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Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways

Harbour Station, Porthmadog LL49 9NF, Wales
01766 516000
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Ranked #1 of 7 attractions in Porthmadog
Type: Scenic Railroads
Owner description: The Ffestiniog Railway takes you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. We are... more » Owner description: The Ffestiniog Railway takes you on a 13½-mile journey from the harbour in Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. We are recognised by the Guinness Book of World Records as the oldest railway company in the world, being founded in 1832. We still build steam locomotives and carriages in our own workshops and the world's oldest steam engine, Palmerston, is still in regular use today - almost 150 years after it was built. Our historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends (even a complete spiral) clinging to the side of the mountain or tunnelling through it. The Welsh Highland is Snowdonia’s newest railway. Trains start their spectacular 25 mile scenic journey from beneath the historic castle walls at Caernarfon. The trains - hauled by the world's most powerful narrow gauge steam locomotives - climb from sea level to over 650 feet on the foothills of Snowdon, before zig-zagging dramatically down the steep hillside to reach Beddgelert, nestling in the heart of the National Park, then through the magnificent Aberglaslyn Pass - voted the most beautiful spot in the UK by the National Trust - and on to Porthmadog. « less
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296 reviews from our community

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wiltshire
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
Reviews in 6 cities Reviews in 6 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

We travelled the length of both railways in both directions over two days in glorious sunshine . From Porthmadog to Caernarfon we sat in the open carriage which allowed us to really enjoy the countryside. Spring lambs, wild flowers and masses of daffodils. I would recommend a spring or autumn trip if possible when there are less leaves on the... More

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London, United Kingdom
2 reviews
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 19 May 2013 NEW

I think the Welsh Highland is probably one of the best heritage railway experiences anywhere. And even the weather cooperated.

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UK
Contributor
11 reviews 11 reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 16 May 2013 NEW

Went from end of the line to end of the line on what was an otherwise rainy and miserable day. Upgraded to first class and had a quite magical experience, with the carriage being almost wall to wall glass, so affording absolutely fantastic views, despite the rain trying to prove opposite. It was well worth the upgrade sitting in fabulous... More

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Ramsey, United Kingdom
Senior Reviewer
7 reviews 7 reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 13 May 2013 via mobile

What a wonderful trip up the mountains. Despite the weather,(wet!!,) the staff were friendly, we had coffee on the train in both directions. To see such dedication to keep the trains running was a real treat, the shop was very well stocked with all things train related, and spooners a good place to relax and eat.I would really recommend this... More

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North Wales Coast
Contributor
19 reviews 19 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 7 cities Reviews in 7 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 12 May 2013

Now the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland have joined up you get twice as much enjoyment on every visit. All the staff are very friendly and the facilities are great. Make sure to have enough time to eat in "Spooner's Bar". Fantastic quality and value.

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See 3 more reviews by Gogarth for Porthmadog
Peterborough, United Kingdom
Reviewer
3 reviews 3 reviews
Reviews in 3 cities Reviews in 3 cities
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

This attraction is for everyone. Great train ride, loaded with history and the views are stunning. The ride was very exciting especially riding in the open carriage where you could really appreciate the beautiful scenery. You have to do this journey.

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Manchester
Senior Contributor
27 reviews 27 reviews
7 attraction reviews
Reviews in 17 cities Reviews in 17 cities
25 helpful votes 25 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 8 May 2013

We visited the railway for the 150th anniversary of steam cleberations and really appreciated the extra effort and thought that had gone into planning an action-packed weekend. From gravity trains to photo line-ups, vintage carriages to flags and staff in costumes, commemorative tickets to the souvenir programme, everything ran pretty much as advertised and the staff worked tirelessly over a... More

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See 3 more reviews by hopefultraveller21 for Porthmadog
Nottingham, United Kingdom
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3 reviews 3 reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

150th anniversary of the trains, lots happening, brilliant weekend, travelled the full 80 miles on the Sunday, long day but great!\

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See 2 more reviews by capwalker1953 for Porthmadog
Senior Reviewer
6 reviews 6 reviews
4 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013 via mobile

2 railways both running through the fabulous scenery of the Snowdonia national park. One full of history (dating from the 1830s) one restored only recently using powerful steam locos from Africa. Great variety of locomotives plus comfortable carriages with on board service and toilets which many railways of this size can't offer - you can even have a gin and... More

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Bewdley
Contributor
17 reviews 17 reviews
5 attraction reviews
Reviews in 14 cities Reviews in 14 cities
13 helpful votes 13 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 7 May 2013

A friendly professionally run railway. The Ffestiniog Railway takes you to Blaenau Ffestiniog and the Slate Mines, whilst the Welsh Highland Railway runs to Caernarfon and its Castle. Both good days out.

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See 2 more reviews by Brian A Clegg for Porthmadog

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