Llangollen Railway
Llangollen Railway
4.5
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About
Llangollen Railway is a Heritage Railway Line running between Llangollen, following the River Dee through the Dee Valley for 10 miles, to the town of Corwen. There are five, stations along the line all with their own special charm and hidden gems. Each station has local walks that all have stunning scenery. The line, located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), remains close to the waters of the river for most of its length, on the north bank at Llangollen Station, the river is crossed on to the south bank via the Dee Bridge, approximately one mile upstream from Llangollen. The Dee is classed as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) for its entire length. Services run to Corwen Station which opened in June 2023. There is lots to see and do whether you want to spend a full day or just a few hours with us.
Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
1,535 reviews
Excellent
1,060
Very good
321
Average
83
Poor
33
Terrible
38
Andrewb1984
Manchester, UK408 contributions
Mar 2020
This is a great little railway in scenic Llangollen parking is quite expensive here although there are 2 disables spaces at Llangollen station which are free for users of the railway. There is plenty of parking at the railways current terminus at Carrog station so i'd probably park there if I came again as £7 for all day which you have to pay twice if towwing a trailer is prety expensive on the main carpark in town. i know this is out of the railways control though. Food at Llangollen station cafe was good.
Written March 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Maria C
Loughton, UK156 contributions
Mar 2022 • Friends
I pre-booked tickets for a train trip up to Carrog and back. The entry was easy, all I had to do was show the tickets on my phone and enter the platform.
The train running on the day I visited was the diesel rail car which was very comfortable and quiet. For an extra £1 you can upgrade to first class but dogs are not allowed in the first class area.
The scenery on the root is beautiful as it follows the river almost the whole journey and you can see the hills and mountains along the horizon.
Once you reach Carrog everyone disembarked because the train waits there for about 20 minutes. There is a tea room, toilets and one of the carriages has been turned into a little shop.
This is a heritage line and costs are quite high and I think this is reflected in the price, however some of the views alone are worth it and i would fully recommend a trip.
Special event days are held throughout the year and it can be busy as times so I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
The train running on the day I visited was the diesel rail car which was very comfortable and quiet. For an extra £1 you can upgrade to first class but dogs are not allowed in the first class area.
The scenery on the root is beautiful as it follows the river almost the whole journey and you can see the hills and mountains along the horizon.
Once you reach Carrog everyone disembarked because the train waits there for about 20 minutes. There is a tea room, toilets and one of the carriages has been turned into a little shop.
This is a heritage line and costs are quite high and I think this is reflected in the price, however some of the views alone are worth it and i would fully recommend a trip.
Special event days are held throughout the year and it can be busy as times so I would recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,237 contributions
Aug 2020
I was very impressed with how well the restrictions related to COVID-19 were handled at the Llangollen Railway. Arriving at the station at Llangollen we had to queue outside before being allowed onto the platform. Our reservations were checked and then allowed to get onto the train.
We all had reserved seats and passengers were well spaced apart to maintain social distancing.
On the day I travelled it was on a pair of beautifully restored diesel railcars. There were also steam trains running on different days.
At the moment trains are running non-stop between Llangollen and Carrog so make sure you go to Llangollen to get the train.
The journey to Carrog is wonderful. The line is never very far from the River Dee with some glorious views to enjoy.
At Llangollen and Carrog there are places to get something to eat and drink and at Llangollen there is also a well stocked gift shop.
All the staff I met were very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them..
We all had reserved seats and passengers were well spaced apart to maintain social distancing.
On the day I travelled it was on a pair of beautifully restored diesel railcars. There were also steam trains running on different days.
At the moment trains are running non-stop between Llangollen and Carrog so make sure you go to Llangollen to get the train.
The journey to Carrog is wonderful. The line is never very far from the River Dee with some glorious views to enjoy.
At Llangollen and Carrog there are places to get something to eat and drink and at Llangollen there is also a well stocked gift shop.
All the staff I met were very friendly and helpful and nothing was too much trouble for them..
Written August 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
luvs2hol
Cheshire32 contributions
Sep 2020
We booked the steam open seating for just over £30 for two people. Having been to a number of other tourist venues whilst in the area, I must admit that I felt they had far better value for money than the railway.
The car we were in seemed clean-ish, but the windows were filthy impairing the views. Even inside the windows seemed dirty. This would be such a simple thing to correct, so it was a shame that it wasn’t attended to.
We had a booth for four to ourselves, but had people adjacent and in front. Bit too close for my liking I must admit and I wished that I’d paid the extra for a car to ourselves, However, mask adherence was generally good, although there was little monitoring by staff. They do allow you to bring refreshments back onto the train mid way and so masks can be removed if people want to eat/ drink. Again, people on my journey were sensible, but I don’t think I would book again knowing this.
