The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is inviting people from the local community to discover how they can become part of one of the UK’s most loved heritage railways at its upcoming New Volunteers Open Day.
Taking place on Saturday 21st February from 10am to 2pm, the New Volunteers Open Day will be held in the Learning Centre Classroom on Platform 2 at Pickering Station. The event offers a unique opportunity to step behind the scenes, meet the people who keep the railway running, and explore the wide variety of volunteering roles available.
Volunteering is at the heart of the NYMR – from operating trains and restoring historic carriages, to welcoming visitors and supporting events, volunteers help bring the railway to life every day. The New Volunteers Open Day is designed for anyone curious about joining this passionate community of volunteers, whether they’re looking to learn new skills, meet new people, or give something back.

Andy Woolley, Head of People at the NYMR, said: “Our volunteers are the lifeblood of the NYMR, and we simply couldn’t do what we do without them. This Open Day is about opening our doors, sharing what goes on behind the scenes, and showing people just how rewarding volunteering can be. Whether you have a lifelong passion for railways or are simply looking for a new and fulfilling way to spend your time, we’d love for you to come along.”
Throughout the day, visitors will be able to meet volunteers and staff from a wide range of departments, including booking offices, tearooms and shops, lineside, events, estates, and operating roles such as ticket inspectors, guards, and station staff, and engineering.
After starting in the Learning Centre, prospective volunteers will be able to explore a number of areas and departments including carriage and wagon, customer services, the booking office, the tearoom and the station shop. Activities on the day will include ticketing demonstrations, refreshment preparation, retail insights, and the chance to sit in the Great Western Saloon to learn more about the behind-the-scenes work on the North Yorkshire Pullman services. There will also be engineering tours, station operation talks, lineside conservation discussions, and estates team demonstrations.