Opening Times

Public opening times vary across the year see www.talyllyn.co.uk/timetable/ for more information. Private openings, and charter trains can be arranged at any time of year subject to availability.

What makes this a great venue for School group Fun or Educational Visits?

A big friendly welcome awaits you and your group at the Talyllyn Railway. We offer a year round service of narrow gauge steam train services from Tywyn on the mid Wales coast through the unspoilt Snowdonia National Park. The line affords great views of the Fathew valley a beautiful glacial environment - a wonderful resource for geography teachers. At Tywyn the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum tells the story of the development of railways to serve the slate industry in Wales and industry across the United Kingdom. We have two great eateries: King’s Licensed Cafe at Tywyn Wharf station and Quarryman’s Caban at Abergynolwyn. They both offer a wide range of hot and cold refreshments and snacks, King’s also offers a full service of hot and cold homemade lunches. Packed lunches are available to suit your needs. The John Slater Education Room at Tywyn Wharf station offers a classroom environment to support your visit; it is fully equipped with an interactive whiteboard, WiFi, and audio visual systems.

What are the Curriculum Topics or Benefit to the students from a visit?

A visit to the Talyllyn Railway will allow teachers to build on their classroom work with a practical visit to view the area of topic. It provides access to the countryside at a leisurely pace allowing the scenery and wildlife to be studied. A wide variety of study areas can be covered and aimed at any age group.

What are the activities?

We offer a varied selection of activities:
- Stream train journeys on historic narrow gauge trains provide an activity in themselves as well as a means of studying and accessing the wildlife and geography of this area.
- The Narrow Gauge Railway Museum offers the chance to study artefacts and the story of the development of railways to serve British industry, particularly the North Wales slate quarries.
- Teacher-lead classroom activities and talks can take place in the John Slater Education Room at Tywyn Wharf Station.

What is the age range of the activities?

The Talyllyn Railway experience can be tailored to meet all age groups. Younger children enjoy the fun of a Steam train ride, whereas old students can make the most of the practical study opportunities.

What are the minimum and maximum group sizes and the free Teacher Ratio?

Groups of 15 or more qualify for the group discount rate. Upto Two teachers travel for free with each group.

Do you have or how do you arrange risk assessment?

We have a simple risk assesment available and can offer assistance to group organisers in planning their visit.

Do you offer Teacher familiarisation days?

We can arrange familiarisation days for teachers and group organisers.

What facilities are there for school groups for food and drink, shop etc?

We have two great eateries: King’s Licensed Cafe at Tywyn Wharf station and Quarryman’s Caban at Abergynolwyn. They both offer a wide range of hot and cold refreshments and snacks, King’s also offers a full service of hot and cold homemade lunches. We can reserve seating for you in our cafes to ensure your group can sit together. Packed lunches can be prepared to suit your needs and budget. The Railway shop at Tywyn Wharf offers a range of gifts and souvenirs. The cafe’s and shops can also accommodate your group outside of the normal opening hours if required.

Is specific clothing required?

Specific clothing is not required, but we advise groups to be prepared for the unpredictable Welsh weather. Those groups who are venturing in the countryside beyond our stations should be suitably attired.

Do you have first aid on site?

A qualifyed first aider is on duty on the Railway whils trains are in operaton.

Are there any restrictions on photos, copyright etc?

We welcome and encourage photographers on the Talyllyn Railway.

Additional information.

We look forward to welcoming your group on the Talyllyn Railway. If you require any information or you wish to book please call our office on 01654 710472 or email enquiries@talyllyn.co.uk