2025 Guide to Visiting Goathland Station - The Real-Life Hogsmeade Station
If you're a Harry Potter fan, you may have dreamt of stepping into the enchanting world of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. While the Wizarding World is largely fictional, several filming locations bring the magic to life, and one of the most iconic is Goathland Station, known to fans as Hogsmeade Station. Nestled in the heart of the North York Moors, this quaint railway station played a vital role in the Harry Potter films, and it's a real location you can visit.In this blog post guide, I’ll share everything you need to know to plan your visit to Goathland Station and experience the magic for yourself.
A Brief History of Goathland Station
Goathland Station is located in the North York Moors National Park in Yorkshire. It's about 10 miles inland from the seaside town of Whitby.It first opened in 1865 on a deviation line to bypass a steep incline, it replaced an earlier station that used a rope-worked drum system. The station, now part of the North Yorkshire Moors Railway. 
The station itself, with its classic Victorian architecture, was built to serve the small village of Goathland, nestled in the heart of the North York Moors. It features some traditional red-brick buildings, a cast iron footbridge, and vintage-style platforms, all of which have been preserved to retain their 19th-century charm. The station design is typical of the period, evoking a sense of nostalgia for the golden age of steam travel.
Which Harry Potter Movie was filmed at Goathland Station?
Goathland Station was used in the first film, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.
What Harry Potter Scenes were Filmed at Goathland Station?
Although it’s only in the film for a short time, Goathland Station was used as Hogsmeade twice in the first Harry Potter film – Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You can see Goathland Station at the beginning of the movie when the students first arrive at Hogsmeade Station on the Hogwarts Express. They get off the train in the dark and meet Hagrid. Hagrid then leads the first year students to the boats that will take them to Hogwarts.
The second, and final time we see Goathland Station is at the end of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. You’ll recognize Goathland Station when Harry says goodbye to Hagrid and he’s given the photo album from his parents. Right before Harry boards the Hogwarts Express to head back to London, Hermione says “Feels strange going home, doesn’t it?” to which Harry replies with “I’m not going home, not really”.
Things to do at Goathland Station
Watch the train aka the Hogwarts Express come in
Just like being the Jacobite train at Fort William, it was surreal to see the Goathland Station in real life and watch the first train come in. 
Birds-Eye Viewpoint of Goathland Station at the top of the hill
Make your way to the front of Goathland Station, and you’ll see the path to cross over the railway tracks when it’s safe. Go through the gate, look for the public walkway and some stairs that take you up the hill. Continue to follow the pathway all the way up the hill, and you'll get a great birds-eye view of Goathland Station from above.
Explore Goathland Station
Make sure you check out the train ticket office. You’ll notice a couple of suitcases that look like Hogwarts trunks. You’ll also get to see some luggage trolleys that actually appeared in the first Harry Potter movie!
Scope out the Goathland Station Shop for Harry Potter Souvenirs
They have regular Goathland Train merchandise like magnets, postcards, tea towels, pens, mugs, trains signs, conductor hats, and more. I was surprised at how large the section for Harry Potter merchandise was! From journals, mugs, keychains, plushies, and more.The Goathland Station gift shop is located just outside of Goathland Station in the car park, on your left.
If you have time explore the village:
Goathland is a charming village with a tea room and walking paths, including a scenic route to Mallyan Spout Waterfall.
Food and Drink Options at Goathland Station
Goathland Station Tea Room and Café
This is the one location where you can eat or grab a drink at Goathland Station. They offer a wide variety of drinks, coffees, savouries, cakes, sweet treats & ice-creams when the trains are running.The Goathland Tea Room is a converted 1922 style goods shed where you can enjoy light meals and tasty treats! Inside, you get to sit in the old goods carriages. There’s additional seating outside where you can watch the trains come and go. The sweet lady who made my coffee recommended the outside benches right by the tracks for the best view of the trains.
Goathland Station Tea Room and Café Menu
Goathland Tea Room Opening Times
Red Timetable Dates: 9.30am to 4.45pmBlue Timetable Dates (Sundays): 9.45am to 4.15pm
Can you actually take a train at Goathland Station?
Yes! The North Yorkshire Moors Railway has several scheduled times the trains run through the station each day, so if you wanted to take a day trip to Whitby or vice versa you could get a return ticket from the station or online.
Make sure you check the timetables before you go so you know when the last train departs. Price: Hop-on and Hop-off Journeys tickets start at $46.56for adults (16+) Click here to book your train tickets.
How to get to Goathland Station
Goathland Station is located in the moorland village of Goathland in the North York Moors National Park in Yorkshire.North Yorkshire Moors Railway - Goathland Station address: Goathland, Whitby YO22 5NF, UKSat Nav Postcode: YO22 5NF
By Car
The drive to Goathland via the A169 from York or Whitby. It’s roughly 40 miles from York (1 hour), 10 miles from Whitby (20 minutes), and 25 miles from Scarborough (45 minutes). By Train
Take the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) from Pickering or Whitby to Goathland. The heritage steam trains operate seasonally, from spring to autumn.By Bus:
If you’re planning to take the bus to Goathland, catch the 840 Coastliner between York and Whitby. Remember to check the service frequency and the last bus departure time to avoid any hiccups.
Goathland Station Parking
While Goathland Station does have parking, there is very limited availability.The village has 2 car parks, and the station is a short walk away. While there is a carpark at the station, it’s very small. There are two village carparks though, which have plenty of space, so I’d recommend these.Goathland Station Parking costs $4.70 per day
Goathland Station Entry
If you just want to Goathland Station without riding the train, it’s free to visit.
Tips for Visiting Goathland Station
If you want empty photos: arrive first thing in the morning, or earlier or in the day. Keep in mind the busiest time at Goathland Station is when the train is expected to arrive. Passengers will be gathered everywhere as they wait to board.Grab a photo of you sitting on the bench that had the "Hogsmeade" sign on it in the movie. IRL is says the name "Goathland."Capture the iconic sign: Don't miss the chance to take a photo with the Goathland Station sign with an iconic Harry Potter backdropTake a moment to soak in the Victorian charm and traditional railway atmosphere.
Check timetables: Don't forget to check the train timetables, as they run on a schedule and may impact your visitBathrooms are across the train tracks in this small yellowish building below.
Logistics and Practical Tips for Visiting Goathland Station
Goathland is in a national park, so road signs can be hard to see; consider using a SatNav for navigation if driving.If driving, be prepared for narrow roads, windy turns, and having to stop periodically for sheep to cross the road.Bring your own food if you are a picky eater or have food allergies, as dining options in the tea room at the station and in the village can be limited or busy.Goathland can be busy during peak season (summer). Consider visiting during the off-season for a more peaceful experience.
Important Note:
While Goathland Station is famous for being Hogsmeade Station, it's critical to understand that the Hogwarts Express scenes crossing the Glenfinnan Viaduct were filmed in Scotland with the Jacobite Steam Train, NOT at Goathland Station.
You can find more of my UK Harry Potter filming location guides here
Complete Guide: Harry Potter Filming Locations at Gloucester CathedralComplete Guide to Harry Potter Film Locations in Lacock Village
Disclaimer: All information provided in this blog post was accurate at the time of writing, including experience offerings and details, opening times, and location availability.