Unfortunately both sides of the carriage aren’t equal and the better views were from the other side of the carriage (platform-side), with our view being mostly trees and rock face. Also, as the windows were so dirty, on exit from the tunnel, the smoke seemed to cling and made viewing anything impossible.
Overall, I was pleased to have supported the railway, but I wouldn’t do it again, especially in the current climate.
The car we were in seemed clean-ish, but the windows were filthy impairing the views. Even inside the windows seemed dirty. This would be such a simple thing to correct, so it was a shame that it wasn’t attended to.
We had a booth for four to ourselves, but had people adjacent and in front. Bit too close for my liking I must admit and I wished that I’d paid the extra for a car to ourselves, However, mask adherence was generally good, although there was little monitoring by staff. They do allow you to bring refreshments back onto the train mid way and so masks can be removed if people want to eat/ drink. Again, people on my journey were sensible, but I don’t think I would book again knowing this.
Unfortunately both sides of the carriage aren’t equal and the better views were from the other side of the carriage (platform-side), with our view being mostly trees and rock face. Also, as the windows were so dirty, on exit from the tunnel, the smoke seemed to cling and made viewing anything impossible.
Overall, I was pleased to have supported the railway, but I wouldn’t do it again, especially in the current climate.
Written October 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ted C
1 contribution
Aug 2022
I had phoned Llangollen railway up a month before I went to Llangollen to check that there was a steam train running on Friday the 19th August, I also phoned a week before going and on both occasions a lady confirmed that they would be running a steam train for that date. When I asked at the station on the the day I was told it would only be a diesel train running and was told later by a volunteer that Llangollen railway haven't had a steam engine for some time so my brother and I were totally disappointed. The only reason I can see why I was told a lie was to get me there on false pretenses as they know most people would expect to see at least one steam engine running at a vintage railway railway set up.
So be warned at the moment there are NO Steam engines running at Llangollen.
Total wast of time and money.
So be warned at the moment there are NO Steam engines running at Llangollen.
Total wast of time and money.
Written August 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Ted,
Thank you for your feedback.
We have been saddened to hear that you and your brother were so disappointed with your experience on the railway.
While we do our best to ensure a comprehensive and satisfactory visit for all of our customers, our business is somewhat vulnerable to issues such as mechanical failure and weather conditions. These factors have been particularly bad this year, and we have had to make difficult choices with regard to which vehicles we run and when. For this reason, we do make customers aware that we cannot guarantee a Steam-hauled service, even when these are timetabled.
Our communications regarding our locomotives and the timetables we make available to the public are particular areas for improvement for us, and we are in a transitional period in this regard and others. Your feedback has been escalated to the Trust Manager in order to prompt a review of procedure.
As a gesture of good will, we can look into providing an enhanced or discounted experience the next time you visit.
Kind Regards,
Alex Elbourne
Administrator, Llangollen Railway
Written August 24, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Murray L
Leeds, UK284 contributions
Sep 2019
There are three runs a day up to Carrog and two stops in between. we took our dog and just travelled up to Carrog got off for a look around and came back down. You can catch the train and get off at Berwyn Railway Station go over the Chain Bridge visit the Horseshoe falls and have a coffee at the Hotel then either back on the train or walk down the very picturesque canal towpath. The views of the Dee valley are great and the love and effort given by all the staff to keep this Attraction in tip top condition is hugely evident. lovely afternoon.
Written February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony H
Cardiff, UK161 contributions
Aug 2021
Before I go forward.... you are probably likely to want to go on the steam engine aren't you, well so did I, but it seems if you go Monday to Friday you are more likely to go on the green diesel train instead. If you want to go on the Steam train then you need to go on the weekend, so I was told. I was disappointed, though I was not going to come back on the weekend to pay another £20 each.
So we are off, it is pleasant, going through the old station and onto the countryside, if I am honest there is not a real lot to take photos of, there is a station that you stop at and get out but the train will go on to the next place. When you get to the end of the line, there is good photography available, and there is a café and toilets available. you stop here about 20 minutes, then return back. There is good scenery but you may not get clear shots. You arrive back about an hour later, you can get some nice shots of the station when you get back.
Sorry but it is not cheap, there are family deals but me and my wife cost £40, I would not say it was worth it especially had is was not steam, but then remember to keep any railway in working order for visitors there has to be a good charge, it takes a lot to maintain and keep the things going. That did take the sting out a little.
It is not a place I would go back to unless it was a few years down the line and it would be a steam rather than diesel engine.
So we are off, it is pleasant, going through the old station and onto the countryside, if I am honest there is not a real lot to take photos of, there is a station that you stop at and get out but the train will go on to the next place. When you get to the end of the line, there is good photography available, and there is a café and toilets available. you stop here about 20 minutes, then return back. There is good scenery but you may not get clear shots. You arrive back about an hour later, you can get some nice shots of the station when you get back.
