Our heritage railway is home to a very special item of rolling stock which a lucky few now have the opportunity to drive on our 1903 Autocar Experiences.

Built before the First World War, at the height of the railway age, this special self-propelled carriage was the inspiration for many much later vehicles on our rail system. Referred to as an ‘Autocar’, it worked around North Yorkshire in its later life before being preserved as a holiday home!

The vehicle was restored by the 1903 Electric Autocar Trust, supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and is lavishly fitted out inside – a far cry from similar trains today. Since its return to service on our line, it has been highly acclaimed with awards won and much press interest. It’s in this comfort that any guests such as close family members can travel while you enjoy your experience, giving them ample opportunities to get superb photographs.

The experience includes two round trips ‘at the helm’, driving with the support and guidance throughout of one of our friendly, well-trained volunteers. In total, this equates to 18 miles in control of this historic vehicle – a real treat for a birthday, special occasion or for any interested individual. Large windows at each end of the Autocar mean you’ll get great views of the edges of the Yorkshire Dales, but remember to concentrate on the beautiful railway artefact at your fingertips.

You’ll take a third trip on-board, this time acting as the guard. Check the doors, blow the whistle and take in the important spots along our line like our mid-way halt and sheds.

Safety and your enjoyment are both very important to us and so a briefing is included as well as a tour of the Autocar before heading off down the line.

We’ll be keen to keep in touch with you and so we include, too, a year of membership to the charity which operates the railway. Membership comes with benefits such as a superb magazine and complimentary return trips.

All this comes for £350, with the added bonus that you’ll know that taking part helps us to fund the important, but expensive, work of saving our historic railway line for future generations.

Additional People & Birthday Packages

We can accommodate additional people riding in the Autocar whilst the participant drives. If it’s a birthday treat – why not make it a day out for family & friends? We might be ably to put a birthday package together too with lunches and cake etc.  Contact us for more details.

You can use our Contact Form if you have a specific enquiry.