Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
The Welsh Highland Heritage Railway, Porthmadog, is a small railway catering for all ages, in all weathers, and whatever your level of interest, there is something to offer you.
Welsh Highland Heritage Railway
Trains are operated by either historic steam locomotives or vintage diesels, with traditional wooden carriages. The aim is to recreate the atmosphere of the old Welsh Highland Railway of the 1920s. TIMETABLE
The train ride is a short journey from Porthmadog to Pen y Mount where the younger passengers are invited to assist the guard in operating the points and signals while the locomotive runs round the train. On the return journey, the train stops at Gelert’s Farm, where passengers are invited to take a ride on the miniature railway and to visit the award-winning museum.
The railway is situated in Porthmadog, just across the road from the main line rail station and level crossing, opposite the Queens Hotel, with free car parking.
Enjoy a Hands-on Experience:
- Climb on to the footplate of a real steam locomotive
- Sit in the cab of a small diesel shunter and operate the controls
- Climb up into the cab of one of the biggest narrow-gauge diesel locomotives ever built
- Try your hand at our shunting game
- Experience the Runaway Train!
Learn about the History of Porthmadog and its trade in slate, shipping and ship building, and the narrow-gauge railways and ancillary trades that served these industries.
Learn about the Personalities responsible for its development.
Learn about the earliest railways in Porthmadog, in the days before steam locomotives.
Learn something about the complex story of the Welsh Highland Railway and its predecessors.
Learn about the wider use of narrow-gauge railways worldwide.
View the collection of locomotives and carriages, which includes several major artefacts from the original Welsh Highland Railway of 1922. The train crew are very happy to answer all your questions!
After about half an hour, the train will return to Porthmadog. If you fancy repeating the experience, tickets are valid all day. Take the opportunity to have a bite to eat and a drink in the Russell Tearoom, and to browse the souvenir, book and model shop.
Tremadog Road
Porthmadog
LL49 9DY
LL49 9DY
Find Us
By Train
Porthmadog mainline rail station is served by trains on the highly scenic Cambrian Coast Line from Birmingham, Shrewsbury, Machynlleth, Barmouth & Pwllheli.
By Bus
The nearest bus stops are close to the main line rail station and are served by local, Snowdon Sherpa and TrawsCymru buses, connecting additionally with Caernarfon, Blaenau Ffestiniog, Beddgelert, Bangor and Aberystwyth.
By Car
We’re on the A4871, Sat Nav LL49 9HT.
From Caernarfon, Beddgelert or anywhere north head for Porthmadog. As you arrive in town, the railway is immediately left before the level crossing. If you go past Tesco, you’ve gone too far.
From Criccieth, Pwllheli, Black Rock Sands and Greenacres Holiday Park turn left into the High Street, past Tesco, and the railway is on the right just past the level crossing.
From Dolgellau and the south follow the A487 along the Porthmadog Bypass towards Pwllheli, then follow the Bypass to the first roundabout. Turn left towards Porthmadog town centre, and the railway is on the left immediately before the level crossing.
Parking
There is a free car park for customers, but it can get busy. A long stay pay-and-display car park is just across the road.
Stay
Discounts off stays with our Card
*available at selected accommodation
Royal Sportsman Hotel
This Porthmadog hotel is renowned for its welcoming atmosphere and knowledgeable staff. A 3-star, full-service accommodation with great quality food.
Tudor Lodge
A warm welcome awaits you at the Tudor Lodge, Porthmadog, family-run with cosy and comfortable rooms. Well known for their Scandinavian Style breakfast or a cooked breakfast option. *Accommodation Offer
Awelon Holiday Cottage
A Grade 2 listed holiday cottage located in the historic square of Tremadog, enjoying pubs, restaurants and shops on your doorstep. Sleeps 10. *Accommodation Offer
Nearby
Portmeirion Village
Portmeirion is home to two hotels, a cluster of historic cottages, iconic architecture, restaurants, an Italian ice cream parlour, exotic gardens and sandy beaches.
Borth y Gest
The closest beach to Porthmadog is at the sleepy, seaside village of Borth y Gest. A walk round the bay takes you to a clifftop path to small, beautiful sandy coves.
Glaslyn Osprey Project
Visit the Osprey viewing centre at Pont Croesor to see these amazing birds in the Welsh habitat and learn a little from the Bywyd Gwyllt Glaslyn Wildlife volunteers.