Llangollen Railway
Volunteer-run heritage railway with steam and diesel trains on a ten-mile line along the Dee valley between Llangollen and Corwen.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The line opened for freight on 1 December 1861 as the Vale of Llangollen Railway, and passenger trains followed on 2 June 1862. The route was extended to Corwen in 1865. Passenger services were withdrawn in January 1965 and goods traffic ended in 1968.
The Flint and Deeside Railway Preservation Society began recovery work in 1972, secured a lease on Llangollen station and a short length of track in 1975, and held its first open day on 13 September 1975. The preserved railway then pushed along the valley in stages, reaching Pentrefelin in 1981, Berwyn in 1986, Deeside Halt in 1990, Glyndyfrdwy in 1993 and Carrog in 1996. Temporary platforms at Corwen followed in 2014, and Corwen Central opened in 2023, completing the ten-mile line.
Following a suspension of services and the appointment of administrators in 2021, the Llangollen Railway Trust took full responsibility for the railway.
Trains are hauled by steam locomotives such as Great Western tank engine 7754 and heavy freight engine 3802, and by diesels from British Railways classes including 14, 26, 31 and 47. Diesel railcars and mainly British Railways Mark I carriages complete the heritage fleet, and the railway is maintained largely by volunteers.
Highlights
- Ten-mile heritage line between Llangollen and Corwen through the Dee valley
- Steam locomotives including Great Western 7754 and heavy freight engine 3802
- Diesel locomotives and rare diesel railcars
- Special event trains such as Santa Specials, afternoon tea and real ale trains
- Llangollen station with shop, café and real ale bar
- Founded
- 1972
- Operated by
- Llangollen Railway Trust Limited (registered charity)
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £30 |
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| Children & teens | £8Ranger (all-day) ticket for ages 3 to 15 booked online: £8.00. The FAQ also lists a flat children’s fare of £5 return or £3 single on regular services. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Parties of 20 or more get discounts; at least two weeks’ notice is requested. |
Adult Ranger (all-day) ticket booked online: £30.00 on regular service days checked in October 2026. Single and return fares depend on the stations and the timetable, and special events have their own prices. Tickets can be booked online or bought at the station on the day, depending on availability. Dogs, bicycles and kayaks cost £3.00 each.
Accessibility
- Partially wheelchair accessible
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom
- Accessible parking
- Service dogs welcome
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Llangollen, Glyndyfrdwy, Carrog and Corwen stations are accessible, with ramps provided by volunteers on request, but step-free access is not possible at Berwyn. Regular services have up to two wheelchair spaces and Santa Specials up to four, so visitors are advised to contact the railway in advance. Accessible parking bays are at Llangollen station, and Llangollen has an accessible toilet. Visitors with sensory needs can contact the railway before travelling; Santa Specials can be loud.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
- Family tours & workshops
- Baby changing facilities
The railway says it suits children of all ages and runs family-focused events through the year, including Santa Specials, Mince Pie Specials and a Halloween special. Children’s fares are a flat rate on regular services. Llangollen station has baby changing.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
The nearest main line stations are Ruabon, Chirk and Wrexham General; from each, continue to Llangollen by bus or taxi. Local taxis include Castle Taxis Llangollen and Premier Taxis Llangollen.
By car
Paid parking
Llangollen Pavilion car park on Abbey Road, about 500 metres from the town centre, is the official parking for the station and uses pay and display charging from 70p for 30 minutes up to £6 for 8 hours. Other pay and display car parks are Market Street, East Street and Mill Street; coaches drop off at Market Street or the Pavilion car park. Carrog has limited free parking, Glyndyfrdwy has roadside parking only, and Corwen has Green Lane pay and display with free parking a 5 to 10 minute walk away.
- Accessible parking
Satellite navigation postcodes: Llangollen LL20 8SN, Glyndyfrdwy LL21 9HB, Carrog LL21 9BD, Corwen LL21 0DN. Passengers can start at Corwen to avoid parking in Llangollen.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
The On The Go café at Llangollen opens when trains run, and there is a Platform 1 Real Ale Bar. Corwen has a tuck shop and Glyndyfrdwy and Berwyn have tea rooms when open. Llangollen has a full gift shop and a toilet block.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Weddings / ceremonies
The railway lists private hire and weddings.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | Well-behaved dogs on a lead are welcome on trains and at stations, except at dining carriage events. Regular services do not include dining, but refreshments from the café can be taken on board. Dining events run on selected dates. |
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