Embsay & Bolton Abbey Steam Railway

Steam and countryside don't get much better than this proper Yorkshire railway line running between Embsay and Bolton Abbey. The vintage locomotives chug through some of the most spectacular Dales scenery, with the journey itself being every bit as rewarding as the destinations. You'll travel through working farmland and limestone country that feels wonderfully untouched by modern life.

Families absolutely love this one - children get genuinely excited about the old carriages and the authentic steam experience, while adults appreciate the engineering heritage and those rolling views towards the Yorkshire Dales. The railway volunteers are passionate about their craft and often happy to chat about the restored engines and rolling stock.

From Skipton it's an easy drive to the Embsay station, making this a cracking day out if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Bolton Abbey Estate or Howgill Lodge. The terminus at Bolton Abbey puts you right on the doorstep of the famous priory ruins and riverside walks, so you can easily combine steam travel with a proper countryside ramble. Allow at least half a day for the full experience, though railway enthusiasts could happily spend longer watching the locomotives being prepared and turned around.