Kids go free on North York Moors Railway announces new ticketing plans for 2026

The heritage railway’s bold new ticketing and pricing structure for 2026 is designed to make heritage rail travel more accessible, affordable and family-friendly than ever before.

Launching from the start of the season on March 28, 2026, the new approach turns traditional holiday pricing on its head by introducing discounted fares during school holidays.

Kids Go Free on standard services, with one free child ticket per fare paying adult, allowing families to enjoy the iconic journey through the North York Moors without the cost barriers often associated with school holiday days out.

For 2026, the NYMR will operate two clear fare types:

♦ Holiday Discount Rate which is available throughout school holiday periods and Regular Fare Dates which are applicable outside of school holidays.

♦ Holiday Fare Dates will be in place from March 28 to April 12, May 23 to May 31, July 18 to September 6, and October 24 to November 1.

Regular Fare Dates will be from April 13 to May 22, June 1 to July 17, and September 7 to October 23.

This move directly challenges the industry norm of higher-peak season pricing, offering families meaningful savings.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at the NYMR, said: “We’re so excited to be opening for our 2026 season and we’re conscious that school holidays are a costly time for parents with accommodation and days out, which is why we’re doing discounted rates for these periods.

"By offering Kids Go Free all year, we want to make it easier for families to enjoy a great value, memorable experience on the railway whenever they choose to visit.”

Alongside the new pricing, NYMR will be introducing a range of new itineraries and ticket packages, designed to help visitors build full days out around the heritage attraction and make the most of what it has to offer, whilst focusing on their own interests.

Visit www.nymr.co.uk for more information on NYMR and updates on the 2026 season.