Ffestiniog Railway, Snowdonia, North Wales
For a spectacular day out in North Wales, journey back in time through the majestic landscape of Snowdonia aboard the historic steam trains of the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways.
This award-winning heritage steam railway is the perfect way to experience the mystical beauty of Snowdonia with its castles, lakes, ancient woodlands, waterfalls and traditional Welsh farmhouses. Sit back and relax in the comfort of an authentic period railway carriage, partake of a glass of local ale or an ice cream, hopping off for tasting stops along the way.
- Enjoy spectacular views
- Take tasting stops along the way
- Visit Portmeiron Village en route
Ffestiniog Railway
The famous Ffestiniog Railway is the world’s oldest narrow gauge railway. Its little steam engines climb over 700 feet from sea level at Porthmadog Harbour up to the slate quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog. Popular with summer tourists, it’s one of Britain’s most scenic train journeys passing through mountains, forests, waterfalls and lakes along the way.
Stop For Pizza and Ice Cream in an Italian Village
From Porthmadog Cob with its stunning estuary views, the railway passes through the village of Minffordd, an ideal stop for those wishing to visit the Italianate village of Portmeirion and enjoy a taste of the Italian Riviera in Wales.
Have Tea and Cake at Tan y Bwlch Station
The train then winds its way uphill through ancient woodlands to Tan y Bwlch station where the late Mrs Bessie Jones gained worldwide fame as the station mistress wearing traditional Welsh costume and serving teas at the station house. Hop off for homemade cakes and teas at the station café.
Mrs Bessie Jones, Station Mistress,Tan y Bwlch station, Ffestiniog Railway. Photo: With kind permission of Gill Pritchard
Drink a Beer and Watch the Sun Go Down in Porthmadog
The climb through the Vale of Ffestiniog affords further spectacular views across the valley before finally reaching its destination at Blaenau Ffestiniog and returning to Porthmadog. For the perfect end to your day, sit outside overlooking the harbour at Spooner’s Café and Bar and enjoy a pint of local ale from the Purple Moose Brewery.
Tips
- Trains run from March to October with some additional out of season trains for special events such as Halloween and Christmas
- For ale explorers, one of the best ways to experience the Welsh Highland Railway is to visit in May for its annual Real Ale Festival
Where to Stay in North Wales
Plas Bodegroes
Lyn Peninsula, North Wales
Country house restaurant with rooms in an Area of Outstanding National Beauty just a mile from the sea.
Rooms from £99 a night.
Dogs
A fantastic doggy day out for me! I am welcome to travel on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways at any time for a small fee of £3. I am even given my own doggy ticket. Unfortunately, I am not allowed to travel in first class.
How to Find The Ffestiniog Railway
Website: www.festrail.co.uk
Explore
Find more Foodie Things To Do in North Wales. Discover more Train Dining Experiences and see our recommended Gifts for Train Lovers.
The Foodie Travel Guide
Sally is the founder and editor of The Foodie Travel Guide. She travels around the UK and beyond in search of the best foodie days out, tasting experiences and delicious places to stay. She loves a glass of English sparkling wine, afternoon tea with friends and escaping London for gastronomic adventures.