Getting to and around the North York Moors
There's loads of information here to help you plan your visit to our corner of Yorkshire, but if you need to know more, please give us a call.
VisitBritain/VisitEngland has developed a set of guides to support travellers with a range of accessibility requirements, both when considering a trip within Britain and when already on our shores. The guides showcase useful links and practical information including accessible travel.
Travel by train
Esk Valley Railway
Delightful villages, dramatic views, riverside picnic spots and gentle country walks are all found on a train ride through the delightful Esk Valley on the Esk Valley Railway. One of the most picturesque and romantic train journeys in the country, running for 35 miles from Middlesbrough out to Whitby. The line crosses historic viaducts and stops at more than half a dozen pretty riverside and moorland villages. Manual and powered wheelchairs can be taken on the Esk Valley Railway, but some stations may be inaccessible. Please call Passenger Assistance on
North Yorkshire Moors Railway
A puff of steam and the toot of a whistle announces the start of the 18-mile journey back in time from Pickering through Newtondale Gorge to Grosmont on the fabulous North Yorkshire Moors Railway, the country's most popular heritage railway. The Railway has five stations along its eighteen-mile route, four of which are easily accessible. The only station without disabled access is Newtondale Halt. Some trains continue on for a further six miles out to Whitby. Enjoy stunning views from the comfort of one of their accessible carriages, which have wider double doors, portable ramps, space to move around on board and a fully accessible toilet. To book a seat, please complete this form no later than seven days in advance of your planned journey. You do not need to purchase a ticket online. Priory to your visit, do given them a call on
Travel by bus
Many service buses have low-level access and ramps for easy boarding. You can see the main bus operators for the North York Moors on our travel pages. These include:
- Arriva X93/94 Middlesbrough to Scarborough: find out how Arriva aims to help customers with access needs to travel safely and with confidence.
- Coastliner: including the 840 Coastliner service, previously voted Britain's most scenic bus route! Pick up their various daily services from Leeds, Tadcaster, York, Easingwold and Malton, serving Pickering, Thornton le Dale, Goathland and Whitby. Most vehicles have full access for wheelchair users with a step-free entrance and space for a wheelchair. Those displaying the 'wheelchair accessible' sign can carry buggies too. For information on accessibility and timetables call
01653 692556 . - EY 128/28X Scarborough to Helmsley. All the company’s buses are now low-floor, easy-access and with full wheelchair-accessibility.
- National Express – has a dedicated Assisted Travel Team to help plan your trip or offer advice. There is a Facilities Directory for coach stations, coaches fitted with lifts, assistance dogs are welcome and it follows the Sunflower Lanyard Scheme. For information on routes and timetables, contact National Express on
03717 818181 or email using their assisted travel form. - Reliance 31X York-Kirkbymoorside via Helmsley: if you have any concerns about accessing their buses, please call
01904 768262 or get in touch via their contact us page.
Seasonal bus services
- Moorsbus is a network of local bus services organised by a not-for-profit community organisation to provide access to and within the North York Moors. Moorsbus services operate using low-floor accessible buses throughout July and August but only on weekends and bank holiday Monday. It serves a number of railway stations including York, Malton, Thirsk, Northallerton and Danby. Check the service map for links with rail services.
- Whitby Tour bus is wheelchair accessible from Whitby station to Whitby Abbey which runs from April until September. You can get on and off as many times as you like, with stops at the pier and the Abbey.
Travel by taxi
There are a few taxi firms in the area with vehicles suitable for people with access needs:
- Abbey Taxis, Whitby: call 01947 606666/01947 601212
- Esk Taxis, Whitby: Please call
01947 492909 or01947 605705 for a quote or to book your journey - Helmsley Black Cabs, Helmsley: Call
01439 223939 - REDS Taxis, Helmsley: Has a wheelchair accessible vehicle. Please call
07760160244 in advance to discuss your requirements - Station Taxis, Malton: Call
01653 69696 or book online
Public hire taxis: Most of the drivers for the taxi companies that use the taxi rank on New Quay Road in Whitby, will put transportable wheelchairs and small mobility scooters (that will fit) into the boot of their cars. Passengers must negotiate this with drivers in advance as not all are able to lift the equipment.