Latest News

Steam Spectacular at the Vale of Rheidol Railway Unique BR Blue Steam Loco Returns as All Three Rheidol Tanks Star in Festival Line-Up The Vale of Rheidol Railway will stage one of its most ambitious events to date this autumn, combining historic repaints, intensive services and visiting attractions for an unmissable Steam Festival on 25th…

The Vale of Rheidol Railway has welcomed its first female guard in more than a century of operations, as Commercial Manager Claire Stott qualified for the role this summer. Claire officially passed out as a guard in August 2025, becoming the first woman to hold the position since the line opened in 1902. Her appointment…

One of Wales’s best-loved heritage railways has received global recognition this summer, as the Vale of Rheidol Railway is officially named among the top 10 per cent of attractions worldwide in the 2025 Tripadvisor Travellers’ Choice Awards. The award is based entirely on reviews and ratings submitted by visitors over a 12-month period and recognises…

As the hot weather continues we have little choice but to operate a reduced orange timetable on from Monday 18th August to Sunday 24th August, with the 12:15 and 15:45 departures now cancelled. If you are booked on these cancelled services, we will be in touch to offer alternatives. Our Garratt locomotive No. 60 will…

We’re thrilled to launch our brand new Loyalty Card at Vale of Rheidol Railway – exclusively for residents of Ceredigion. It’s our way of giving back to the locals who support us all year round. Discounts* include:  20% off train travel (excluding special events) 10% off at Cledrau Café 10% off in our gift shop…

Oldest Surviving Isle of Man Bogie Coach Returns Home After Nearly 50 Years Vale of Rheidol Railway facilitates transfer of historic Coach F6 to Steam Railway Supporters’ Association The Vale of Rheidol Railway is pleased to announce the successful sale and transfer of historic Isle of Man Railway Coach F6 to the Isle of Man…

We at the Vale of Rheidol are excited to launch our Cledrau Picnic baskets, a new addition to our first class offering. Make your journey extra special with a First Class Picnic basket, thoughtfully prepared to enhance your journey through the stunning Welsh countryside. Each basket is pre-prepared using locally sourced products and homemade items…

Introducing Cledrau – Aberystwyth’s New Café at the Heart of the Railway We’re thrilled to announce the opening of Cledrau, our brand-new café here at the Vale of Rheidol Railway – and for the first time in our history, we can now welcome you to enjoy coffee, cakes, and freshly prepared…

The Vale of Rheidol Railway has announced a series of forward-looking adaptations to its historic steam operations in response to growing challenges from climate change and shifting coal supply quality. This comes after an unprecedented three-week suspension of steam services in May, during which only reduced-capacity diesel trains could operate. The suspension was necessary following…

Tickets for Pete Waterman’s World Record Breaking Model Railway are Now On-Sale! This October half term, witness history in motion as Pete Waterman’s legendary model railway goes on public display for the very first time since securing the Guinness World Record for the Largest Portable Model Railway. From 25th October to 2nd November, the Vale…

August 14th, 27th & 28th. Dyffryn our loveable Dragon had such a fantastic time visiting families at the Vale of Rheidol Railway back in May, that he is back again for not one, but THREE days packed with family fun this August! Enjoy activities with Dyffryn in our Engine Shed at Aberystwyth Station before he…

Announcement Following on from the submission of a Transport and Works Act Order on 20 January 2025, we are delighted to announce that our application was approved by the Welsh Ministers on Monday 19 May 2025. The decision letter can be found here 250520 Welsh Ministers’ decision letter The order provides statutory authority for the…