Goathland: Film History and Trails through the North York Moors

Goathland combines the impressive landscapes of the North York Moors with a remarkable cultural and film history. The first Harry Potter film was filmed at Goathland Station: the station served as Hogsmeade Station. It also appeared as Aidensfield in the ITV programme “Heartbeat”. Anyone planning a trip to Goathland can therefore combine historic railway atmosphere, well-known filming locations and hiking experiences.

Station, Church and Living Village History

The Goods Shed of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway at Goathland Station is a Grade II listed building. Goathland Station’s Tea Room is located in a converted Goods Shed dating from 1922. At the station, historic fabric and a tea room in the building therefore come together, without you having to know the location only from film and television.

St Mary's Church also tells the story of the village’s long history. There has been a place of worship at the site of the present church since Elizabethan times. The present building was completed in 1896 and designed by Walter H. Brierly of York. For families with children, the “Mouse Trail” sheet available there provides a small search activity: visitors can follow it while looking for mice.

Another special feature is the Goathland Plough Stots. The traditional longsword dancing group was revived in 1922 and performed for the first time in January 1923. Their own dance has been performed since the early 19th century. The Goathland Plough Stots exhibition, with dance memorabilia, is housed in the village Reading Room. The Brereton Cottages add another historic feature: Historic England lists them as Grade II* and of national importance. Brereton House, Brereton Cottage and Brereton Corner together form an important surviving example of a traditional longhouse on the moors in the North York Moors. The Brereton Cottages stand at Goathland’s main crossroads and overlook the historic village green and the World War II memorial.

Walking Routes between Esk Valley and Mallyan Spout

Goathland is also a suitable starting point for experiencing the landscape step by step. The Rail Trail follows sections of the former railway line through Esk Valley. Anyone wishing to combine the former route of the railway line with a walk will gain a different perspective on the landscape than when visiting the historic buildings.

The Fen Bog nature reserve near White Way Heads in Goathland combines views of the North York Moors with a diverse range of plants, insects and upland birds. Another notable destination is Mallyan Spout. The Mallyan Spout and Beck Hole Walk is 3 miles long and starts and finishes at Goathland car park. At Mallyan Spout, the sides of the gorge are 70 feet high and almost vertical. The rocky path along the West Beck can be particularly challenging after heavy rain. Take these conditions into account when planning your day and choose your route according to whether you are looking for a historical discovery or a nature experience.

Goathland as a Base for Planning Your Trip

Goathland can be reached from Pickering or Whitby via the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. For regional connections, the Coastliner 840 links Leeds, York, Pickering and Whitby. These different travel connections may play a role when choosing your holiday apartment or holiday cottage: the key consideration is whether your trip focuses on railway history, filming locations, village culture or walks through the North York Moors. Accommodation in Goathland is therefore particularly suitable for a trip plan that places the village itself and the diverse impressions on site at the centre.

Further Destinations for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to consider other places in addition to Goathland, you can also extend your search to West Witton, Ripley, Wykeham, Rillington, Embsay, Oulston, Birstwith and Well.

For the higher-level travel overview: North Yorkshire.