Steam trains offer an immersive experience that takes you back in time, providing a unique way to explore the country and admire its landscapes. The United Kingdom is home to many preserved steam railways, and Wales, which boasts some of the most iconic little trains in the world, has been a key pioneer in railway preservation. This is thanks in part to the work of volunteers who have saved many of these trains and ensured they remain accessible today.
There are no fewer than 11 preserved narrow-gauge railways in Wales, and I have listed all of them below, along with key information to help you find them and choose the right one. Whether you are a train enthusiast, a tourist, or simply looking for a fantastic family day out, I hope you find this guide useful.
Narrow Gauge vs Standard Gauge
A track gauge is the width of the railway track—in other words, the distance between the two rails. Many trains (55% of the world’s railways, in fact) use a standard gauge, which has a width of 1,435 mm. The trains you take from Birmingham to Aberystwyth, or Cardiff to Shrewsbury, to name just a few examples, run on standard-gauge tracks.
As you might have guessed, a narrow gauge features a smaller distance between the rails, typically between 600 mm and 800 mm here in Wales.
The advantage of a narrow-gauge railway is that it is less expensive to build and operate, making it a more practical choice for connecting small villages, farms, and market towns. Its smaller size is also essential for accessing mountainous areas. As you’ll see in the text below, many of these railways were originally linked to the numerous mines and quarries that once operated across the country.
1. Llanberis Lake Railway
2. Snowdon Mountain Railway
3. Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
4. Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
5. Bala Lake Railway
6. Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
7. Corris Railway
8. Talyllyn Railway
9. Vale Of Rheidol
10. Teifi Valley Railway
11. Brecon Mountain Railway
12. Extra Information
13. Which One To Choose?
Please note that the list is not arranged in order of preference but is organised geographically, from north to south.
Llanberis Lake Railway
- Where: Gilfach Ddu, Llanberis, LL55 4TY (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: February to December. Exact days and times vary depending on the season.
- Booking: Online booking is advised and available on the website.
- Fares: £5.50 to £10.50. Discounts available for adults and children travelling together. Children under 2 years old travel free.
- Parking: From Llanberis station, several car parks are available along the main road (A4086). From Gilfach Ddu, spaces are available at the Padarn Country car park, located in front of the Slate Museum.
- EV chargers: There are several 22kW charging stations in the two main car parks along the A4086 by the lake, although they are quite expensive.
- Public transport: The S1 (Caernarfon – Betws-y-Coed) and S2 (Bangor) buses stop in front of Llanberis station. There is no main train line.
- Amenities: Toilets, café, shop, play area, and the Slate Museum nearby.
- Dogs: £2 ticket
- Accessibility: All trains can accommodate wheelchairs, but spaces are limited. Book online and notify the railway in advance of your visit.
This small steam railway is located in the heart of the Eryri National Park. The vintage steam engines, restored from the nearby Dinorwic slate quarries, run along a 5-mile track (a one-hour return journey) beside Llyn Padarn (Llanberis Lake). Along the way, you’ll pass the 13th-century Dolbadarn Castle and the Slate Museum, one of the most important museums in Wales. You’ll also be treated to iconic views of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon), the highest mountain in Wales. On the return journey, the train makes a brief stop at Cei Llydan, a perfect location for a quick picnic.
The traditional starting and terminus station is Gilfach Ddu, where you’ll find facilities such as toilets, a café, and a shop. This is also where the Slate Museum is located. In 2003, the track was extended to Llanberis, where the bus station is situated and close to the starting point of the Snowdon Mountain Railway. This gives you the option to begin your journey at either station. However, I personally recommend starting at Gilfach Ddu due to the nearby amenities and because the Slate Museum is well worth a visit. You’ll also have the opportunity to observe the driver stoking the fire and filling the engine with water.
The railway organises special events throughout the year. You can find more information and updated timetables on the Llanberis Lake Railway website.
Snowdon Mountain Railway
- Where: Llanberis, LL55 4TU (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: Daily from late March to late October.
- Booking: Highly recommended, as it is a very popular area. Please note that single tickets for journeys down the mountain from the summit cannot be pre-booked.
- Fares: £16 to £45, depending on destination and age. Early-bird discounts are available. Children under 2 years old travel free.
