James, Aldbury Parish Council supported the Netflix team throughout the process, with local residents and businesses helping to ensure smooth filming.”

“Hertfordshire Film Office also assisted with traffic management. Many community members had the opportunity to observe filming, with several external scenes shot around the village. Thank you to everyone involved in supporting another production in Dacorum.”

The picturesque village of Aldbury, home to fewer than a thousand residents, centres around Aldbury Village Store. Viewers are also treated to glimpses of the village pond, the historic manor cottage, and the Greyhound Inn’s exterior, the beloved local pub.

The scenes depicting St Aldwyn’s Church of England Primary School were actually filmed at Longfield Hall, a Victorian community venue dating back to 1904 in Camberwell, South London. For the railway station sequence, whilst Tring Station was nearest, its contemporary appearance meant producers opted for Ongar railway station in Essex instead.

Enjoy Dacorum portrays Aldbury as a “pretty, traditional English village with a church, village pond, ancient whipping post and stocks and two pubs”. Thanks to its quintessentially charming character, the village has become a sought-after filming destination for major productions including Midsomer Murders and the second Bridget Jones film.

The 2023 film Lord of Misrule also featured scenes shot in Aldbury, with the Parish Council publishing a touching note from the production crew on their website. They said: “It has been an enormous privilege for us to shoot our movie in such a beautiful, characterful setting and I think we’ll all take a little piece of Hertfordshire away in our hearts as we leave.”

Actor Atkinson reflected on how the concept of a solitary Christmas formed the foundation of the series, explaining: “I certainly like Christmas, like most people. I was quite drawn to the idea of, without wishing to spoil the plot of Man Versus Baby, a lonely Christmas.

“Other than having the baby for company, Trevor’s alone because his daughter has booked a last-minute holiday to Barbados. He’s flat-sitting at Christmas without any of his family around him, and that can be hard.

“When we first see him, he’s got all these presents wrapped by a tiny tree decorated with Heroes wrappers, and he’s looking forward to it, and then he gets abandoned by his family, which is quite sad.”

The series has garnered glowing reviews from both viewers and critics, who have praised it as ideal family viewing. The Mr Bean star explained: “As long as people enjoy what I’ve put a lot of effort into producing, I’m happy. I’ve worked on this show every day of my life for the last year and a quarter, at the very least. I definitely put in the hours.

“I’m someone who does that. I don’t just turn up to act the role: I’m part of the writing and very much part of the post-production, so I’m in every sound mix and visual effects meeting. I’m there from the bitter beginning to the bitter end and so it’s a big commitment. If all of that effort ends up in something good that people like, that’s all you can hope for.”

Man vs Baby is available to stream on Netflix.

This little village sits within the stunning North York Moors National Park and is the real-life set for a number of popular TV and film productions – but there’s more than meets the eye

Nestled within the stunning landscape of the North York Moors National Park, this charming village brims with character and boasts surprising connections to the entertainment world.

Goathland sits amid the Yorkshire Moors, crafted as a perfectly English settlement with abundant discoveries awaiting visitors. Most will instantly recognise it from its starring role in the beloved television series Heartbeat, where it’s known as Aidensfield. Debuting in 1992, Heartbeat was a British police drama set in this Yorkshire village during the 1960s. The show proved enormously popular with audiences and enjoyed an impressive television run until its concluding episode in 2010. Yet Heartbeat’s finale wasn’t Goathland’s last moment in the spotlight, as it became a key filming location for the Harry Potter movie series.

Indeed, the picturesque railway station served as Hogsmeade Station throughout the films and boasts a fascinating heritage of its own. It stands as a treasured piece of history along the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) heritage route, celebrated for its authentic Victorian architecture from the 1800s, drawing countless visitors eager to witness these features.

The location serves as a paradise for train enthusiasts, with the railway operator providing various steam journeys featuring breathtaking trips across the moorland. A recent visitor to the station shared on TripAdvisor: “We enjoyed travelling on the steam trains and made some very special memories. We found all the staff (many of which are volunteers) to be very friendly and more than willing to chat and share stories of the railway. We thoroughly enjoyed our time visiting and would recommend.”

Beyond the station, this charming village boasts an enviable location, nestled near Whitby whilst bordering tranquil countryside. This makes it the perfect retreat for those eager to discover the great outdoors, particularly within Dalby Forest. The park encompasses a staggering 8,500 acres of terrain that provides breathtaking vistas, countless hiking paths and cycling routes for those wanting to explore the region. Part of this includes the Dalby Activity Centre, which boasts an array of adrenaline-fuelled pursuits and several Go Ape courses to challenge your adventurous spirit.

Other delightful features of this concealed village treasure include its nearness to Thomason Foss, a charming small waterfall providing a peaceful stroll and spot for a wild dip during summer.Afterwards, when keen ramblers seek somewhere to pause for a swift drink, they’ll frequently end up at The Goathland Hotel Bar.

Alternatively, guests can unwind with a brew at the traditional village tea rooms, which one recent guest described as a “great find”. They commented: “Excellent food and service, Would thoroughly recommend to anyone visiting Goathland. Plenty of tables to accommodate all sized parties and allowing well behaved dogs is a bonus.”