The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has unveiled its 2026 Footplate and Driver Experiences, offering visitors an extraordinary chance to step inside the cab of a working heritage locomotive.

For the first time, enthusiasts can experience the iconic 1903 NER Autocar in a Driver Experience, adding a unique twist to this historic railway adventure.

Running on selected dates, the experiences let participants travel alongside crew between Pickering and Grosmont, immersing themselves in the sights, sounds, and smells of steam and diesel operations.

Steam Footplate Experiences, priced at £475, allow guests to journey on a classic steam locomotive, while Diesel Footplate Experiences start from £300.

A new mixed-traction route between Pickering and Goathland, also £300, offers a shorter but equally thrilling adventure.

Each package includes footplate access, a tearoom lunch voucher, 10% off at the station shop, and a commemorative certificate. Companion tickets are available for £30.

Driver Experiences take the thrill further, letting visitors take the controls under expert supervision across 18 miles of track, starting at Pickering or Grosmont. With prices ranging from £650 to £850, these sessions are designed for adults over 18 in good health, who must complete an online medical declaration before the day.

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway is set to host a spectacular and busy 2026 season, including Easter celebrations, the Annual Diesel Gala, the Annual Steam Gala, and traditional Pullman Dining services. Tickets and further details for tours at the North Yorkshire Moors Railway can be found online.

“Standing on the footplate of a working locomotive is something many railway enthusiasts dream about. Our footplate experiences put people right at the heart of the action, alongside the crew as they fire, drive, and manage these historic locomotives across the North York Moors. It gives people a real appreciation for the skill and teamwork needed to operate a heritage railway.”

Paul Middleton, Director of Mechanical Engineering at the NYMR.