Wales is home to some of the most scenic heritage railways in Europe, offering passengers incredible views as they step back in time to the golden age of train travel. Whether the locomotives and their beautifully restored carriages are ascending mountains or snaking through lush green valleys, hugging the spectacular coastline or following fast-flowing rivers, there’s so much for travellers to enjoy - and afternoon tea or a glass of something sparkling simply adds to the occasion! Here are seven of our favourites, which are well worth a visit on a tour of Wales.

Ffestiniog Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Ffestiniog Railway

The Ffestiniog Railway is the oldest independent railway company in the world, established in 1832, and runs through the incredible landscape of Eryri (Snowdonia National Park). The railway takes passengers on a 13 mile journey from the harbour at Porthmadog to the slate-quarrying town of Blaenau Ffestiniog, home to Zip World Llechwedd.

Ffestiniog Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

The historic trains climb over 700 feet from sea level into the mountains through tranquil pastures and magnificent forests, past lakes and waterfalls, round horseshoe bends clinging to the side of a mountain and even tunnelling through it. Tan-y-Bwlch Station, halfway along the line, is the starting point for many wonderful walks – perfect for a hike or a more leisurely stroll.

Welsh Highland Railway

A sister line to the Ffestiniog Railway (they’re run by the same operator), the Welsh Highland Railway is North Wales' newest and the UK's longest heritage railway. Running from the pretty town of Caernarfon – the station is just a stone’s throw from the world-famous castle – trains pass the foot of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) and the picture postcard village of Beddgelert, through the stunning Aberglaslyn Pass and on to the Harbour Station in Porthmadog.

Welsh Highland Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Along the 25-mile route, passengers ride in some of the most comfortable carriages on any heritage railway in the UK, including first class Pullman luxury and freshly-cooked food delivered to your seat.

Snowdon Mountain Railway

Perhaps the most famous heritage railway in Wales – and certainly one of the most popular visitor attractions – is the Snowdon Mountain Railway, which has been taking the leg work out of reaching the top of Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon) since 1896.

Snowdon Mountain Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Described as one of the most scenic railway journeys in the world, trains depart from Llanberis Station at the foot of the mountain for the one hour climb to the 1,000 metre (3,500 ft) summit. On a clear day the views can stretch as far as Ireland, with stunning scenery and awe-inspiring views all around.

Welshpool and Llanfair Railway

Hauled by a historic steam locomotive, the 16-mile (25.7 km) return journey with Welshpool and Llanfair Railway begins at a delightfully restored station on the edge of the old market town of Welshpool in the east of Wales.

Welshpool and Llanfair Railway Station © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

The journey includes the notoriously steep Golfa Bank, which makes a great echo of the locomotive’s engine, and the delightful rolling scenery of the Banwy valley. All this is viewed from the unique open balcony coaches, providing passengers with an opportunity to see deer, hawks, pheasants, plenty of sheep and even otters. At Llanfair Caereinion station, there is a shop and a traditional tearoom serving delicious home-made snacks and cakes.

Brecon Mountain Railway

One of the most popular railways in Wales is the Brecon Mountain Railway, which runs through the spectacular scenery of the Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park, in South Wales. A vintage steam locomotive pulls all-weather observation coaches for five miles alongside the Taf Fechan Reservoir, from Pant to Torpantau, high in Bannau Brycheiniog.

Brecon Mountain Railway by Gareth James

At Pontsticill travellers can alight from the train to admire the view, enjoy refreshments at the café or go for a ramble alongside the reservoir. Returning to Pant, it’s fascinating to visit the workshop where old steam locomotives are repaired.

Vale of Rheidol Railway

Running for almost 12 miles (19 km) along the Rheidol Valley from Aberystwyth on the west coast of Wales to the small inland village of Devil’s Bridge, the Vale of Rheidol Railway offers an unforgettable journey by narrow gauge steam train.

Vale of Rheidol Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Opened in 1902, the railway is a masterpiece of engineering and has been delighting passengers for generations. Although the line no longer carries lead ore from the mines, for over 100 years it has been carrying holidaymakers to the beauty spot of Devil's Bridge - home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil's Punchbowl. The historic steam locomotives and vintage carriages were built by the Great Western Railway in the 1920s and 30s and are now fully restored.

Talyllyn Railway

Running continuously since 1865, the Talyllyn Railway was originally built to carry slate from the Bryn Eglwys Quarry outside Abergynolwyn in Eryri (Snowdonia) to Tywyn wharf, for onward shipping. The railway became the world’s first preserved railway in 1951, being run and operated entirely by volunteers.

Talyllyn Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Today, the 7.25 mile (11.8 km) journey from the main station at Tywyn along the picturesque Fathew Valley, takes in the spectacular Dolgech Falls as well as rolling countryside, ancient woodland and deep ravines. A picnic hamper or afternoon tea adds to the experience, as well as an upgrade to first class!

Talyllyn Railway © Hawlfraint y Goron / © Crown copyright (2023) Cymru Wales

Tywyn Wharf station is home to the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum, which tells the story of little railways across Britain, including the link to the Rev W Awdry, author of the Thomas the Tank Engine railway series. 

If you or your group would like to enjoy a trip on one or more of the fabulous heritage railways in Wales, please do contact our friendly team and we’ll put together the perfect itinerary for you!