Yorkshire Coast Community Rail Partnership

Line Guide

​

Step aboard the historic Hull to Scarborough railway line.

Opened by the York and North  Midland Railway company in 1846/47 the line has kept much of its original character and many of the stations are a joy to behold and especially of interest to the railway historian. 

The line has lots to offer -  from the thriving city and port of Hull to Victorian seaside resorts such as Bridlington, Filey and Scarborough.  Along the way are pretty rural villages and thriving market towns as well as splendid views of the sea and countryside.

At around 55 miles long, the route has half hourly trains between Hull and Bridlington and an hourly service to Scarborough.  Many of the trains continue through from Hull to Sheffield or York and there are good connections at both Scarborough and Hull for other destinations.

Trains are operated by Northern.  Hull Trains also use part of the line as they have extended some of their services to Beverley. 

Plusbus is available at Scarborough and Hull and the Yorkshire Coast Day Ranger ticket lets you extend your journey by bus from Scarborough to Whitby.

​

The journey starts at Kingston upon Hull, a thriving city and port which has retained much of its maritime history in seven museums, along with the new and exciting attraction The Deep, a must for all visitors. The city is famous for its theatres and has a tremendously strong local cultural scene, including the annual sea shanty festival.

The station – the award winning Hull Paragon Interchange – is a magnificent building, many of the listed station features date back to the 1840s and the impressive overall five barrelled roof, which was extended by the North Eastern Railway in 1904.  This is an excellent starting point for your journey up the coast.

Cottingham is the first stop – said to be England’s largest village. Lots of good shops and a fine church.

Look out for The Minster as the train approaches

Beverley. The station is a superb gateway to the ‘capital of the East Riding’, with a fine overall roof. The line serves several small villages, each of which is worth a look.

Arram is the next station and is one of the smallest on the line, and also serves the village of Leconfield with its extensive military base and RAF Rescue. There are many country walks to be had from here and from the next station - Hutton Cranswick, a pretty village with good facilities.

Driffield, the next major stop, is a fine market town with good bus links out to the Yorkshire Wolds.

Next stop is Nafferton station serving another pretty and well preserved village with its mere as its focal point.

Look out for the former stations of Lowthorpe, Burton Agnes and Carnaby on the next section of the line, all have well preserved station buildings.

Bridlington is a popular family resort, and graced by a fine station which has particularly good floral displays in summer, and a cosy traditional buffet. Part of the station is a community arts centre. Look out for glimpses of the sea as the train leaves Bridlington – Flamborough Head, with its famous lighthouse, is in the distance.

Bempton, the next stop, is an easy walk to the coast and the RSPB reserve.

The village of Hunmanby with its shops, pubs and church is next, then look out for the disused junction and branchline to the former Butlins holiday camp before coming to Filey.

Filey is yet another fine station with a nicely restored Y&NMR roof and a cafe.  It is just a short walk to the town centre and the well-preserved seafront. Why not walk from here to Scarborough – it’s one of the best coastal walks you’ll find! If you stay on the train you’ll come into Seamer, where the York line joins us. From there it’s a short run to Scarborough with its vast range of attractions. These include boat trips, cliff railways, a superb park (with miniature railway!), the castle and lots more.  Scarborough station itself still retains many of its original features and has the longest station seat in the country.