Welshpool & Llanfair Railway,
The Station,
Llanfair Caereinion,
Welshpool,
Powys
SY21 0SF
Telephone 01938 810441
Fax 01938 810861

Web: http://www.wllr.org.uk
Email:: info@wllr.org.uk
Map Link: Here

The railway was opened in 1903 to link the rural communities to the market town of Welshpool. The gauge of 2 ft 6 inches allowed for tight curves and steep gradients following the contours of the countryside. Operated at first by the Cambrian Railways, the W&L was taken over in turn by the Great Western and British Railways; being run with less and less hope of profit. After 1931 the line was only used for freight traffic until it finally closed in 1956. In 1963 a group of enthusiasts rallied round and reopened the line, searching world wide for suitable rolling stock.

Today the journey begins on the edge of the old market town of Welshpool. The excitement begins as the train battles up the notoriously steep Golfa Bank accompanied by the sound of the locomotive echoing off the surrounding hills. From the open balconies of our unique coaches you will see the beautiful mid-Wales countryside roll slowly by as you travel deep into the delightful Banwy Valley. The train will be hauled by one of our historic steam locomotives from around the world including our latest acquisition from Romania which arrived and began duties during 2007.

As your journey unfolds through this picturesque part of Wales you may well see deer, hawks and even otters. As the train approaches the end of its journey the line winds its way alongside the River Banwy into the western terminus of the railway at Llanfair Caereinion.

At this station the traveller can visit our shop, have a home made snack in our popular tea room or chat to our friendly staff who will always be happy to answer any questions. Or, you may want to take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the picturesque river; whatever you do it is all part of the pleasure of a visit to the Country Railway.

Special Events
Vintage Weekend : 28th & 29th June.
A weekend celebrating the railway's heritage featuring vintage trains, an intensive service and extra attractions. See separate leaflet for details and special timetable.

Annual Steam Gala : 30th & 31st August.
A special weekend for the railway enthusiast with all our working engines in steam. Special trains, intensive timetable, sales stands and extra attractions. Coincides with "Garden Railways" exhibition nearby.

Santa Steam Specials : 13th/14th & 20th/21st December
Bring the children to meet Santa on the train. Lots of fun for all the family at Llanfair. Please book your place in advance.

Vintage Train : 19th 20th July & 9th/10th August
Leaving Llanfair Caereinion at 11.30, take a leisurely return journey back in time on the W&L Vintage Train. Travel in one of the pickering replica carriages hauled by GWR 823 Countess (subject to availability). Tickets may only be purchased from Llanfair Caereinion on the day of travel. Normal fares apply but concessions and other offers are not available on this service.

New Resita locomotive No.19 (Photo © T.Beardsell)

Whilst you are in the area, why not visit some of the other nearby places of interest:-

• Powis Castle is a medieval castle rising dramatically above the celebrated garden.
  Built by Welsh princes and now home to the Earls of Powis it is renowned for its world famous garden with Italianate terraces and one of the finest collections of paintings and furniture in Wales. A beautiful collection of treasures from India displayed in the Clive Museum. Visitors can now gain access to the east front, the original grand entrance into the castle.
  
  
  

• The Montgomery Canal runs for 33 miles from Welsh Frankton in Shropshire to Newtown in Powys. Built between 1792 and 1821 it was abandoned in 1944. Restoration commenced in 1969 and continues today under the organisation of the Montgomery Waterway Restoration Trust. Two of the restored lengths have now been linked with the construction of the new Gallowstree Bridge providing a length of waterway in Welshpool along which public boat trips operate. The trip boat is called "Maldwyn" (Montgomeryshire) and was built specifically to provide comfortable cruising conditions for up to 48 people. It was transported to the canal in 1993 and operates from new moorings provided by Montgomery District Council. Amongst the canalside attractions along this most scenic of waterways is the Powysland Museum and Canal Centre, outside which we operate a floating gift shop and tea room aboard a converted narrowboat. Boats are also for hire for day cruises or for a longer break.
  
  
• Welshpool market is in the heart of the town held beneath the clock tower, its Charter dating back to the mid 17th century. Formerly a street market it is now largely held indoors on Saturdays, & Mondays, with over 50 traders attending. It has an active branch of the Market Traders Federation and a Shoppers Charter is being introduced to encourage customers to be able to shop with confidence in its friendly atmosphere. It provides a warm and friendly atmosphere in which you can purchase: Fruit and Vegetables Bread and Cheese Pies and Cake Clothing China Pet Foods Antiques Underwear/Nightwear Bedding Hardware Jewellery Local Crafts Ethnic Crafts Shoes/Accessories Bric-a-brac Books Plants/Flowers and much more.