- Parking: A small pay-and-display car park is located behind the station on Victoria Terrace. Additional parking is available in Llanberis along the A4086 by the lake.
- EV chargers: Available in the two main car parks (22kW) along the A4086 by the lake, but they are very expensive.
- Public transport: The S1 bus (Caernarfon – Betws-y-Coed) and S2 bus (from Bangor) stop near the station. There are no national rail services in the area.
- Amenities: Station buffet and grill, summit café, shop, free film theatre, and toilets.
- Dogs: Only assistance animals are permitted on the train.
- Accessibility: Diesel carriages can accommodate one wheelchair. Contact the railway to discuss your specific requirements before booking.
Llanberis is home to another iconic train, the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been operating for more than 120 years. It takes visitors to the summit of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) through what is undoubtedly one of the most dramatic and breathtaking views you can experience from a train. As you ascend, you’ll see waterfalls, rocky landscapes, and spectacular vistas.
A return trip from Llanberis station to the summit lasts 2.5 hours, including a 30-minute stop at the top, where you’ll find the Hafod Eryri café. Note that, for logistical reasons, you must return on the same train. Alternatively, you can book a single ticket and walk down from the summit or disembark at Clogwyn station, hike to the summit (approximately one hour), and then walk back down to Llanberis. Be aware that single tickets down cannot be pre-booked and are only available on a standby, first-come, first-served basis. In March and April, the train terminates at Clogwyn station (30-minute stop) and does not go all the way to the summit.
The traditional service is operated by diesel locomotives, but from June to September, you can also book the Heritage Steam experience, which has a smaller passenger capacity.
Find out more on the official Snowdon Mountain Railway website.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway
- Where: Porthmadog is the main station and office (G Maps | Maps). You can also depart from Caernarfon (G Maps | Maps ) or Blaenau Ffestiniog (G Maps | Maps ).
- When: Daily from late March to the end of October, but not all trains operate every day.
- Booking: Highly recommended, especially during holidays. Single-journey tickets can be purchased on the day, subject to availability.
- Fares: Ticket prices range from £29 to £105, depending on the train service and carriage type. Children (ages 3–15) are always £5. Group bookings available.
- Parking in Porthmadog: Free spaces for railway customers are available in the fenced area at the end of the Llyn Bach car park (5-minute walk) (G Maps | Maps ).
- Parking in Caernarfon: Small pay-and-display car park in front of the station and additional spaces by the castle (4-minute walk).
- Parking in Blaenau Ffestiniog: Main station car park, as well as the short- and long-stay car park located on the other side of the street.
- EV chargers: Fast chargers (50kW) available at Porthmadog’s main train station, at Morrisons supermarket in Caernarfon and long-stay car park in Blaenau Ffestiniog. 7kW chargers at the Black Boy Inn car park (Caernarfon).
- Public transport: The Birmingham to Pwllheli line stops in Porthmadog. The station is located on the other side of the town (15-minute walk).
Caernarfon does not have a mainline train, but T2 and T22 buses connect to Bangor and Porthmadog.
The Conwy Valley Train Line connects Blaenau Ffestiniog with Conwy and Llandudno. The T22 bus provides services to Porthmadog and Caernarfon. - Amenities: Cafés and toilets at Porthmadog and Caernarfon stations. A shop is also located in Porthmadog station.
- Dogs: They are allowed in most carriages (£5), except for first-class and gold-class carriages (assistance/support dogs are exempt).
- Accessibility: Visitors with restricted mobility or those travelling in a wheelchair should call the Booking Office in advance to ensure easy access and adequate seating.
The coastal town of Porthmadog is home to one of the most beautiful and luxurious railways, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway. An impressive range of train services, driven by historical steam engines, connect the town to Caernarfon in the west and Blaenau Ffestiniog in the east, offering different journeys that vary in length and price. Each train provides outstanding views of the coast, ancient woodlands, rivers, or mountains, taking you into the heart of the Eryri National Park (Snowdonia).
The Ffestiniog Railway, which takes you to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, is the world’s oldest narrow-gauge railway, with almost 200 years of history. It climbs over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains, passing through some iconic locations, including an impressive complete spiral bend. It is part of the UNESCO “Slate Landscape of North Wales” World Heritage Site.
