Looking for a great day out this October Half Term week? How about a trip on the amazing Vale of Rheidol Railway? It is the perfect day out and a wonderful way to see the stunning Cambrian Mountains countryside from a vantage point you can only get to by train. The Vale of Rheidol’s beautifully restored 1920s steam locomotives will take you through 12 miles of glorious Ceredigion scenery on one of the most spectacular railway journeys in the UK. Sit back and admire the view while the engine, it’s driver and fireman do all the hard work. Travel from Aberystwyth to Devil’s Bridge on a trip that will take you back in time and give you a chance to enjoy the area in a way you may not have done before!
Autumn is one of the best seasons to ride the train as the trees change colour and the falling leaves open-up the views. The low autumnal sunshine sends long shadows over the landscape below. There is plenty of parking at both the Aberystwyth and Devil’s Bridge stations. Return journeys can be taken in either direction.
All aboard! Aberystwyth set to host Wales first ever POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride
The secret is out! This Christmas, Polar Productions in conjunction with Rail Events Inc. are bringing a truly magical live show to The Vale of Rheidol Railway; the same team that just last year brought you the award-winning experience of the renowned Swanage POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride.
This fully immersive theatre experience recreates the famous Christmas movie as it celebrates its 20th Anniversary, brought to you by the brilliant mind of Creative Director Gareth Walker. The POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride will be bringing the characters to life as it captures the joyful festive tale as well as giving families the opportunity to travel by steam train on the spectacular Vale of Rheidol Railway in the heart of Wales. Popular with all ages, you can expect heart-warming family fun and a truly special event for all generations, set to become one of Wales’ best Christmas experiences this year!
Trains depart from Saturday 30th November and run until Christmas Eve. See: https://www.rheidolrailway.co.uk/
Vale of Rheidol Railway’s Rheidol Steam Festival breaks records with Historic Locomotive Showcase
The annual Rheidol Steam Festival, held from 24th to 26th August 2024 attracted nearly 1,400 passengers over the three days, marking a 27% increase in attendance compared to 2023, and generating a 60% rise in revenue—making this year’s festival the most successful in recent memory.
For the first time since the 1980s, the festival featured three passenger trains running simultaneously, with 15 out of the railway’s 16 carriages in operation. A total of six locomotives were in steam, delighting visitors and offering an immersive glimpse into the heritage and charm of narrow-gauge steam railways.
Among the locomotives in steam were two of the Vale of Rheidol’s iconic tank engines—No. 7 ‘Owain Glyndŵr’ and No. 8 ‘Llywelyn’—alongside the mighty No. 60 ‘Drakensberg,’ a 1927 Garratt locomotive. Joining these was a special guest from the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway, No. 4 ‘Palmerston,’ which spent the summer at the Vale of Rheidol undergoing a full 10-year overhaul. ‘Palmerston’ holds a deep historical connection to Aberystwyth, having been hired by the Vale of Rheidol Railway in 1912 and 1913 to handle increased traffic from the opening of the Territorial Army camp at Lovesgrove and later assisting with the transportation of timber during World War I.
A standout attraction at this year’s festival was the unveiling of the Gwalior Pacific Loco No. 762. On display for the first time in over four decades, the locomotive was part of the railway’s founder Peter Rampton’s private collection. Built in 1932, No. 762 is a rare ‘Pacific’ locomotive, named for its distinctive wheel arrangement, which once worked on the Gwalior Light Railway in India. The Gwalior line, until its closure in 2020, was the world’s longest 2-foot gauge railway.
No. 762 remains in its original ‘as withdrawn’ condition and is a fascinating time capsule of its era in India. The locomotive bears unique customizations from its time in service, including decorative flames on the smokebox—a testament to the pride Indian locomotive crews took in their engines. Known for its long-haul journeys, the locomotive’s running plate even carried a special wooden box for food and clean clothing during overnight trips. No. 762 is now set for a full restoration at the Vale of Rheidol’s workshops, honouring Peter Rampton’s foresight in rescuing it from scrappage.
The festival also saw high footfall in the Vale of Rheidol’s museum, home to an extensive collection of locomotives and rolling stock, adding an educational dimension to the event for both railway enthusiasts and families.
