Gwili Railway
Gwili Railway
4.5
Wednesday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Saturday
11:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Sunday
10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
About
Take a step back in time at the Gwili Steam Railway, a delightful preserved railway set in rural CarmarthenshireWest Wales. Experience life as it once was for many rural areas of Great Britain, all of which came to rely upon the railways for their livelihood. Ride a typical country branch line, interact with some of staff and volunteers to get a glimpse of what railway life was once like. Set in beautiful countryside with abundant wildlife, the line follows the River Gwili on a steady uphill journey through farmland and wooded hillsides. Beyond the locomotives, history and scenery, the railway’s appeal lies in the friendliness and enthusiasm of the volunteers who maintain the railway and operate the services. They’re justly proud of the part they play in recreating the golden age of steam and their love of the railway is infectious; they’ll be happy to regale you with information and stories about The Gwili and it’s historical importance to this part of West Wales. SA31 2DG
Duration: 1-2 hours
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  • Lottie1222
    6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Beautiful experience
    We’ve been here a few times and loved the experience every single time. The volunteers are always very welcoming. My little ones loved the miniature railway and got a chocolate bunny off the Easter bunny which they were thrilled with. Would definitely recommend.
    Thank you for your kind review.
    Written 10 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 10 April 2023
  • Kenarthur30
    Cardiff, United Kingdom17 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great visit, will go again
    Went with our granddaughters. The new station at Abergwili (outskirts of Carmarthen) is easy to find and has plenty of free parking. Staff were friendly and helpful. The Easter Bunny was present on one of the stations but the star of the show was the magnificent steam engine puling the train. Facilities are a bit basic in the new station but it's early days and there are big plans for it. The visit was a big hit with our family and we will go again at some stage.
    Thank you so much for your kind review.
    Written 18 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 10 April 2023
  • The Warren
    Carmarthen, United Kingdom33 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Just Magical
    I had the most magical time today reliving memories of this wonderful trip as a young child. They are now operating from Carmarthen Town which will be a huge boost to the towns tourism. Also had a nice chat with a few of the staff who were very pleasant. Well done team!!!! Diolch :)
    Thank you for leaving such a kind review. Please come and see us again soon.
    Written 17 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 10 April 2023
  • kcr
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    An excellent day out
    What a great day. New extended line open from Abergwili Junction. Much easier to get to and very well sign posted. Ages ranged from 52 down to 1 and all had a fantastic time. Will definitely be going again. It's a must. Well done.
    Hello and thank you for your lovely review.
    Written 18 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 11 April 2023
  • Geoff B
    Pencoed, United Kingdom98 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Return Visit !
    It was great to return to The Gwili Railway today and nice to have the journey start at the newly opened Abergwili Junction just on the edge of Carmarthen. They now have a decent sized car park which I am sure will make things a lot easier for visitors and even encourage more visitors - in fact while I was there a coach arrived with approximately 40 people on board. Anyway I had an enjoyable ride - please note....best book the bacon sarnies in advance like I did - highly recommended ! (The young lad doing the refreshments and food etc worked very hard and kept everyone happy !)🙂 🙂 Well done everyone at Gwili Railway forgetting the new station open and look forward to other improvements over time !
    Hello and thank you for your kind words.
    Written 18 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 12 April 2023
  • Sandra S
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Gwili Cream Tea and Steam Train Ride
    An absolutely fabulous cream tea and steam train ride this afternoon. Superb scones and Rhoddas clotted cream with fresh strawberries and jam. Run by wonderfully enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers who worked so hard to make the experience so pleasurable. Hats off to everyone involved at the Gwili Steam Station. We'll be back very soon!
    Hello and thank you for your review. I will admit I love the cream tea Thursdays myself. We look forward to seeing you soon.
    Written 18 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 13 April 2023
  • Leanne J
    5 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trip down memory lane!
    I booked this trip as a surprise for my mother’s 70th birthday and she loved every moment of it! All she talked about was how she used to catch a train exactly like it to school, and how her and her friends used to hang out of the window and enjoy themselves. I took my own fizz and food for the journey and the standard compartment easily accommodated 4 adults, 1 teen, and 1 child, so it worked out as good value for money. There was a toilet on the train that made the journey more comfortable, and the staff, throughout the journey, were pleasant and professional. A large car park and easy access to the platform were provided, and we all had a really lovely time! I would recommend!
    Thank you for your lovely review. I’m so glad your mother had a wonderful birthday.
    Written 18 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 14 April 2023
  • Huwm
    Carmarthen, United Kingdom41 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great fun even on a wet day!
    Great fun even on a wet day! We decided to visit only a week after the new Abergwili station opened. We were warmly welcomed by Leanne in the ticket office, & our dog given a biscuit! Our gorgeous steam train arrived shortly after & left on time. It may not be the longest piece of track but the stops allowed us to view the stunning scenery as we progressed alongside the river bank. We even saw a Heron patiently waiting for a fish as we steamed by! All the volunteers were so friendly & approachable, helping & explaining to all about the railway & engine. The enthusiasm & enjoyment that the volunteers all had was infectious, & really rubbed off on us. Well done Gwili Railway a thoroughly enjoyable morning out!
    Thank you for such a wonderful review. We look forward to seeing you again and as a possible volunteer.
    Written 17 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 17 April 2023
  • Carol B
    Wells, United Kingdom6 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Very enjoyable
    This was a lovely experience. The staff made us feel so welcome and our dogs were made so welcome too. They have moved to a new start station and they have lots of work to do but that doesn't matter because they are making everything as easy and accessible as they can. We really enjoyed our trip.
    Thank you for your kind review.
    Written 23 April 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited April 2023
    Written 21 April 2023
  • toomanybeds
    322 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    First class heritage railway
    A charming heritage railway running through a beautiful valley. Staff are exceptional. Catering offering very good. Plenty of food parking at main station. A wonderful place to while away a few hours, one of the best ways to de-stress I know.
    Thank you for your kind words.
    Written 31 May 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited May 2023
    Written 29 May 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles844 reviews
Excellent
541
Very good
183
Average
53
Poor
29
Terrible
38

