Yorkshire Wolds Railway is offering free train rides for kids who dress as characters from their favourite books
Dressed the part for a 2025 Yorkshire Wolds Railway event(Image: Celia Wilkinson)
Excitement is building at the Yorkshire Wolds Railway (YWR), at Fimber, in East Yorkshire, as the heritage rail attraction prepares to welcome a renowned playwright and screenwriter into its midst. Joe Lidster, who began his career writing Doctor Who audio dramas, will be appearing as part of YWR’s Little Dodgers Book Day, on Wednesday, May 27.
Celia Wilkinson, volunteer at YWR, said: “We are very much looking forward to welcoming Joe to the YWR during the half-term school break. He has worked on many exciting series, including the Doctor Who spin-off series, Torchwood, and The Sarah Jane Adventures so we know there will be a lot of interest.
“While on site, Joe will also kindly be giving away two signed copies of his new Dr Who book – The Aliens of London.” The book day is the first of the Little Dodgers events for 2026.
The Malton and Driffield Junction Railway was a line that ran between the North Yorkshire town of Malton and the East Yorkshire town of Driffield and passenger services gained the nickname the Malton Dodger. YWR was formed in 2008 with the aim of restoring at least a part of the former Malton and Driffield Junction Railway as a heritage railway attraction.
At the Little Dodgers Book Day, there will be free train rides for children who visit dressed as a book character, with each fare-paying adult. Celia said: “We will also have free colouring and a book-related trail, so there is plenty for visitors to do.”
Sunday, May 31 will then see the return of Andy Dunning and his static engines. Martyn Jones, operations director at YWR, said: “The engine display is always very popular, and we will have at least 15 available to see, making it one of our largest to date, and we look forward to welcoming visitors to site.”
The YWR is run entirely by volunteers, and anyone interested in becoming a member, making a donation or just finding out more can visit the Yorkshire Wolds Railway website or call 01377 338053 for more information. The YWR will be running trains and opening the visitor centre every Sunday and bank holiday until the end of October, and every Wednesday during school holidays from 10am to 4pm (last train 3.30pm).
All trains run subject to availability. The visitor centre only will be open every Wednesday until the end of October, from 10am to 4pm. Additionally, there are members on site most Saturdays who will be happy to show what is being done, subject to safety requirements.