The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) has announced the launch of its popular Christmas Moorlander and Great Western Saloon lunches, promising unforgettable festive dining experiences along the 18-mile heritage line through the North York Moors National Park.
The seasonal services will run on select dates in November, throughout December and January* with services departing from Grosmont Station to Pickering at 1pm and returning at 3.35pm.
Prices for the Christmas Moorlander Lunches start at £85 and will be served in heritage carriages, each decked out with Christmas decorations.
Festive journeys begin with a warming glass of mulled wine, before choosing from three delicious starters including either a winter warming soup, classic prawn cocktail, or baked mushroom stuffed with Harrogate blue cheese and walnuts. For your main course, it’s a traditional roast turkey, roast topside of local beef or the chef’s home-made vegetable Wellington all served with mouthwatering festive trimmings.
Dessert options include Christmas Pudding and brandy sauce, chocolate & Cointreau tart or a selection of savoury cheeses and biscuits. On the return journey from Pickering, you’ll also enjoy a freshly brewed Yorkshire tea or coffee and a festive mince pie.
Four person private coupes are also available with festive packages that offer a private dining experience like no other within your own compartment.
There are also three bespoke packages available for guests who privately charter the opulent Great Western Saloon carriage, which is a return journey that caters for up to 18 people and includes a dedicated member of staff to look after groups and assist with catering.
The Simply Drinks package is £950, the Drinks, Cakes & Cheese package costs £1200, and The NYMR’s Christmas Buffet Lunch is priced at £1450.
The Christmas Buffet Lunch menu in the Great Western Saloon boasts a selection of savoury dishes including a cold meat platter, smoked salmon platter, traditional pork pie, and cheese and broccoli quiche. These are accompanied by fresh artisan breads and a mixed leaf salad.
Desserts include a zesty lemon tart, moist fruit cake slice topped with marzipan, and festive mince pies. There’s also a savoury selection of Yorkshire cheeses served with crackers, celery, apple, grapes and Yorkshire chutney. Freshly brewed Yorkshire tea or coffee is also included.
David Milbourn, Chef at NYMR, said: “There’s simply nothing quite like Christmas at the NYMR and these festive dining experiences are always hugely popular with both Yorkshire locals but also visitors travelling from far and wide for the ultimate wintry heritage railway experience.”