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Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways | Porthmadog | Wales | United Kingdom

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Sightseeing attraction | Porthmadog | Wales | United Kingdom

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are two of the most famous narrow gauge railways in the United Kingdom, running through the stunning landscape of Snowdonia National Park in Wales. They offer a unique opportunity to experience the region's rich industrial history while enjoying the diverse nature.

Ffestiniog Railway

Established in 1832, the Ffestiniog Railway is considered the oldest operating narrow gauge railway in the world. Originally built to transport slate from the mines in Blaenau Ffestiniog to the port of Porthmadog, the line now spans approximately 21.7 kilometers from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog. The journey takes passengers through a varied landscape of forests, lakes, and mountains, providing insights into the region's historic slate industry.

Welsh Highland Railway

Connecting Caernarfon to Porthmadog, the Welsh Highland Railway is the longest narrow gauge railway in Britain at around 40 kilometers. The route passes through some of Snowdonia's most impressive landscapes, including the picturesque Aberglaslyn Pass and the charming village of Beddgelert. The railway has been restored in recent decades and now offers comfortable rides with historic steam locomotives.

Visitor experience

Both railways offer passengers the opportunity to travel in restored historic carriages and experience the beauty of the Welsh landscape from a unique perspective. Along the way, the trains pass through picturesque villages, dense forests, and open moorlands. The railways are renowned for their well-preserved steam locomotives and the authentic atmosphere of bygone eras.

Significance and recognition

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways are not only important tourist attractions, but also significant testimonies to Wales' industrial history. They have been recognized multiple times for their efforts in preserving and restoring historic railway technology, attracting railway enthusiasts from around the world.

A visit to these railways offers not only a journey through the impressive landscape of Snowdonia, but also a glimpse into the industrial past of Wales.
Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Porthmadog

Contact details

Web

Phone

Address
Harbour Station
LL49 9NF Porthmadog

Map view

Reviews

5561 Reviews

Jean-paul Giraud
16.01.2025

It is a great time experience with stunning veiws
Dave Roberts
15.01.2025

Lovingly restored and maintained locos and carriages traveling 40 miles of the Snowdonia national park and the coast of north Wales...wow doesn't begin to cover the experience
Andrew Blackford
05.01.2025

Fantastic day out and railway journey
Caitlin Foden
04.01.2025

Lovely friendly volunteers. Good signage and parking. The views were incredible!
mmf
01.01.2025

Excellent place... Full of history. Beautiful views.
Jacky F
30.12.2024

Linda & Blanche were hauling the Christmas Mountain Spirit today. Even though it was raining, it was still a great day out on the Ffestiniog Railway!
rachel greenhalgh
29.12.2024

Seeing Santa and a bite to eat in Spooners. Very pleasant santa lovely Christmas feel everywhere you went Food was to a good standard Tables needed clearing but it was very busy
Maximus Wilkinson
23.12.2024

Very good Christmas themed trains and events! The elves was exceptionally talented and hilarious!!! Really do go here! Even when it’s not Christmas!! It’s still just as good!
Carol Atkins
21.12.2024

Very festive today and lovely for children.
Lucinda
20.12.2024

Great steam train railway. Good cafe/bar. Nice walk along the bridge
Neil Tayles
15.12.2024

Took grandchildren for Santa’s Grotto and the Elf Express train ride on Saturday 14/12/2024. I have to say it was absolutely outstanding. The naughty elves kept the kids amused and helped create a wonderful atmosphere. As for Santa and his grotto that was magical and probably the best we’ve ever seen. It is also excellent value for money.
Lynn Murphy
29.10.2024

Grandchildren loved it
William Polyak
12.11.2024

One of the best railways in Wales for views.
Layla Brown
09.11.2024

It's closed on Sundays but was lovely when open
Marilyn Lloyd
07.11.2024

Did not go on that to do next year. But we watched it set of from Festiniog, then we went into Porthmadog to railway thier lovley.
Steven Lewis jones
06.11.2024

Sadly it closed on 1st November, we missed it by one day! Reopens in March 2025. We shall just have to travel up from West Wales to enjoy the experience.
Megan Balmer
02.11.2024

Lovely traditional steam railway 🚂
Mary Foreman
01.11.2024

Such lovely friendly staff/volunteers make the trip out a real pleasure. Experience is well worth it. 19 month old loved every moment of there and back.
Kate Shanahan
31.10.2024

I really enjoyed myself, I travelled on my own, the train was so relaxing
Andrew Cartwright
31.10.2024

The 25 mile train journey from Caernafon to Porthmadog gives the most varied and scenic views. Highly recommended.
Helen M
29.10.2024

Great day, be on time, trains leave exactly on time.
paul johnstone
28.10.2024

A full day out and beautiful views too . Not cheap but worth saving up for . Plenty of parking nearby and Premier Inn almost opposite if accommodation needed
Jeffrey Scrivens
10.07.2020

A must visit for anybody interested in steam railways, with the added attraction of glorious Snowdonia scenery. Good food, good beer. What more could you want ?
Eduardas Ignatovas
27.10.2024

Awesome experience!
Nick Hardy
27.10.2024

We went on a return trip from Porthmadog to Caernarfon, it was great!
Zaigham A I Jafferi (Zico)
27.10.2024

It's an awesome experience. It feels how people of the 1920s travel in train. It is a nice day out or half day out, depending on how much you are prepared to pay for your fun. Parking for 4 hours is £2.20
sophie rodgers
27.10.2024

Amazing experience. We loved every second of our trip. The staff were fantastic. Honestly the best activity we did
Laura Hayes
26.10.2024

A fantastic experience, from ringing for advice to the service aboard the train, everyone is so welcoming, friendly and informative. We were recommended to try the Mountain spirit from Porthmadog to Blaenau Ffestiniog with having young children as it's not the longest journey and this time of year you're still guaranteed to still see some views. We booked the observation seats which i would highly recommend, they were fantastic, we were right behind the engines for the first half! We all enjoyed it and the girls can't wait to go again!

 

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