Welsh Highland Heritage Railway — Attraction in Porthmadog

I wanted to reach out regarding my family’s experience to the Welsh Highland Railway.

We went as a group of six and on the whole we were disappointed with the overall experience.

We spent over £100 for our visit - including entry and the cafe afterwards. The train journey was not worth getting on, with how short of a journey it actually took.

when we alighted at the halfway station, they got the children involved to change the point but even the operator got it wrong and the points didn’t work, it looked unprofessional.

Everything is tired. the museum is tired and needs refurbishing. The kids activities are underwhelming. Specifically the ability to chose the name of the train using the magnetic letters. It was incomplete and dirty. The Duplo set looked like it was missing multiple parts.

you get 30mins after you alight which is not enough time for any of the children’s activities.

The Runaway train wasn’t worth bothering with.

The outside train at the museum is in disrepair. Half the track was shut for repair. The figures had fell over and were all faded and were the same as when we visited 15years ago.

at the cafe we had something to eat to support the cafe. two of the pizzas we had were burnt and there wasn’t much choice.

Overall we’re very disappointed. It was a disappointing few hours which is a shame because the train and carriages were beautiful and were spotless.

I understand it is a museum and things need to be “old” to go in there but it’s tired and unappealing to young children and families.

I'm leaving this review on behalf of my parents. They emailed the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway shortly after their visit but received no response. They were deeply disappointed by their time there since they had good memories of taking me when I...

Review of Welsh Highland Railway - 5 Stars

I recently had the pleasure of experiencing the Welsh Highland Railway, and I can confidently say it was one of the highlights of my trip to Wales! From the moment we arrived, the charm and history of this heritage railway captured my heart.

The journey itself is nothing short of magical. As we boarded the beautifully restored train, I was immediately transported back in time. The vintage carriages are cozy, and the attention to detail in the decor is commendable. The ride takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes I've ever seen, with rolling hills, majestic mountains, and picturesque valleys all unfolding before your eyes. You truly get a sense of the natural beauty that Wales has to offer.

The staff on board were friendly and knowledgeable, sharing fascinating stories about the railway's history and the surrounding areas. Their passion for the railway was evident, and it added a personal touch to the experience. I also appreciated the opportunity to hop off at various stops along the route, allowing us to explore charming villages and enjoy scenic walks.

One of the highlights was enjoying a delightful picnic lunch while taking in the breathtaking views. The café at the railway station offered a lovely selection of snacks and refreshments, making it easy to fuel up for the journey ahead.

Overall, I cannot recommend the Welsh Highland Railway enough! It’s a perfect blend of adventure, history, and stunning scenery, making it suitable for travelers of all ages. Whether you're a railway enthusiast or simply looking for a unique way to experience the beauty of Wales, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. I can’t wait to return and...

We had a brillant day here today. Staff are so friendly and very knowledgeable. We loved that we got to look at the Engine '' Emma '' before setting off. Short ride down the tracks where we stopped so my girls could help change the signal and move the engine onto the other side of the carriages. They got to press buttons and hold the massive master key. They were both very impressed. Then went on to the next stop the museum. Should say at this point the views were beautiful. The museum was a wealth of history and so much we didn't know. Loads of interactive games, build a Thomas tank engine, brass colouring, a wooden train set and even dressing up. Make sure you bring 10p to see Thomas and percy going around a mini track!! There was "Karen" a beautiful engine that blows steam (great photo opportunity) and another fun attraction was the runaway train... Let's not give too much away but lots of fun. Please do give this little gem a chance and support these volunteers to keep the place running. We spent 2 hours in here and my daughters 3y and 2y are still talking about it. Also your ticket is valid all day so you can go on all 5 trips if you wanted...