Two famous railway landmarks will be offered for sale when history goes under the hammer next week.

The rare business opportunities, at either end of the Pickering to Whitby steam line, will feature at an auction at York racecourse on February 26.

The Mulberries Tearooms and Garden and the Whitby engine sheds are among a number of properties for sale at the event organised by York-based estate agents Hunters.

Mulberries is a trackside 20-cover café in Pickering which doubles as an evening bistro at weekends during peak season.

It has served refreshments to thousands of travellers over several decades and remains a popular place for trainspotters as its garden looks directly on to the station platform. There is a guide price of £120,000 to £140,000 on this business.

The 167-year-old former engine sheds are another well-known landmark and have been partly refurbished in recent years by owner Terry Hodgkinson.

Plans have been drawn up to convert the sheds into a base for arts, crafts and a restaurant – proposals supported by locals in Whitby. There is also the potential for office space letting and other commercial uses.

With direct access to the station platform and in excess of 6,000sq ft, the sheds will be offered with a guide price of £140,000 to £160,000.

“This is a rare opportunity to acquire property in landmark locations and should generate much interest,” say Hunters.

The auction on Wednesday February 26 at York racecourse starts at 6pm.

Further information at www.hunterspropertyauctions.co.uk