Grosmont: Railway, Industrial History and Walking Routes

There are several ways to shape a stay in Grosmont: railway history around the station, paths along former railway lines and traces of its industrial heritage. There are also St Matthew’s Church and the Geall Gallery, an open working studio. You can plan your day around whether you are particularly interested in railways, history or a walk.

Railway history around the station

Grosmont station is home to the locomotive sheds of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR). Steam and diesel locomotives are maintained and restored there. The station is also the interchange between the NYMR and the mainline railway network via the Esk Valley Line. This connection and the workshops shape the station’s role in Grosmont. The George Stephenson Tunnel adds to the area’s historic character: it was built in 1835.

You can encounter railway history beyond the sheds, too. The former Falsgrave Signal Gantry at the station is still used as an example of historic railway signalling. The Post Office and its adjoining outbuildings were built around 1835 for the Whitby and Pickering Railway Company. At the Geall Gallery, you can watch Chris Geall at work and talk to him about his techniques. As visitor arrangements may change, it is best to check them in advance for your planned visit.

Trails and traces of industrial heritage

The 3.5-mile Rail Trail runs from Grosmont via Beck Hole to Goathland, following Stephenson’s original railway line. Information along the route explores traces of mining and industrial heritage. The Grosmont to Beck Hole Walk offers a different route: this 4¾-mile circular walk passes through woods known for their bluebells, goes through Beck Hole and then follows the Murk Esk back to Grosmont. The difference is useful when planning: the Rail Trail goes as far as Goathland, while the circular walk returns to Grosmont.

Grosmont Ironworks is also one of the defining reminders of local industrial history. This significant complex stood on the site of today’s National Park car park and produced almost 1,000 tonnes of pig iron per week. Twayblade and Sickle Medick are among the plants that have become established on the former site. At Esk Valley Mine, also known as Holme House Mine, two rows of miners’ cottages, the mine manager’s house, a small chapel and houses belonging to tradespeople remain. A path from the Rail Trail was created to provide public access to the site for the first time; information and a sculpture tell the story of the mine, its workings and its community. The site opened to the public on 31 August 2020. Check current access arrangements before visiting.

Church and railway experiences

St Matthew’s Church was built between 1873 and 1875 and consecrated on 6 August 1875. It is a Grade II listed building. Alongside its industrial and technical heritage, Grosmont therefore also offers an insight into the history of the village’s architecture.

The NYMR offers a 36-mile footplate ride on a historic diesel locomotive: 18 miles each way between Grosmont and Pickering. Dates and availability vary by season; check the latest information before making plans. Tours of the locomotive sheds are also seasonal. They introduce visitors to the work of the Motive Power Depot and its site.

The NYMR Pullman Dining Service is also based at the station and offers a meal in one of its First Class carriages; availability may vary. The Refreshment Room serves seasonal drinks, homemade sweets and freshly prepared meals. Whether it is open depends on the line’s operations and the season. If you are planning your stay around one of these experiences, check the relevant dates and visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover more destinations: Carlton Miniott, Thixendale, Hipswell, Pateley Bridge, Busby, Draughton, Rillington, Malton.

For the overview of the wider area: North Yorkshire.