super52
South Wales, UK33 contributions
2.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Family
Disappointed with the carriages, which were uncomfortable and felt dirty.
Run by volunteers mainly but they really could do with visiting other steam railways and listening to advice to improve customer experience.
The railway has been going for enough years now to show marked improvements in the customer experiences, there have been grants to help get the railway moving forward(pardon the pun) but disappointing was our opinion when we took our visiting family.

The Staff on day were as helpful as they could be, but much more needed if this railway is to grow into something similar to others.
Written 14 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

sadie e
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
A few of us (big kids) did the New Year lights trip on Friday and had a really lovely time. The staff/volunteers really made it special and it was great to see the steam train decorated with all the lights. The free sherry and mince pie was a nice touch. We booked a carriage for a small group. Really recommend!
Written 31 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Candys J
Neath, UK335 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Took our granddaughter to meet Santa and it was a lovely experience.
Everything was well organised and we enjoyed having a carriage to ourselves. Santa and his elves were really friendly and my granddaughter enjoyed her Christmas gift.
Well worth a visit
Written 24 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Pembroke pirate
Pembroke, UK20 contributions
3.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We took our 3 grand children ages 2 to 5 on this trip having heard so much about how wonderful it is. Paid £135. There were positives such as the parking and organising until we got on the train. First half of the trip our cabin was in darkness, clearly an issue with the lighting. The trip was long and drawn out and it was difficult to keep children amused. The elf was a bit inappropriate talked about farting. May have been a naughty elf perhaps. Second half of the trip we had some illumination.
On a positive note Santa and mrs Claus were very good and nice gifts but train carriage very cramped for photos. Also no Christmas music on train. Could have been much better
Written 20 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Foody Mawr
Cardiff, UK39 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Had the pleasure of a wonderful trip on the Christmas express with Santa and his elves! From the moment we pulled in to the well-managed car park we were treated to a really warm welcome by the volunteers,the station master who checked our tickets and the welcomes who served us with home made mince pies, gi gingerbread men and sherry!
The stations were all beautifully decorated and the train was glorious!
The trip was very nostalgic and the Father Chrsitmas and his elves were fantastic with the children and adults alike! My grandchildren loved it...truly magical and really evoked the real spirit of christmas! Really magical. Thank you to everyone involved for making it such a special day and a lovely experience just before chrsitmas! Merry christmas all !!
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind remarks, it does mean a lot to us to have compliments as everyone works so hard to make every visit worthwhile. A very merry Christmas and a very happy new year.
Written 22 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Ingrid
3 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Absolutely tremendous day out to visit Santa on the train. Staff were very friendly and helpful, and the carriage was clean, warm and comfortable. Santa was a great hit with the grandchildren, getting some lovely gifts from him. Highly reccomend.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely remarks and we hope to see you for many more Christmas events.
Written 22 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Karen F
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
The whole experience was fantastic, the train compartment was cosy and comfy, we knew that we could relax with the grandchildren and not bother others. Santa came around and was so authentic with the elves, this will be a definite on our list next year.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so pleased that you will be returning next year and we all wish you a very happy Christmas and a prosprous New Year.
Written 22 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

A Copsy
South Wales, UK6 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Came on for the Santa railway, all a staff were BRILLIANT and lovely/helpful

Giving 4 because it wasn’t quite as scenic as I thought it would be on the route.

Santa was the best one we’ve seen - looked great and really attentive with the little ones. Did not feel rushed
Written 17 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your frank comments regarding the scenic aspect of the journey however we are all delighted that you were please with all the other aspects of your visit. Do visit us again, during the Summer, when the trees and hedges turn green, a totally different view! Happy Christmas and a jolly New Year to you all !
Written 22 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Janet R
Whitland, UK19 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
Absolutely fabulous experience taking our granddaughters (ages 6&3). All the staff were so friendly and polite, making this a magical evening . Well organised and santa even had his magic book with him to see who was on the naughty list. Perfect for making memories. Well done all involved and thank you
Written 17 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind remarks and we hope to see you and your granddaughters for many more Christmas events. Merry Christmas and a very cheerful New Year.
Written 22 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Companion27984209040
Cardiff, UK1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
This was the fourth time to bring the family our children and grandchildren they always come home very happy to have seen Father Christmas on the train and get a present
The Gwilli railway team work very hard to give the family a memorable experience I myself on behalf of my family give them a very big thank you and wish them all a very happy Christmas
Written 11 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your kind words. We are so glad you had a wonderful time while you were here. I will be sure to pass on your message to all concerned. Have a wonderful Christmas.
Written 12 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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Gwili Railway - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor

Frequently Asked Questions about Gwili Railway

Gwili Railway is open:
  • Sun - Sun 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Wed - Thu 10:30 AM - 4:00 PM
  • Sat - Sat 11:30 AM - 4:30 PM