NYMR Annual Steam Gala
Iconic Visiting Engines and 18 Miles of Steam Heritage.
Posted on 2nd August 2026
The flagship event of the railway calendar returns to the North York Moors! The NYMR Annual Steam Gala is an intensive four-day celebration of heritage steam traction, bringing together famous guest locomotives and home fleet engines to run an action-packed showcase across the 18-mile line between Pickering and Whitby.
Running from Thursday 24th to Sunday 27th September 2026, the festival offers families, heritage enthusiasts, and photographers the chance to experience non-stop passenger services and station atmosphere set against the breathtaking backdrop of the North York Moors National Park.
Star Visiting Locomotives πβ¨
Three distinguished visiting locomotives join the NYMR line for the 2026 event:
- No. 60007 Sir Nigel Gresley: Built at Doncaster in 1937 and originally numbered 4498, this renowned member of the LNER A4 Pacific class visits to mark the 150th anniversary of her engineer's birth. (Visiting courtesy of the Sir Nigel Gresley Locomotive Trust).
- T3 Class No. 563: Built in 1893, this 81-tonne locomotive is the last surviving member of her class, recently restored to full working order in her 1890s Drummond passenger green livery. (Visiting courtesy of Swanage Railway Trust).
- No. 4079 Pendennis Castle: Built in 1924, this famous Great Western Railway express locomotive made history during the 1925 engine trials against LNER Pacifics and was displayed alongside Flying Scotsman at the 1925 British Empire Exhibition. (Visiting courtesy of the Didcot Railway Centre).
NYMR Home Fleet Engines π οΈ
Running alongside the guest engines, the NYMR home fleet featured during the gala includes:
- No. 45428 Eric Treacy
- No. 44806
- No. 92134
- No. 926 Repton
- No. 2253 Omaha
- No. 2392
- No. 29
- No. 8 Lucie
Plan Your Visit π
Essential visitor details for booking your gala experience:
Tickets & Booking
TICKETED EVENTAdvance booking online is available directly via nymr.co.uk/steam-gala.
2026 Event Dates
Thursday 24th β Sunday 27th September 2026
β’ Four days of heritage steam services across the route.
Accessibility
Ramp access and designated wheelchair spaces are available on passenger services. Main stations feature step-free platform access.
Dog Friendly
Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on trains and station platforms (small dog ticket fee applies).
Visitor Tip
Grosmont Station is the ideal spot for locomotive enthusiasts to observe engine movements and depot workshops during the gala!
Getting There πΊοΈ
π Main Station Hubs:
Pickering Station (YO18 7AJ) & Grosmont Station (YO22 5QE)
π Driving & Station Parking
Pay-and-display car parking is available at Pickering, Grosmont, and Goathland stations. Spaces fill up fast on gala mornings, so arriving early is recommended.
π By Rail Connections
Northern Rail operates direct Esk Valley Line services into Grosmont and Whitby, connecting directly with NYMR steam services.