The Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways are gearing up for a packed Easter weekend (Friday 18 – Monday 21 April), with family-friendly activities taking place at stations across the network—many of which are open to all, even without a train ticket.
Caernarfon Station
The modern Caernarfon station will offer footplate rides aboard the heritage locomotive Lilla, giving visitors the chance to get up close to the steam action. With on-site interpretation panels and viewing spaces, it’s an ideal stop for families exploring the town over the long weekend.
Caffi De Winton will be serving breakfast, lunch, and snacks from 9am–3:30pm, with the shop, event space, and facilities open until 4:30pm. The station also welcomes small groups by prior arrangement.
Porthmadog Harbour Station
Harbour Station will host footplate rides on one of the Ffestiniog Railway’s locomotives. Visitors can soak up the atmosphere from the terrace at Spooner’s café-bar, which opens from 9am daily, serving everything from breakfast to evening meals. A wide range of local ales is available at the bar.
Tan-y-Bwlch Station
Families heading to Tan-y-Bwlch can enjoy craft activities, a recently extended children’s play area, and a bilingual railway-themed quiz developed in partnership with Winning Moves—the company behind the new Snowdonia/Eryri Monopoly and Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways Top Trumps.
The tearoom will be open 10am–5pm with hot food served 10:45am–3pm and activities running 10:30am–4:30pm. Easily accessible by road or rail, Tan-y-Bwlch is set in tranquil woodland near Maentwrog and offers excellent walking trails and picnic spots. Free parking is available on site.
Blaenau Ffestiniog Station
On Good Friday (18 April), visitors can board the Mountain Spirit service departing Porthmadog at 10:40, arriving in Blaenau Ffestiniog at 11:55. At noon, St David’s Church will host a community retelling of the Crucifixion in Central Square, followed by free Hot Cross buns. The return train departs at 12:45, giving passengers time to take part in the event.
With hands-on experiences, food and drink, and scenic heritage rail travel, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways promise something for everyone this Easter weekend.
For further details and train services, visit ffwhr.com.