The Welsh Highland Railway journeys to Caernarfon along the UK’s longest heritage railway, running for 25 miles. When departing from Porthmadog, the train crosses the United Kingdom’s only mixed-gauge flat rail crossing. Along the way, it stops in the picturesque town of Beddgelert.
Near Porthmadog station, on the other side of the 1.5km-long embankment, you’ll find the world’s oldest railway workshop, Boston Lodge, which is still active today and continues a long-established tradition of building, restoration, and repair stretching back more than 150 years.
Last but not least, the railway hosts special events throughout the year, including The Snowdonian, a rare opportunity to experience the whole 80-mile Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway journey in one day, and Santa Specials in December. Find out more on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways website.
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
- Where: Porthmadog, LL49 9DY (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: Late March to late October, from 10:15 am to 3:45 pm.
- Booking: Possible (but not necessary) via email or phone.
- Fares: £14 for adults, £6.50 for children, £37 for families (2 adults and 2 children). Children under 3 travel for free.
- Parking: Free spaces available for customers at the railway. If full, there is the main station car park on the other side (pay-and-display).
- EV chargers: Fast chargers (50kW) available at Porthmadog’s main train station
- Public transport: The Birmingham to Pwllheli train service stops in Porthmadog, just opposite the heritage railway station. The T2 and T22 buses run through the town.
- Amenities: Café, toilets, and a shop.
- Dogs: Free of charge.
- Accessibility: Disabled parking is available on site. One carriage has double doors and tip-up seats to allow wheelchair and pushchair access.
Porthmadog is home to another narrow-gauge railway, the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, located on the other side of the town. Its name should not be confused with the Welsh Highland Railway described earlier. Hauled by either a steam or diesel locomotive, the train takes you on a short ride to Pen y Mount Junction and back, lasting 1 hour in total, including a 30-minute stop at the Heritage Centre And Museum.
Although the journey is not as spectacular as some of the other railways featured in this article, I personally really liked the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway because it is an ideal experience for toddlers and young children. The trip is short, so there’s little chance of them getting bored. The stop at the museum offers many activities to keep them entertained, including a ride on the miniature train. Last but not least, tickets are more affordable.
The railway also offers driving experience events. The station is equipped with a shop and a café. Visit the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway website for more information.
Bala Lake Railway
- Where: Pen-Y-Bont (G Maps | Maps) and Llanuwchllyn (G Maps | Maps)
- When: February, then April to late October. Times vary depending on the month.
- Booking: Online booking available with a £1 discount, recommended during the holiday season.
- Fares: £16/17 for adults, £15/16 for seniors, £5.50/6 for children. Family tickets available. Children under 3 travel for free.
- Parking: Ample free parking available at Llanuwchllyn station. Limited parking at Pen-y-Bont station, with additional parking by the lake (pay-and-display, 15-minute walk).
- EV chargers: Slow 7kW stations at the Leisure Centre, near the lake.
- Public transport: T3 and T3C buses connect Barmouth to Wrexham. There is no main railway line through Bala.
- Amenities: Refreshments, gift shop, toilets, and picnic tables at Llanuwchllyn station.
- Dogs: £1 charge (assistance dogs travel free).
- Accessibility: Up to two wheelchairs can be accommodated on each train. However, toilets in Llanuwchllyn cannot be accessed with a wheelchair due to the configuration of the original buildings.
The railway runs alongside Llyn Tegid (Bala Lake) from Llanuwchllyn to the outskirts of Bala on a 4.5-mile journey. The train runs on the trackbed of the former standard-gauge Ruabon to Barmouth line, which ceased operations in 1965.
Llanuwchllyn is the main station and headquarters of the railway, where the train returns at the end of the day. There is a small café and shop, and visitors can explore the signal box and locomotive shed. Journeys can also begin on the opposite side of the lake, but note that all trains conclude their day’s service at Llanuwchllyn. It is not possible to make a return trip with the final departure from Bala. Tickets can be purchased on the day from a member of staff at Llanuwchllyn or Bala stations, subject to availability.
There are multiple special events from March to October, including an Easter egg hunt, barbecue specials, and a steam gala.
The carriages are hauled by a rich selection of diesel and steam locomotives, including the iconic Alice The Little Welsh Engine, which was used at the Dinorwic quarry until 1960, before being relegated for spare parts and then rebuilt in 1994.
Visit the Bala Lake Railway website for more information.
Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway
- Where: Llanfair Caerenion, Welshpool, SY21 0SF (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: Late March to December. Days and times vary depending on the month.
- Booking: Available online and highly recommended during the high season.
- Fares: £23 for adults, £10 for children (ages 3-15). Family tickets available.
- Parking: Both stations at each end of the line have large free car parks.
- EV chargers: Llanfair station includes two 22kW EV charging stations.
- Public transport: Welshpool Raven Square station is about 1 mile from the main line station in Welshpool (Birmingham to Aberystwyth/Pwllheli). T12 (Machynlleth to Wrexham) and X75 (Rhayader to Shrewsbury) buses stop in Welshpool.
- Amenities: Toilets, shop, and tearoom at Llanfair station; toilets, shop, and snacks at Welshpool station.
- Dogs: They are permitted, except in First Class carriages, on catering services, or during select special events.
- Accessibility: Two carriages have been adapted for wheelchair users. Call to check availability and book a space.
The Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway travels for about a 16-mile round trip through the beautiful Mid Wales countryside, negotiating a viaduct and river bridge, and climbing the notoriously steep Golfa Bank. The railway was built in 1903 to connect farmers to the market town of Welshpool. Closed in 1956, like many other railways, it was reopened years later thanks to a group of enthusiasts.
Today, the railway organises many special events, as well as catering trains, in addition to its regular services. The organisation has continued its long tradition of importing locomotives, carriages, and parts from around the world, including South Africa, Taiwan, Hungary, and Austria, to name a few.
Visit the Welshpool & Llanfair Light Railway website.
Corris Railway
- Where: Station Yard Corris, Machynlleth, SY20 9SH (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: April to October, but only on certain days of the week (usually Saturdays or weekends).
- Booking: Available online and recommended during holidays.
- Fares: £10 for adults, £5 for children (ages 5-15). Family tickets available.
- Parking: Small pay-and-display car park by the station. Additional spaces may be found along Bridge Street. Another option is to park at the Corris Craft Centre (well worth a visit either before or after) and follow the footpath down to the village (a 10-minute walk—see map). Take care when crossing the main A487 road.
- EV chargers: There are none close to the location; your best option is the Bank Lane car park in Machynlleth, where you’ll find a few 50kW chargers and several 7kW chargers.
- Public transport: T2 bus (Bangor to Aberystwyth) stops on the main A487 road. From there, it’s a 6-minute walk down Bridge Street.
- Amenities: Toilets, small shop with refreshments, and a small museum.
- Dogs: £1 charge, assistance dogs travel for free.
- Accessibility: A few carriages can carry wheelchairs. Call to enquire.
The Corris Railway offers a short and gentle trip down the beautiful Dulas Valley. Its small size and brief duration make it an ideal outing for children, who can enjoy a playground, toys in the shop, and may even get the chance to blow the whistle and wave the green flag during the journey. The train stops at Maespoeth, where you can visit the workshops, and additional toys are available for the little ones.
The Corris Railway originated in the 1850s and operated for almost a century before being closed in 1948. Eighteen years later, a group from the Talyllyn Railway Preservation Society formed what became The Corris Railway Society, helping shape the railway into what it is today. It remains a work in progress, with modifications and expansions in the pipeline.
Check the Corris Railway website.
Talyllyn Railway
- Where: Wharf Station, Tywyn, LL36 9EY (Google Maps | Apple Maps).
- When: Late February, then April to late October, December.
- Booking: Available online, recommended during holidays.
- Fares: £25.40 for adults, £12.70 for children. Reserved compartments available.
- Parking: Car park in Tywyn available across the bridge over the mainline railway (G Maps | Maps). Free small car park at Abergynolwyn station.
- EV chargers: two slow 7kW chargers behind the leisure centre in Tywyn (5-min walk), one 7kW EV charger at Abergynolwyn station (free, but donations encouraged at the café or on the website).
- Public transport: Main train line (Birmingham – Pwllheli/Aberystwyth), G21 (Machynlleth – Dolgellau), and G24 (Dolgellau – Tywyn) buses.
- Amenities: Toilets, gift shop, free-entry museum, café at Tywyn and Abergynolwyn stations.
- Dogs: £5 charge, not allowed in first-class carriages.
- Accessibility: Accessible compartments available on each train. Call to enquire.
