Welsh Highland Heritage Railway - Image 1

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Porthmadog, United Kingdom•4.6(644)•Heritage Site, Museum

Ride historic narrow-gauge steam trains through Welsh countryside, explore a hands-on railway heritage centre, and enjoy miniature railway experiences for all ages.

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway offers families an immersive journey into railway heritage set in Porthmadog, North Wales. Visitors board historic narrow-gauge railway carriages for a scenic train ride hauled by a steam locomotive (when available) or diesel locomotive, departing from Porthmadog Station and arriving back within an hour. The experience includes a stop at Pen y Mount Junction station and a half-hour exploration of the extensive, all-weather railway heritage centre and museum. Beyond the main train ride, the venue features miniature railway rides on most days, providing additional entertainment for younger visitors and enthusiasts. The site operates as a hands-on museum where families can engage directly with railway history and artifacts. Special seasonal events include Santa Specials during December, featuring train rides, visits to Santa, craft stalls, model railways, and fun mini-games. The railway is suitable for families with children of all ages, from infants (pushchairs welcome) to teenagers, as well as railway enthusiasts and adults. Affordable family tickets (maximum 2 adults, 2 children) cost £39.90, and day tickets allow unlimited travel. The venue also includes Caffi Russell's Café serving freshly prepared food and drink, a well-stocked gift shop, free car parking, and is dog-friendly. Operating as a volunteer-run charity, it is an accredited Visit Wales tourist attraction and part of the Great Little Trains of Wales network.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 09:30 – 17:30
Tuesday: 09:30 – 17:30
Wednesday: 09:30 – 17:30
Thursday: 09:30 – 17:30
Friday: 09:30 – 17:30
Saturday: 09:30 – 17:30
Sunday: 09:30 – 17:30

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Caffi Russell's Café

On-site café serving freshly prepared food and drink

Hours: Open on all days that trains are operating, also on Fridays, from 9am until 4pm every week

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Google Reviews

4.6(644 reviews)
R
Rob Neill

Rob Neill

a month ago

Loved by both adults and children. So much so most of them went back for a second visit in the afternoon which cost was covered in the all day ticket pricing. Nice steam train ride and all four grandchildren got chance to change points and signals. Museum part had plenty to interest the three generations, including hands on activities. Narrow gauge ride was fun and longer than expected. Very friendly and informative staff. Good shop and loos. Money well spent. Thank you.

G
Gill C

Gill C

3 months ago

Lovely place and would definitely recommend a visit, the journey including stops lasts about an hour but your ticket can be used multiple times which if like us you need it to make the most of the museum and to get another go on the miniature railway at Gelerts Farm. The staff are very friendly and welcoming and helped make our visit more enjoyable. The attached cafe has excellent food and would be a regular visit for us if we was closer.

N
Noortje P

Noortje P

9 months ago

My husband has been coming here since the late 80s and now it was finally time to bring our 15 month old son! We had a lovely morning and our boy had lots of fun. The train driver and conductor were full of knowledge and spirit. Our son got to work the signal box and the horn on the engine, never too young to get them interested in our Heritage railways ♥️ The museum had lots of interactive displays for children of all ages and a ride on a miniature railways as well for a bonus! It's significantly more affordable then most narrow guage railways in the UK as well and is the perfect length ride to keep kids engaged! The shop and cafe are also lovely and worth a visit. The parents and Nanny also very much enjoyed the visit. Thank you Welsh Highland Railway!

C
Caroline Dixon

Caroline Dixon

a year ago

Brilliant and worth a visit. We had our lunch with us so got to eat it on train, the museum is so fun for all ages, interactive with mini train too. Staff are all wonderful and patient the whole family enjoyed this especially seeing Karen, the old phones still in use and just a jam packed adventure. We all thoroughly enjoyed and recommend this!

A
Alisha Russell

Alisha Russell

a year ago

Fantastic visit this afternoon. We visited late in the day hoping for a little ride our daughter had been asking for all week. We parked for free outside, we brought tickets for 2 adults and 2 children (8&4) for £37 and our 2 dogs were free. Toilets very clean! We had a lovely cabin and enjoyed the view. It was a short ride to the end, the staff were very friendly and asked my children if they wanted to help do the signals. We then travelled back and stopped at the museum, we loved the miniature train with a very friendly driver. The staff interacted with us in the museum and gave us some extra history about the town and railway. The children got to go inside a train, see inside and pull the horn! Lots of little activities, very interactive and good information. We had a ride back to the station and enjoyed the shop, great stock and again lovely friendly staff! Thank you for a fantastic time.

Reviews last updated: 29 September 2026

Events at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 29 September 2026

Frequently asked questions about Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

Is Welsh Highland Heritage Railway free to visit?

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is Welsh Highland Heritage Railway suitable for?

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is Welsh Highland Heritage Railway dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway.

Is there parking at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway?

Yes, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway has on-site parking.

Is there food at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway?

Yes — Caffi Russell's Café is on site at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway. On-site café serving freshly prepared food and drink

Is Welsh Highland Heritage Railway pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Welsh Highland Heritage Railway?

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Welsh Highland Heritage Railway by public transport?

Welsh Highland Heritage Railway is well-served by public transport.
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