Historic Railway Offers One-Day Free Access to Hidden Villages

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 17, 2025 23:24 PMNews
Share:
Green steam locomotive pulling passenger carriages through rural area
Steam locomotive running on countryside track. Source: unsplash

Yorkshire Wolds Railway, located near the village of Fimber in East Yorkshire, is marking its tenth year since reopening with a special offer: free train rides for all visitors on Sunday 25 May. The heritage line, which revives a portion of the former Malton and Driffield Junction Railway, is entirely maintained by volunteers and has been operating public trips since 2015.

According to financial director Phil Robson, the decision to offer free travel is a way to recognise the commitment of supporters and acknowledge a decade of progress. Over the years, the railway has grown from a short track into a functioning visitor attraction, offering rides, historical exhibits, and restoration projects that reflect East Yorkshire’s transport heritage.

This anniversary is a testament to the hard work of our volunteers and the amazing support from the local community and all visitors who keep the railway running.
Financial director Phil Robson

Travellers joining the route will find more than just the ride itself. The journey begins at Fimber Halt, a modest station with restored railcars and a small museum. Nearby Sledmere village features the Georgian-era Sledmere House and its landscaped gardens, while Garton on the Wolds offers visitors the chance to see the richly decorated St Michael’s Church. Each location adds cultural depth to the heritage line, making the trip a gateway to rural exploration.

The free ride also creates access to sites like Wharram Percy, one of the best-known deserted medieval villages in the country. With views over the Yorkshire Wolds’ rolling hills, the train route runs through scenery that has inspired artists and walkers alike. For travellers on foot, bike, or by car, this event offers an easy and affordable way to discover places they might not otherwise visit, without needing to plan around busy schedules or entrance fees.

Events like this highlight how even limited scale heritage projects can contribute to regional tourism. For curious travellers who want more than sightseeing, hopping on this old train line is like stepping into a moving storybook where history rolls past the window. It connects past and present through lived experience. And with no ticket required, this moment of connection becomes open to all.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Etihad Airways aircraft approaching for landing against a clear sky

New Etihad Routes Open Direct Access to Krakow and Salalah

Jul 3, 2025 07:49 AM
Modern hotel bedroom with neutral tones and tufted headboard

Historic Helsinki Hotel to Join Waldorf Astoria Brand

Jul 3, 2025 05:36 AM

Malta Reconnects: Direct Flights Open Easy Access

Jul 2, 2025 23:24 PM

Kyoto to Welcome New Midscale Hotel Near Key Transit and Attractions

Jul 2, 2025 21:41 PM
Silhouetted travelers walking through airport at sunset

Loganair Makes Temporary Offer for More Flexible Tickets and Baggage Allowance

Jul 2, 2025 19:37 PM
Modern bedroom with blush pink decor and minimalist lighting

Fresh Accommodation Choice Opens Near Florence’s Iconic Landmarks

Jul 2, 2025 18:25 PM
Lufthansa airplane approaching for landing

Frankfurt Launches Long-Haul Flights Amid Busy Holiday Travel

Jul 2, 2025 17:42 PM
Modern hotel room with white bedding and sculptural wooden wall design

New hotel in Turgutreis opens up another side of Bodrum

Jul 2, 2025 07:38 AM
SAS Airbus A320neo regional jet in flight under cloudy sky

SAS’s New Regional Jets Set to Expand Travel Options Across Scandinavia

Jul 1, 2025 22:46 PM

InterContinental Expands to Brisbane CBD as City Prepares for 2032 Games

Jul 1, 2025 20:29 PM

Iberia Launches Boarding Pass That Updates in Real Time to Keep Travelers Informed

Jul 1, 2025 18:33 PM
Modern hotel room with large bed, soft lighting, and work desk

Melbourne Adds Flexible Stay Option in Central District

Jul 1, 2025 16:44 PM
Etihad Airways Boeing 787 in special livery mid-flight

Etihad Opens Direct Summer Routes to Six Mediterranean Cities

Jul 1, 2025 10:27 AM
Modern, minimalist hotel bedroom with wooden accents and abstract art

Radisson Expands to Dobra Voda, Opening Access to Southern Montenegro Trails and Shores

Jul 1, 2025 08:31 AM
Person speaking into a megaphone during a public demonstration

Strike at Helsinki Airport to Disrupt Finnair Flights, Thousands to Face Travel Changes

Jun 30, 2025 20:38 PM

Berlin Becomes the Newest Dot on Dalata’s European Journey

Jun 30, 2025 18:23 PM

Transavia Replaces Boeing with New Jet on Mallorca Route

Jun 29, 2025 22:49 PM
Three diverse dishes served in food hall style with herbs and spices

European Food Halls Become Essential Travel Destinations

Jun 29, 2025 20:36 PM
Close-up of a Scandinavian Airlines aircraft parked on the tarmac at sunset

Direct Flights Between Copenhagen and Nuuk Resume After Two Decades, Opening New Arctic Travel Opportunities

Jun 28, 2025 21:22 PM
Electric Lumo train moving on railway tracks in the UK

New Slow Travel Trend Offers Different Way to Discover the UK

Jun 28, 2025 19:48 PM
LOT Polish Airlines aircraft preparing to land

LOT Adds Direct Flights Connecting Gdańsk to Istanbul’s Historic Core

Jun 28, 2025 17:35 PM
Multiple trains approach a busy London rail junction under a canopy of signals

Travel Disruption Expected on London Rail Lines 3 July

Jun 28, 2025 15:21 PM

New Direct Flights Between Nice and Florence Open Up Easier Travel Across the Mediterranean

Jun 28, 2025 13:47 PM

Steady Travel Through Wales: T4 Changes Operator in September

Jun 28, 2025 00:34 AM
Modern hotel room with large windows, patterned wallpaper, and mid-century style furniture

Montreal, Toronto, Niagara Falls Set for Centrally Located Hotel Openings

Jun 27, 2025 21:28 PM
Air Canada aircraft in flight approaching landing

New Direct Montréal–Edinburgh Flight Opens Summer City-to-City Travel

Jun 27, 2025 19:45 PM