Things to Do in Goathland, United Kingdom

Things to Do in Goathland, United Kingdom

Goathland is a picturesque village in North Yorkshire that has a number of interesting things to see and do.

See the North Yorkshire Moors Railway

One of the most-visited places in the village is The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Station. Located just down the road from the Village Center, this station was used for filming scenes of the Hogwarts Express in the Harry Potter films: a treat for fans of the movie or railway enthusiasts. Fans of the British TV show “Heartbeat” will also recognize the station.

Visitors can take a train ride on The North Yorkshire Moors Railway or simply see the huge steam engine come into the station. Most of the station and its buildings are historic and original. It truly is one of those great steam train journeys of Britain and one of the top sights in Yorkshire, and you can buy tickets for the entire journey or for shorter legs (there are several stops). There’s always the possibility of combining it with the bus if you check timetables and plan the trip.

Lots to See for fans of ‘Heartbeat’

The Goathland Hotel is a popular place in town known for its food and ambiance. It’s also well-known because of its prominence in the “Heartbeat” series, a British police drama series set in the 1960s that aired from 1992 to 2010. The Goathland Hotel is the “Aidensfield Arms” and featured as a pub and bed & breakfast on the show. For a true “Heartbeat” fan it’s well worth a visit. Plus, the bar’s food is said to be worth the stop.

All over Goathland you’ll see signs of its TV fame and other recognizable places from the show. There is the post office, village shop and, of course, the Scripps/Mostyn’s Garage (the two names the building had on the show throughout its run). The garage is essentially a gift shop but worth a visit just to see inside. There’s even the Heartbeat Museum where you can see clothing and other items that were used on the show.

Other Things to Do

This quaint village not only draws TV and movie fans. It also attracts visitors for many staged events throughout the year. One popular event is the annual World War II weekend. Taking place in mid-October every year, visitors experience a wonderful weekend of nostalgia. Lots of people in authentic civilian and military clothing displays and stations are returned to war time.

There is also the 70-foot high Mallyan Spout Waterfall which can be reached by a footpath close to the Mallyan Spout Hotel (about a half mile from Goathland Hotel). It’s a nice opportunity for a pleasant walk. Just follow the sign posted trail next to the Mallyan Spout Hotel.

Editor’s Note: The information contained on this page was compiled using real traveler reviews about things to do on Goathland.