Strathspey Railway
A ten-mile heritage railway in the Cairngorms National Park, with steam trains from Aviemore to Boat of Garten and Broomhill.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Strathspey Railway runs on part of the former Inverness and Perth Junction Railway, which later became part of the Highland Railway and linked Aviemore with Forres. It is one of the few former main and secondary lines in Britain to survive as a preserved railway. The first steam passenger service on the revived line ran on 22 July 1978.
Today the railway operates a line of about ten miles from Aviemore through the historic stations of Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Trains leave from platform 3 of Aviemore railway station and cross heather moorland with views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey. Aviemore still has the four-road engine shed built by the Highland Railway in 1898, with a turntable that came from Kyle of Lochalsh, and a carriage shed where volunteers look after the railway's coaches.
The railway is run by the Strathspey Railway Company with the help of volunteers. Trains are normally steam hauled, although a heritage diesel locomotive may be used instead. Besides standard return journeys there are afternoon steam teas, saloon and observation carriage trips with catering, and a Christmas service called Santa's Elf Express.
Highlights
- Steam-hauled trains through Strathspey
- Historic stations at Aviemore, Boat of Garten and Broomhill
- Views of the Cairngorm Mountains and the River Spey
- Afternoon Steam Tea in a heritage carriage
- Vintage observation and saloon carriages
- Santa's Elf Express before Christmas
- Operated by
- Strathspey Railway Company
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £26 |
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| Reduced | £24.50Seniors aged 60 and over |
| Children & teens | £15free up to age 4 · Children aged 5 to 15 pay £15, which includes a free activity book. |
| Seniors | £24.50Aged 60 and over. |
| Visitors with disabilities | –companion free · One carer travels free in standard second class with a less able passenger. |
| Groups (20+ people) | –Discounts are available for groups of 20 or more passengers. |
| Families | £58Two adults and two children aged 5 to 15. |
| Afternoon Steam Tea, adult (standard class) | £50Children aged 5 to 15 pay £27.50; under-fives pay £4.90, or travel free if not eating. |
| Single fare, whole line, adult | £22Bought at a station on the day of travel; one stop costs £17.50. |
| Bicycle | £4Limited space on standard services. |
Standard prices are for a return journey from Aviemore, and children under five travel free. Advance booking is recommended. A 10% discount on standard travel is offered to some groups, including Blue Light Card holders, military and veterans, NHS staff and Rail Riders, but only at station ticket offices on the day. Catered services, the observation carriage and Santa's Elf Express have separate fares and no concessions.
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
Wheelchair users should use platform 3 from the free car park on Dalfaber Road, reached by a long gradual ramp over a level crossing; there is no step-free route from the Grampian Road side of the station, where a footbridge with steps leads to the platforms. A specially adapted carriage takes two wheelchairs with seats for carers and has wide doors, but has no toilet on board. The older vintage carriages, the dining carriages, the First Class compartments and the observation carriage are not wheelchair accessible. Accessible toilets are at the railway's stations, apart from Boat of Garten. There are two accessible parking spaces in the adjacent council car park. Assistance dogs are welcome on all services. Visitors who need help should phone ahead.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Time needed | approx. 1.667 hrs |
|---|---|
| Kids’ admission | free up to age 4 |
| Family ticket | £58 · Two adults and two children aged 5 to 15. |
- Family tours & workshops
- Activity booklet, scavenger hunt or kids’ audio guide
A family ticket is offered, children aged 5 to 15 receive an activity book, and children under five travel free. Santa's Elf Express gives each child aged 10 months and over a gift and an activity book.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Aviemore railway station
The railway starts at platform 3 of Aviemore railway station, which is on the Highland Main Line.
By car
Free parking
A free car park is behind the station on Dalfaber Road (PH22 1PY), with two signed accessible spaces. There is a council car park and bus parking area next to it.
- Accessible parking
From the south end of Aviemore, turn at the mini roundabout towards the Cairngorm Mountain road, take the first left onto Dalfaber Road and follow the signs to Strathspey Railway. The station platform is reached over a level crossing from the car park.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
Tea, coffee and bar service are offered on board, and a trolley service sells snacks and drinks on Santa's Elf Express. Passengers may bring their own food.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
- Weddings / ceremonies
The whole Officers' Saloon carriage can be hired for the day for occasions such as reunions, wedding receptions and birthdays, with bespoke catering; enquiries are made by phone or email.
Plan your visit
| Good to know | The return journey takes about 1 hour 40 minutes, with short stops at Boat of Garten and Broomhill. Passengers can break their journey and return on a later standard train. Steam haulage is intended but cannot be guaranteed. Dogs are not allowed in dining carriages, the saloons, the observation carriage or on Santa's Elf Express. |
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