One of the most famous and iconic steam trains in Wales is the Talyllyn Railway. The history of the trains dates back as far as 1865, and their fame is also due to their link with Rev. Wilbert Awdry, who volunteered on the railway and found inspiration for his Thomas the Tank Engine books. Today, the Talyllyn runs various trains with a total of six steam and four diesel locomotives.
The journey lasts just short of an hour, from Tywyn Wharf to Nant Gwernol, where you can enjoy a stunning walk through woodland with cascading waterfalls,. If you prefer a shorter ride, you can stop at Dolgoch to see another beautiful waterfall before taking the next train back.
The company organises many special events throughout the year, from extravagant weeks to gin and beer festivals, as well as themed trains such as those for Halloween and Christmas.
Visit the Talyllyn Railway website for more information and to book your tickets.
Vale Of Rheidol
- Where: Park Avenue, Aberystwyth, SY23 1PG (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: late February to December.
- Booking: Available online, recommended during holidays.
- Fares: £35 adult, £5 child (3-15), first-class tickets available.
- Parking: Car park at the venue (payment required at the machine before leaving).
- EV chargers: four 22kW plugs at the railway’s car park, fast chargers available at Tesco (5-min walk) and Lidl (10-min walk). Tesla superchargers behind the Park Lodge Hotel (10-min walk).
- Public transport: Main train line (Birmingham – Aberystwyth), T1 bus (Carmarthen), T2 (Bangor), T28 (Machynlleth), T5 (Haverfordwest), and X47 (Llandrindod Wells).
- Amenities: Toilets, gift shop, museum.
- Dogs: £4 fee, not allowed in first-class compartments.
- Accessibility: Accessible open carriage available to book.
The 12-mile track that takes you from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge has been named one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK, and for good reason. It takes you through the countryside, following the Afon Rheidol (afon meaning “river” in Welsh), before climbing steeply through the woods of Tanyrallt, offering beautiful views of the valley.
There are various stops along the way, some of which are on request. At the end of the line, you can explore the famous Devil’s Bridge waterfalls (please note that it is a separate attraction and subject to a fee). The railway also organises special events, such as the Sunset Special ride and the Polar Express train in December.
The railway opened in 1902, and the locomotives and carriages used today were built between 1923 and 1938. Ownership changed hands multiple times before it became part of British Railways in 1948, and then it was privatised in 1989. Interestingly, the Vale of Rheidol is one of the only preserved railways to have operated a continuous service (except during the two world wars).
Visit the Vale Of Rheidol website.
Teifi Valley Railway
Images coming asap.
- Where: Henllan Station, SA44 5TD (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: Opening days are shared on the website on a monthly basis.
- Booking: Required only for special trains, such as the Santa Special.
- Fares: £5.50 for adults and children.
- Parking: Free car park at Henllan Station.
- EV chargers: none at the location, the nearest ones are in Newcastle Emlyn (west) or Llandysul (east).
- Public transport: Bus no. 24 from Cardigan to Carmarthen. No main train line in the area.
- Amenities: Busy Bee Café, Pixie Line miniature train, play area, and crazy golf.
- Dogs: £1.50 fee. Only assistance dogs are permitted on Santa Special trains.
- Accessibility: Disabled toilets, specially designed carriages, and ramps available.
The Teifi Valley Railway is another charming little train that is perfect for young children and toddlers. It runs for 0.62 miles through a forest, and the station also offers a miniature train, play areas, and a crazy golf course, making it an ideal day out for the family. There is also a lovely woodland walk next to the station.
The railway operates on a section of the former standard-gauge Great Western Railway line between Llandysul and Newcastle Emlyn. After the line was closed by British Rail in 1973, a preservation group was formed and periodically extended a narrow-gauge railway along the route, westwards from Henllan, eventually creating a 1.9-mile (3 km) track for tourists. In 2014, the railway closed, and much of the track was lifted. It re-opened in 2016, running along a shorter length.
Visit the Teifi Valley Railway website.
Brecon Mountain Railway
- Where: Pant station, Merthyr Tydfil, CF48 2DD (Google Maps | Apple Maps)
- When: April to October, closed on Fridays.
- Booking: Available online, recommended during holidays.
- Fares: £22.50 adult, £11.25 child (2-15), family discounts available.
