Drive a real locomotive on a miniature railway track, with hands-on training from qualified instructors for ages 6+.

West Shore Miniature Railway offers a unique hands-on experience where visitors can operate a genuine Class 37 locomotive on a working miniature railway track. Located in North Wales, the venue provides Driver Training Experiences that combine education with excitement, allowing both children (ages 6+) and adults to learn railway operation firsthand. The experience begins with an introductory lap from a qualified NWMES instructor, who explains the locomotive's controls and safety procedures. Participants then take the controls themselves, driving the locomotive around four laps of the track under professional supervision. All drivers are accompanied by their instructor and a guard who ensures safety throughout the experience. This heritage railway attraction is particularly appealing to families interested in engineering, trains, and hands-on learning opportunities. The venue operates during summer holiday periods and select times throughout the year, with flexible scheduling available by prior arrangement. Visitors receive a souvenir certificate and badge upon completion. The site is dog-friendly, pushchair-accessible, and offers tea and coffee facilities, making it suitable for families seeking an outdoor educational activity with a unique twist.

Venue Details

What this place offers

Toilets

Public transport nearby

Accessible toilets

Free WiFi

Baby changing facilities

Food available

On-site parking

🐕Dog-friendly

Parking nearby

Pushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

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Ania Barton

a month ago

Absolutely a must experience for the families with children. Such a passionate crowd of well informed passionate are running this place. Worth every penny.

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Callum Christie

a year ago

Can't Recommend West Shore Minature Railway enough Me and My father Recently Joined West shore model engineers after Visiting the railway by Chance in August 2024 and all the members Welcomed us with open arms and even let us run my great grandfather's 80 plus year old 3 1/2 inch gauge stean loco We visited the railway whilst on holiday From Ireland we loved Visiting that much that we became members of West shore Minature Railway in December 2024 and we are hoping to visit once or twice a year can't wait to visit again a great bunch of people can't Recommend enough

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Annie The_voyage

2 years ago

It was great fun to ride on the railway and talk with the rail enthusiasts 😀

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Dave Holland

3 years ago

Unfortunately not running on the day we went so we didn't explore much. Looks a good circuit, raised track only. The track is fairly flat and open. The entrance is via the car park by the sea. Free roadside parking on the land side of the railway.

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Robert Dyer

4 years ago

One of the many hidden gems in Llandudno and literally situated a stones throw from the scenic West Shore beach. The Miniature Railway is operated by a dedicated and friendly group of volunteers with trips offered freely (donations welcome) to anyone wishing to have a go. Mostly open on sunny weekends in warmer months, it makes a perfect and inexpensive family activity for both locals and visitors.

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026