Our Victorian Train service gives you a Vintage Ffestiniog experience, riding in some of our beautifully preserved heritage carriages in the original ornate livery of the Victorian era, and hauled by a traditional Ffestiniog locomotive.
Your Train: Passenger trains started back in 1865 with tiny four wheeled carriages but soon developed with demand, with carriage 15 (seen on this train), one of the company’s first bogie carriages to be built. Our heritage carriages offer a variety of compartments from four wheeled quarrymen’s carriages to ornate compartments with armchairs and net baskets for your bowler hat. Former Prime Minister, David Lloyd George, travelled to work in these compartments when he was a solicitor in Blaenau Ffestiniog so you are in renowned company. The Victorian Train will normally be hauled by one of our Double Fairlie Locomotives, designed especially for this line. Compartments hold up to 6 passengers. Larger groups should book a further compartment or call the booking office.
What will you see: Sit back and enjoy the journey as you set off from Harbour Station across the iconic Cob causeway. Boston Lodge, our historic workshops, are situated at the other end of the Cob, so look out to the right of the train for a glimpse into this amazing site that has seen locomotives built in three different centuries and is still building and repairing locomotives and carriages today. We are grateful to grant funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund to enable extensive work to preserve Boston Lodge whilst enhancing it for the future.
The journey continues through majestic forests as the train steams its way up the Vale of Ffestiniog to the idyllic Tan-y-Bwlch station, set in the heart of the woodlands of the Eryri (Snowdonia) National Park.
During the hour interval break at Tan-y-Bwlch station, passengers can explore the picturesque woodland trails and enjoy a tasty treat from the Tearooms, as you admire the woodland birds flocking to the station bird table! It’s also an opportunity to read some of our fascinating Interpretation boards, which provide an insight into our rich and varied history.
Following the interval break, the train will then make its way back down the valley to Porthmadog, where you’ll get another chance to admire the dramatic views!
The Ffestiniog and Talyllyn Railways are proud to be part of the UNESCO Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales as both were built to service the slate industry. We are pleased to announce we will be working together to offer an opportunity to try both ‘The Victorian’ and Talyllyn’s ‘Slate Trail’ experiences.
The Station Tearoom: The licensed tearoom is open throughout the season selling light bites, hot and cold drinks and ice creams. The cakes are delicious; and taste even better sitting outside in the sunshine watching the woodland birds flocking to the station bird table. Watch out for the chaffinches who just love crumbs!
Tickets: Your pre-booked ticket is for a return journey. Please note, due to limited capacity on board our trains, you will not be able to return on a later train, unless you have booked two separate single journey tickets. For one way and shorter journeys, we recommend you use the Mountain Spirit or Quarryman services. One way tickets may be available on this service and may be booked by calling our Booking Office.
Adults: £33.00 per person
Children (Age 3 – 15): £3.00
Dogs: £3.00
Tea Room at Tan y Bwlch Station
Tea Room at Tan y Bwlch StationThe Tea Room at Tan-y-Bwlch Station serves a varied selection of freshly cooked hot and cold light lunches and afternoon teas. Arrive by train, by car or on foot for a relaxing break and tasty treats.