Sorry but it is not cheap, there are family deals but me and my wife cost £40, I would not say it was worth it especially had is was not steam, but then remember to keep any railway in working order for visitors there has to be a good charge, it takes a lot to maintain and keep the things going. That did take the sting out a little.
It is not a place I would go back to unless it was a few years down the line and it would be a steam rather than diesel engine.
Written September 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
lolly1925
Southampton, UK76 contributions
Sep 2020 • Couples
Was staying locally and only found out about railway after seeing a flyer. Booked for the last train on a lovely sunny Sunday afternoon, however having never been or not knowing anything about Llangollen we were surprised to find it such a lovely town and busy. Wasn’t sure if there was parking at the railway and had trouble parking in nearby long stay - hint if travelling on weekend which is nice weather go early to ensure you get parked in time, we were getting concerned that we’d miss train. We had an allocated coach which we had to stay in for both trips. Scenery is lovely. Only one stop on the journey at present, not much at end station except take away cafe which did sell lovely local ice cream. Thoroughly enjoyable.
Written September 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dan
Wirral, UK3 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
Terrible experience, got the train to Carrog today, 2 adults and a 7yr old, £48!! The price wasn’t the issue but there was no pre warning there was absolutely nothing to do the other end. We got off at Carrog Station after being on the train 20mins, there was the station tea room and 1 local pub a 5min walk away. Upon arrival at the pub we found out all the tables were reserved so was no other option other than to walk back the station and get the train back to Llangollen. There wasn’t even a shop in Carrog. Why they operate a train and charge those sort of prices to a derelict station is beyond me. Absolute waste of time and money. Avoid!!
Written August 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vonny28
Swindon, UK5 contributions
Sep 2022
We recently went on a trip on the Llangollen railway from Llangollen to Carrog. Unfortunately there were no steam trains running that day but this wasn't an issue for us as whilst the ride itself is not long it is through picturesque countryside. However we did find that there were coach parties booked on the same train, meaning that there were a shortage of seats and some people had to stand during the journey. We were fortunate in that the guard found us seats but Llangollen railway should not over sell tickets meaning that customers have to stand.
Written September 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Daniel
St Helens, United Kingdom
Planning a daytime first date on this railway to start from Llangollen and getting off at Carrog and heading over to the Grouse inn for a drink and maybe some food as the views look lovely. Any advicefrom anyone who has done this journey or spent the day here is much appreciated
Written August 22, 2024
Hello, I have tickets booked for saturday 15th June leaving llangollen at 1pm to Corwen return fare, is it possible to get off for something to eat or is the trip there and straight back? Thanks
Written June 12, 2024
Gill W
Liverpool, United Kingdom
Does every coach including special ones have a toilet onboard?
Written June 16, 2022
The diesel units do not have a toilet on board, the steam train carriages do, however it’s only a 20-25 min journey and there are toilets on the stations both ends, and nice little cafes.
Written June 17, 2022
When do trains usually start running in normal year coming up April 2022 want to know if trains will be running
Written September 8, 2021
For the return ticket, will there be time to stop for something to eat in the cafe, or do you have to come straight back? Also is it a steam train at weekends or a normal train?
Written February 29, 2020
Llangollen Railway Trust
Llangollen, United Kingdom
Yes there will be time to stop and get a later train, please check our timetable as we have steam at weekends and heritage rail car in the week at the moment
Written March 2, 2020
No - the website shows no trains running between January 1 (you've already missed that one!) and February 17. Most heritage railways don't run during the tourist off-season (Most of them use the time to do engineering works on their line)
Written January 28, 2020
Can you see any of the locomotives not running at the railway works in Llangollen?
Written October 1, 2019
I asked this question of the railway before I attended the Diesel Gala. I was told that it would be possible only if a volunteer was available to give a guided tour. During the gala, I asked someone working in the yard if this could be arranged. The answer was in the negative even though there were several volunteers sitting in the meeting room visible from the public footpath. Personally, I believe that the railway has missed a trick. Other heritage lines arrange shed visits during galas and charge £5 for the privilege, e.g. Severn Valley Railway. Health and safety concerns are manageable using formal risk assessments. The situation at Llangollen is ironic given that money seems to have been lost on the engineering side of the business. Shed visits would go a small way to redressing the financial shortfall.
Written October 2, 2019
Can I use my staff pass for trip on Llangollen railway please
Written September 26, 2019
Llangollen Railway Trust
Llangollen, United Kingdom
Hi
I am not sure what your staff pass is so please can you tell me and I will be able to let you know
Written September 26, 2019
How long does the journey from llangollen to carradog take and what time does first train run tomorrow 30th aug
Written August 30, 2019
Its not long about 20 minutes. You will need to contact the station for timetables. Nice pleasant journey though, enjoy
Written August 31, 2019
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