North York Moors

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Goathland

Goathland Credit www.rjbphotographic.co.ukGoathland Credit www.rjbphotographic.co.uk

This bracing moorland village has attracted visitors since the 19th century, but numbers soared following its appearance (as 'Aidensfield') in the television series 'Heartbeat' and its role in the 'Harry Potter' films. It's fun to arrive on the trains of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway, after which walkers can enjoy lots of local strolls and hikes.

Things to see and do

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has a heritage station in Goathland, which may be familiar as 'Hogsmeade' station from the early Harry Potter films.

Wade's Causeway, also known as the 'Roman road', runs across nearby Wheeldale Moor. Long considered Roman in date, this is now less certain – it may date from early medieval times or may even have been built by a certain Wade the Giant . . .

Walks

The 'Rail Trail' from Goathland to Grosmont combines a signposted three-and-a-half mile walk down the old railway line with a ride back up on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. There's a guidebook available in local shops.

The 70ft (21m) high Mallyan Spout waterfall can be reached by a footpath close to the Mallayan Spout Hotel. Download the route here, or buy the booklet 'Walks around Goathland', available from local shops, which includes the waterfall route and four other local walks.

Follow the Centenary Walk to reflect upon the effect that wars and conflict have had on a small settlement such as Goathland. This 2 mile gentle walk starts on the disused railway line (next to Goathland Hotel), crosses fields to the church and then returns to the village centre by road passing the war memorial. An information panel is located at the start of the walk detailing the route. 

Eating and drinking

There are several cafés and a pub in Goathland, and a public bar and restaurant at the Mallyan Spout Hotel. Walk down Rail Trail to the hamlet of Beck Hole and you can visit the riverside Birch Hall Inn. North Yorkshire's smallest and quaintest pub? You decide.


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Facilities

  • Pay and display car park
  • Hotels, B&Bs
  • Restaurant, cafés
  • Pub
  • General store, shops
  • Post office
  • Toilets

Further information

Public transport: Bus service on the Coastliner, from Whitby, York and Leeds, see Traveline Yorkshire

Village Information Point
The Post Office
Goathland
YO22 5LX
Website

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