Goathland, North Yorkshire England

Film Location of the TV Series, “Heartbeat”

Oct 2, 2007

Known as Aidensfield in "Heartbeat" and Hogsmeade railway station in "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone", this English village is a popular tourist destination.

Goathland is located in the North Yorkshire Moors between Pickering and Whitby just off of highway A169. Visitors expecting to see a quiet village will be surprised by the number of tourist buses and vehicle traffic. During filming season of “Heartbeat”, lucky tourists may be asked to act as extras. Despite the influx of people, the sheep are free to wander the streets and yards.

What to See in Goathland

The Goathland railway station is located on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway line at the east end of the village. This privately-owned steam railway runs from Pickering to Whitby and carries over 200,000 passengers annually. There are over 8 trains a day and passengers are allowed to get on and off at the various stations along the way. This railway operates as a charitable trust and is the second longest preserved line in Britain.

Up the hill from the railway station, visitors will first see the Goathland Hotel which is known as the Aidensfield Arms in the Heartbeat series and the Goathland Garage and Antique Shop across the street (recognized as the site of the garage and funeral directors).

At the west end of Goathland, there is the village green where there are stores brimming with Heartbeat memorabilia. One of the shops has permanently changed it name to Aidensfield Stores. Visitors will also find the Village Post Office, Village Hall and the various houses used for doctors’ surgeries in the TV series.

Mallyan Spout waterfall and part of an old Roman road are located outside the village on the road to Pickering. At that location is the church used in Heartbeat. The hotel across from the church is sometimes used for billeting the cast and crew. Two waterfalls, Water Ark and Thomason Foss are a short walk from Goathland.

What to See in Neighboring Areas of Goathland

Many visitors use Goathland as their anchor location for day trips. The bustling seaside resorts of Whitby and Scarborough are a short distance away. The Eden Camp museum, Flamingoland amusement park, Duncombe Park and Castle Howard are located further south near Pickering. For a relaxing outing, visitors can take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway to Whitby or Pickering.

Where to Stay in Goathland

Considering Goathland is a small village, it boasts at ample tourist accommodation. There are two hotels, two guest houses and one bed & breakfast. For people who like self-catering accommodation, there are two cottages and one hostel.

How to Get to Goathland

By car from Pickering, take A169 north and look for a turn off. Heading south from Whitby, take the A171 west and then turn south on to A169. From the west, enter the A171 at Guisborough and head east to the junction of A169. For bus travel, there is local service through Yorkshire Coastliner.

If you are a Heartbeat fan, you will enjoy seeing the familiar buildings and browsing around the shops in Goathland. All visitors will be enthralled by this picturesque village nestled in the moors of Yorkshire.

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The copyright of the article Goathland, North Yorkshire England in England Travel is owned by Maureen K. Fleury. Permission to republish Goathland, North Yorkshire England must be granted by the author in writing.