Take the controls of our charming steam locomotive Wren in the Aberystwyth yard and enjoy a rare, hands-on Driver Experience available only during the Steam Festival. Feel the power of steam, work alongside our crew, and create an unforgettable moment between your visits to the trains and exhibits.
Quick Details
Celebrate a once-a-year steam spectacular in Aberystwyth, with our Rheidol Tanks appearing in three classic BR liveries, rare footplate rides and hands-on driver experiences, and the unforgettable chance to see Pete Waterman’s world-record model railway in full operation (seperate ticket required). A unique combination of steam, colour, and interactive fun that you won’t find anywhere else.
£ 35
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- Train journey – unlimited travel during the day.
- Seating on a first come first served basis
- Great photo opportunities
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- Admission to Making Tracks Exhibition in Engine Shed is not included with this ticket. A separate ticket is required for this.
- Footplate rides and driver experiences – book in advance or on the day
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- See 12 miles of stunning Welsh scenery on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK.
- Travel behind one of our vintage steam locomotives built in the 1920s (diesel locomotives may operate during periods of high fire risk)
- See the red kites. Once threatened with extinction, these birds of prey are often seen from the train
- Talk to our friendly and knowledgeable loco crews, guards and station staff
- There is the option to visit the famous Devil’s Bridge Waterfalls and discover the legend of Devil’s Bridge. This is a separate visitor attraction. Admission fee applies.
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- A standard class adult ticket costs £35.00 per person or £38.50 donation fare.
- A standard class child ticket costs £6.00 per person or £6.60 donation fare.
- The donation fare includes a 10% voluntary donation to support heritage projects on the railway. You can choose to purchase a ticket with donation or without.
- If you make the donation, your ticket can be Gift Aided at no extra cost. Gift Aid is a UK Government scheme which allows charities such as the Vale of Rheidol to claim back 25p for every pound spent.
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- Please arrive at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure time. We don’t want you to miss your train!
- Toilet facilities are available at both Aberystwyth and Devils Bridge Stations. There are no toilets on board the trains.
- There is a Gift shop at Aberystwyth Station which serves take away teas and coffees for the journey, ice creams, snacks along with railway books, gifts and souvenirs.
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- Dogs are welcome on the train in all Standard Third Class carriages. A dog ticket costs £4.00. We regret dogs are not permitted to travel in First Class carriages.
- If you are looking to visit the Devils Bridge Waterfalls, please note that this is a separate attraction to us and is approx. a 5 minute walk from the station. An admission fee applies.
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- Tickets are issued subject to the terms of Vale of Rheidol Railway Ltd. In the event of a cancellation by the railway in the event of weather or other unforeseen circumstances, you will be contacted by email and given a full refund.
- No shows will be charged full price, you will not be entitled to a refund.
- Tickets are not transferable, and may not be used by any person other than the person to whom or for whom issued.
- The Railway will endeavour to ensure trains run to the advertised timetable however reserves the right to vary the published timetables with or without notice.
- The Company does not guarantee that the trains will start or arrive at the times specified in the timetables, and will not be liable for any loss or damage, delay or detention which may arise from early or late running or other related circumstances that are beyond our control. In the event of such an occurrence, no compensation, consequential losses or other such claim shall be accepted.
- All trains are normally booked for steam haulage unless specifically advertised as diesel haulage. The locomotive roster is typically published on the website. The railway reserves the right to operate a diesel locomotive in place of a steam locomotive in the event of breakdown or during periods of high fire risk.
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Are seats reserved?
Specific seats are not allocated. We do reserve carriages / compartments for pre-booked group visits and large parties.Are single prices available?
Not for this eventDo you have to return on the same train?
If travelling in standard class seating you may return on any public timetabled train on the day of travel (Excluding special events).If you have booked First Class or the accessible compartment you will need to return on the same train, due to the limited availability of these tickets.
Can I break my journey?
It is possible to break up your journey and stop at one of our intermediate stations. If you intend to do so please ensure your ticket is valid for the remainder of the journey upon re-joining the train.Do you have parking?
We have our own dedicated car parks at both stations see https://www.rheidolrailway.co.uk/find-us/ for more information with maps and photos of how to find us. Please note a fee for parking applies at both of our car parks.Are bicycles allowed on your trains?
Where space allows we are able to carry bikes on the train. During busy trains, this may not be possible. There is a fee for the conveyance on bicycles on the train. Cycle tickets can only be purchased from the Booking OfficesAre any discounts available?
Currently, we offer discounts for holders of Great Little Trains of Wales Discount Cards & Rail Staff Travel Cards. Regular fares apply to all other passengers.Does the train still run during poor weather?
The railway runs rain or shine, services may be cancelled in the event of storms or extreme weather.Who owns the railway?
Vale of Rheidol Railway is a registered charity (Number 1076037) it owns the railway and employs all the staff. -
- Your tickets are non-refundable, non-returnable, and non-transferable unless trip protection is purchased.
- Whilst every care will be taken to ensure trains run as advertised, the railway reserves the right to vary the published timetables with or without notice.