Historic Railway Offers One-Day Free Access to Hidden Villages
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.
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.