- Parking: Large and free car park at Pant Station.
- EV chargers: none at the railway, the nearest ones are in Merthyr Tydfil.
- Public transport: Main train line (Birmingham – Aberystwyth), T4 bus (Newtown – Cardiff), and T14 bus (Brecon – Cardiff). Bus no. 24 takes you from Merthyr Tydfil to Pant Station.
- Amenities: Café and toilets at Pant Station and Pontsticill Station, gift shop at Pant Station, play area at Pontsticill Station.
- Dogs: £3 ticket, only assistance dogs allowed on Santa Special trains.
- Accessibility: One of the carriages can accommodate manual wheelchairs. Prebooking is recommended, as availability is limited.
Another railway that easily deserves a spot on the list of spectacular scenic journeys is the Brecon Mountain Railway, which takes you on a 9.5-mile return trip through the Bannau Brecheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park! The line runs from Pant (3 miles north of Merthyr Tydfil) to Torpantau, following part of the original route of the Brecon & Merthyr Railway, which closed in 1964. You’ll be able to admire the Taf Fechan Reservoir before climbing high into the mountains.
The railway boasts a rich selection of steam and diesel locomotives. All return trains stop at Pontsticill Station, where you can enjoy views of the lake, visit the Lakeside Café, or take a walk alongside the reservoir. You can also enquire about the Cupola Experience, where you join one of the guards in the caboose (guard van) for a unique view of the train and locomotive.
Visit the Brecon Mountain Railway website.
Extra Information
To plan your journey by bus, I recommend using the traveline.cymru website.
By train travel, visit the Transport for Wales. Note that both websites provide information about trains and buses when planning your trip.
You can read more about traveling in Wales with public transport on my dedicated page here.
Most railway websites include detailed information on accessibility, along with contact forms and phone numbers should you have any additional inquiries.
Which Railway Should I Choose?
I should start by saying that I’ve had the chance to travel on all of these trains at least once, and I’ve always had a great time—whether on my own or with family. I’m not exactly a train enthusiast by definition, which means anyone can enjoy the experience.
Choosing which railway to visit will largely depend on where you are, how far you’re willing to travel, and your budget, as some of these tickets can be quite expensive.
If you’re looking for some of the most luxurious rides combined with stunning scenery, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway is hard to beat. However, the Vale of Rheidol Railway can easily compete when it comes to the beauty of the landscape.
The Snowdon Mountain Railway is another easy recommendation, offering the most dramatic scenery and giving you the chance to reach the summit of Yr Wyddfa if you don’t fancy the hike. If you’re down south, however, the Brecon Mountain Railway is well worth a visit, and in terms of landscapes, it’s actually one of my personal favourites.
The Talyllyn Railway, with its connection to Rev. Awdry and the many themed events it hosts, is another highlight among tourists who come from all over the world. It also offers versatility when planning your day. You could catch an early train to Nant Gwernol, take a long walk through old quarries and hidden waterfalls, and then catch the last train back. Alternatively, if you prefer a shorter outing, you can stop halfway at Dolgoch to see another beautiful waterfall and explore the woodland.
Then there are the smaller railways, such as the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway or the Corris Railway, which offer shorter journeys and are better suited for young children who might find the bigger, longer trains a bit overwhelming. These smaller railways are fun, and often provide additional activities on-site.
The point is, there’s something for everyone—from the most avid train enthusiasts to families and children. Pick one, and you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there other steam railways in Wales?
If this list isn’t exhaustive enough, know that there are additional historical railways to explore. Two of them run on standard gauge tracks: the Llangollen Railway, and the Gwili Steam Railway in Carmarthen.
Finally, there are four miniature railways in Rhyl, Llandudno, Betws-Y-Coed and Fairbourne, which are generally much less expensive and will delight the little ones.
What is the longest narrow-gauge railway in Wales?
The Snowdonian, a special train of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, journeys from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog, then all the way to Caernarfon before returning to Porthmadog, making it an 80-mile round trip.
What is the most scenic train route in Wales?
Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but it’s hard to beat the view from the Snowdon Mountain Railway as it makes its way to the top of Yr Wyddfa, the highest mountain in Wales.
How many steam railways are there in Wales?
There are 17 steam railways, including two that run on standard gauge tracks, 11 on narrow gauge, and four miniature railways.
