Fairbourne Railway
A charming seaside steam railway along the Mawddach Estuary, connecting Fairbourne with the Barmouth Ferry in North Wales.
Ride a charming 12¼-inch gauge steam railway along the Mawddach Estuary in North Wales. Running from Fairbourne village to Barmouth Ferry, this historic line offers gentle seaside journeys, heritage locomotives, and a nostalgic link to the village’s origins as a horse-drawn tramway. Great for families and railway enthusiasts, it connects with the Barmouth passenger ferry for a scenic estuary crossing.
A brief summary to Fairbourne Railway
- Beach Rd, Fairbourne, LL38 2EX, GB
- +441341250362
- Visit website
- Duration: 1 to 3 hours
- Mid ranged
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
- Monday 12 am-12 am
- Tuesday 12 am-12 am
- Wednesday 12 am-12 am
- Thursday 12 am-12 am
- Friday 12 am-12 am
- Saturday 12 am-12 am
- Sunday 12 am-12 am
Local tips
- Arrive early, especially on weekends and in peak season, to secure your preferred carriage and avoid long queues for the popular return journeys.
- Check the operating schedule in advance, as the railway runs seasonally and on specific days; some days have no trains or limited facilities.
- Combine your trip with the Barmouth Ferry for a scenic estuary crossing; the ferry is tidal, so allow time to check local departure times.
- Bring warm, windproof clothing even in summer; the estuary can be very exposed, and the open carriages offer little shelter.
- Visit the small museum at Fairbourne Station to see railway memorabilia and learn about the line’s history as a horse-drawn tramway for building the village.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Restrooms
- Drink Options
- Drinking Water
- Food Options
- Seating Areas
- Picnic Areas
- Trash Bins
- Information Boards
- Visitor Center
Getting There
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By car
From Dolgellau or Tywyn, follow the A493 towards Fairbourne; the railway station is just off this road in the village. Free parking is available near the station, but spaces can fill quickly in peak season.
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By public transport
Take the Cambrian Coast Line to Fairbourne station; the miniature railway station is a short walk from the mainline station. Bus service 28 also connects Dolgellau and Tywyn with Fairbourne.
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By foot
From Fairbourne village centre or the beach, it’s a level, easy walk of about 5–10 minutes to the railway station along Beach Road, suitable for most visitors.
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By ferry connection
From Barmouth, take the passenger ferry across the Mawddach Estuary; the crossing takes about 10 minutes and lands near Barmouth Ferry Station, where you can board the Fairbourne Railway back to Fairbourne.
Fairbourne Railway location weather suitability
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Any Weather
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Mild Temperatures
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Windy Conditions
Discover more about Fairbourne Railway
A Seaside Miniature Railway
Nestled along the sandy shores of the Mawddach Estuary, the Fairbourne Railway is a delightful miniature steam line that has been a feature of the Gwynedd coast for over a century. Originally laid in 1895 as a horse-drawn tramway to carry building materials for the new seaside village of Fairbourne, it evolved into a narrow-gauge steam railway and today operates as a 12¼-inch gauge heritage line. The route runs for about two miles from Fairbourne Station, skirting the beach and dunes, to Barmouth Ferry Station at the estuary mouth, where passengers can transfer to the Barmouth passenger ferry.Onboard the Steam Experience
The journey is a slow, gentle ride that lets you soak in the coastal scenery: the wide estuary, the distant peaks of Snowdonia, and the iconic Barmouth Bridge. Trains are typically steam-hauled, with scale replicas of famous narrow-gauge locomotives pulling open and covered carriages. The ride takes around 20 minutes each way, with a short turnaround at Barmouth Ferry where you can watch the engine run around, take photos, and stretch your legs. Return tickets are valid all day, allowing you to break your journey at any of the request stops along the line.History and Heritage
Fairbourne Railway began life as a practical tramway for developing the village, but it quickly became a tourist attraction in its own right. Converted to 15-inch gauge in 1916 and later rebuilt to 12¼-inch gauge in the 1980s, the line has been preserved and operated by enthusiasts who keep its steam heritage alive. At Fairbourne Station, a small museum displays photographs, documents, and railway memorabilia that tell the story of the village and the railway’s evolution from horse power to steam.Practicalities and Facilities
Fairbourne Station has a café that sells tickets, light refreshments, and souvenirs, with cashless payments usually preferred. There are public toilets, including accessible facilities, and free parking nearby. The railway is dog-friendly and welcomes children, with under-threes travelling free on most services. The line is accessible for many visitors, though the small carriages and open seating mean it may not suit those who dislike confined spaces. Opening is seasonal, with regular services mainly from spring to autumn, plus special events like Santa specials in winter.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
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Aberystwyth Beach
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Unmissable attractions to see
Fairbourne Beach
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Mawddach Estuary
2.5 km
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Barmouth Bridge
2.5 km
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Tŷ Crwn
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The Last Haul
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Barmouth Beach
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Barmouth
3.1 km
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Arthog Waterfalls
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Discover the serene cascades of Arthog Waterfalls nestled in the lush landscapes of Snowdonia’s Mawddach Estuary.
The Mawddach Trail
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Tal-y-bont beach
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Antalya Kebab
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Cymer Abbey
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Talyllyn Railway - Tywyn Wharf Railway Station
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Rhaeadr Nantcol Waterfalls Walk
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King Arthur's Labyrinth
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Essential places to dine
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Salt Marsh Kitchen
12.3 km
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Torrent Walk Hotel
12.3 km
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Proper Gander
12.4 km
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Riverside Hotel Pennal
15.0 km
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Cross Foxes - Bar Grill Rooms
15.5 km
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Y Llew Coch - Mach (The Red Lion Machynlleth Town)
17.7 km
Experience Michelin-quality dining and lively music in the heart of Machynlleth’s welcoming Red Lion pub.
Gwen Restaurant and Wine Bar
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Ynyshir Restaurant and Rooms
18.2 km
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The Plas Restaurant
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Caffi Castell Harlech
18.6 km
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The Brigands Inn
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Castell Deudraeth Brasserie
25.0 km
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Good Mood restaurant
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Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
The Set Piece
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Ian Snow
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Wool & Gifts Harlech
18.6 km
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Seasons & Reasons
18.6 km
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Pwts
18.6 km
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Castle Gift Shop
18.6 km
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Pot Jam
24.5 km
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The Ship Shop
24.5 km
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Bron y Garth Emporium
25.8 km
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Cymru Country Store
26.0 km
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SPAR Penrhyn
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Crafts North Wales
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The Original Factory Shop (Porthmadog)
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Boho Bazaar
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Essential bars & hidden hideouts
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The Ysgethin Inn
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Cambrian Coast Bar & Grill
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Y Llew Coch - The Red Lion
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Tafarn Glanaber
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The Ship Inn/ Y Llong
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Clwb Llyn Bach
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Red Lion
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For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Relaxing
- Tranquil
- Scenic
- Family Friendly
- Unique
For the design and aesthetic lover
- Retro Vibes
- Vintage Styles
- Rustic Designs
For the architecture buff
- Historic
- Landmarks
- Parks & Gardens
- Heritage Neighborhoods
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Waterfront
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Aesthetic Corners
- Architectural Shots
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
- Locally Managed
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Cultural Heritage
- Photowalk
- Day Trip
- Roadtrip Stop
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Teen Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Wheelchair Access
- Pet Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Solo Female Friendly
- Vegetarian Friendly
- Vegan Friendly
