Frequently Asked Questions – Return to Llangollen Railway
Here are a list of frequently asked questions. If you have any further questions please email info@llangollen-railway.co.uk
The Line
Learn about the railway, the different stations, their history and explore the area from a unique viewpoint.
Locomotives
Our impressive collection of trains and locomotives will transport you back in time to the days of steam travel.
CROESO I REILFFORDD LLANGOLLEN
Welcome to Llangollen Railway

DONATE HERE
Llangollen Railway is a registered charity (1046614) and the railway relies heavily on the income from our visitors and events. Our 2020 season ran for a very limited time during 2020 due to Government restrictions, whilst open we also ran with a much reduced capacity due to social distancing measures. To compound this we only ran 1 of the 25 events we had scheduled for the year, including having to cancel our much loved Santa and Mince Pie Specials. This has had a devastating impact on our income and will continue to have a substantial impact on our future.
Following our initial shut down in March, Llangollen Railway have been very grateful to receive grant assistance from the Heritage Lottery Fund and help from other streams but these do not cover all our outgoings. We have suspended services until at least April 2021 and to enable us to proceed ‘Full Steam Ahead’ we need your support.
We have a small skeleton staff undertaking essential tasks but the majority of our employees have been asked to take furlough on 80% of their salary which will be covered by the Government.
Unfortunately, as with any business, we cannot just ‘mothball it’ and reopen in April 2021. We have ongoing monetary commitments which we need to continue to pay from insurance premiums to website fees, utility bills to rental agreements. We also have ongoing essential maintenance to our infrastructure and listed buildings, including £15,000 of essential repairs to the Dee Bridge. We cannot just close.
As a business and tourist attraction we are crucial to the Llangollen area, providing employment, volunteering opportunities and attracting many thousands of visitors to the Llangollen area who contribute many hundreds of thousands of pounds to the local economy.
We still have huge challenges ahead, we may not see usual visitor levels return until well into 2021, possibly 2022, due to social distancing and Government restrictions.
Please help to support Llangollen Railway to ensure we can continue ‘Full Steam Ahead’ into 2021 and beyond.
The quickest way to donate is online – click here
For taxpayers we can apply for 25% Gift Aid, at no extra cost to you, which makes this a very efficient way of giving.
You can also use the following methods:
Make a transfer to Llangollen Railway Charitable Trust:
Sort code: 53.81.03 Account number: 23423455
Send a cheque to Llangollen Railway
The Station, Abbey Road, Llangollen, LL20 8SN
Made payable to Llangollen Railway Trust
We are grateful for your continued support.
Llangollen Railway Board
An indication of Llangollen Railway typical expenses –
£20 4 Fishplates and matching bolts join the rails together
£20 It takes £20 of oil to operate an engine each day
£50 3 Sleepers – It takes 12 sleepers to make a complete track panel
£100 Length of Rail – We need two rails for a complete track panel
£100 Brake block – usually changed every couple of months
£200 Coal to run from Llangollen to Corwen return
£250 Monthly washout
£500 Complete Track Panel – Including rail, sleepers, spikes, fishplates and bolts
£500 12 firebars
£1000 Repair a broken loco spring
£2500 New boiler pressure relief valve
£5000 New live steam injector
The railway is located within an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) and this is evident as the train gently meanders through the Dee Valley. The views from our carriages are breathtaking and constantly changing from season to season, you will see the first spring lambs and the ever changing colours of the beautiful vista As well as steam hauled trains, we also run Diesel locomotive and Heritage Railcar services on selected days throughout the season.
Come and visit Llangollen Railway and see how train travel used to be.
Plan your visit
Days out at Llangollen Railway
Experience rail travel as it used to be. Llangollen Railway is a great day out for all ages.

The Line
Our Llangollen line takes you on a beautiful journey following the course of the River Dee through the idyllic Denbighshire countryside.

Our events
Throughout the year, the railway plays host to fantastic events for all the family; from meeting Thomas the Tank Engine, to Real Ale Experiences.

On-board Dining
Our beautiful restored carriages make the perfect setting for our afternoon tea experience, whilst absorbing the stunning surrounding area.
The Line
Our Llangollen line takes you on a beautiful journey following the course of the River Dee through the idyllic Denbighshire countryside.
Our events
Throughout the year, the railway plays host to fantastic events for all the family; from meeting Thomas the Tank Engine, to Real Ale Experiences.
On-board Dining
Our beautiful restored carriages make the perfect setting for our afternoon tea experience, whilst absorbing the stunning surrounding area.
Buy Tickets
BUY YOUR TICKETS ONLINE
Guarantee your places and redeem vouchers.
Weddings at Llangollen Railway
If you’re a train enthusiast or a couple looking for a wedding venue with character unlike any other, Llangollen Railway makes the perfect setting for your special day.
We can play host to your civil ceremony and your full wedding celebrations in our stunning suites. With unique photo opportunities to make memories that will last a life time.

Support Llangollen Railway
Volunteer
The running of the railway wouldn’t be possible without the support of our incredible volunteers. Find out more about how you too can get involved.
Shareholders
If volunteering isn’t for you, becoming a shareholder allows you to support the running of the railway in a more anonymous, completely financial way.
Membership
Joining as a member allows you to support the running of the Railway, whilst taking advantage of concessional travel as well as many other benefits.
Latest news
Stay up to date with all of the latest news of the railway, the exciting developments on the line and up-coming events.