As a family we’re more than partial to a lovely train ride, so when we were recently invited to take a train ride with a difference, well clearly there was only one answer.

On a crisp, cold, typically October evening, we drove to Pickering in North Yorkshire and hopped onboard a spectacular old steam train adorned with more lights than you could imagine, for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway’s fabulous Light Spectacular.

The hour long experience ran from Pickering to Levisham and back and everyone who boarded the train was given a special flashing wristband which cleverly synced with the on board show, compered by no other than one of the most famous voices in British television – the VoiceOver man Peter Dickson (of X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent fame.)

As soon as we arrived, my kids could sense the excitement in the air! There was a fantastic family atmosphere, encouraged by the very lovely NYMR volunteers who couldn’t have been friendlier and as soon as we saw the fabulous train decked out in thousands of lights, we knew we were in for a treat.

Before embarking, we walked up and down the platform to appreciate the train and the very kind train driver even made my little boy’s day by also allowing him to sit in the driver’s seat and wear his hat. A lovely touch and a special moment for him.

The lights are not just outside the train though. Oh no! Inside the train is lit up as well which combined with the flashing wristbands that changed colour, made for a very special experience indeed. There was even a disco ball in our carriage much to my delight!

Once the train got moving, the Voice Over man compered the proceedings as we were encouraged to sing, dance and clap along to the music which took us from the swinging sixties to the present day. Everyone onboard our carriage really got into the spirit of things and my children absolutely loved it, dancing in their seats and basically having a ball as we moved through the beautiful countryside.

All in all, the experience itself was utterly joyful!

From the friendly cheerful volunteers to the stunning train. From thousands of colourful lights to the uplifting music. From strangers waving at us as we steamed past them to the happy party atmosphere in the carriages, it was very, very special indeed and we highly recommend.

The Details

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway Light Spectacular runs until October 30 with services at 6pm and 7.45pm. Tickets cost £30 but you can receive a 20% discount if you enter the code LOCAL20.