Welsh Highland Heritage Railway

About the museum

The heritage railway grew out of the Welsh Highland Railway Society, which a small group of enthusiasts formed in 1961 to preserve and rebuild the original Welsh Highland Railway. That narrow-gauge line ran from 1922 until the 1930s and was widely regarded as an expensive commercial failure.

The society bought land beside the Cambrian Coast line at Porthmadog from British Railways in 1972 and began building in 1973. The line was laid on a former siding, so it does not follow the old trackbed. Passenger trains began to run in 1980 under Welsh Highland Railway Ltd, and the railway was renamed the Welsh Highland Heritage Railway in 2009 to distinguish it from the separate, much longer Welsh Highland Railway.

Today trains run for about a mile from Porthmadog to Pen y Mount Junction. They are steam-hauled when enough volunteers are available and diesel-hauled otherwise. The locomotive Russell, the only steam engine from the original railway to survive, is among the engines used. On the return journey, trains stop at Gelert’s Farm, where a railway heritage centre and a museum of narrow-gauge railways occupy the former farm site and its workshops.

The railway is a member-owned charity run almost entirely by volunteers, who drive engines, lay track, restore locomotives and help with administration.

Highlights

• Short return trip by steam or diesel train from Porthmadog to Pen y Mount Junction
• Gladstone Coach, a restored carriage used by a prime minister in 1892
• Russell, the only steam locomotive from the original Welsh Highland Railway to survive
• Narrow-gauge railway museum and heritage centre at Gelert’s Farm with an optional free tour
• Miniature railway rides and special event trains such as the Santa Specials

Permanent exhibition

• Railway Heritage Centre and Museum – A hands-on museum of narrow-gauge railways in the former workshops and farm site at Gelert’s Farm, visited on the return leg of the train trip.

Founded

1961

Operated by

Welsh Highland Railway Ltd (volunteer-run charity)

Admission & discounts

Fares are for a return trip. Tickets can be bought on arrival except on special event days, which must be booked in advance, and are valid on all trains for the rest of the day. Well-behaved dogs travel free. Holders of the Great Little Trains of Wales discount card can get a reduction on one return ticket.

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

Several widened bays for disabled drivers are close to the station buildings, and the route to the platform is level after a gentle slope. The platform surface is compacted gravel and can be loose in places. Most carriages have a step of up to 18 inches, and train staff can help; one carriage has double doors and tip-up seats for wheelchairs and pushchairs, with a ramp kept in the guard’s van. Two wheelchairs can be borrowed free of charge. One unisex toilet has disabled facilities and baby changing. The platform and footpath at Pen-y-Mount Halt are uneven and the kissing gate there is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. At the heritage centre, sunken rails, steps to some displays and loose surfaces outdoors make access difficult for many wheelchair users.

Kids & families

Great for kids & families

• Family tours & workshops
• Hands-on stations
• Stroller-friendly
• Baby changing facilities

The railway describes its heritage centre as hands-on and offers miniature railway rides on most operating days, with seasonal events such as Easter Bunnies and Santa Specials. Pushchairs can be carried in the guard’s van. Children should be closely supervised around the workshop displays and outdoor exhibits, where there are hazards such as loose tools and sharp metal.

Getting there & parking

The railway is just north of the town centre on the A4971, opposite the Queens Hotel. National Cycle Network Route 8 passes the entrance and there are bike racks at the station.

Amenities & dining

• Café
• Museum shop

Russell’s Café serves fresh food and drink; the shop sells gifts, toys, railway models and books. Refreshments are also offered at the Santa Specials.

Events & venue rental

The museum hasn’t published any information on this.

Plan your visit