For less than £40 per person, you can hop on board a narrow gauge steam train from the 1920s and meander through some of the UK’s most beautiful countryside. But, you might have to wait a while
Step back into the roaring 1920s with this uniquely beautiful journey on the tracks. While nothing is exciting about waiting in the freezing cold on your morning commute for a delayed train – the UK has a slew of railway routes filled with natural beauty and history. Trust us, hopping on board can actually be fun…
The Vale of Rheidol Railway is no exception, and has unsurprisingly been crowned one of the most ‘beautiful’ routes in the country. Opened in 1902, the railway was originally used to transport goods such as timber and lead around Wales. But, after the First World War, mine traffic started to dwindle, as the original owners (Cambrian Railways) were absorbed by the Great Western Railway.
All goods services were cancelled and eventually, the line closed completely from the end of the 1939 summer service for the duration of the Second World War. 122 years later, and the 12-mile journey, which starts at Aberystwyth and ends at Devil’s Bridge, is a booming tourist attraction. The railway, which is run under a charitable trust, uses renovated carriages built by the Great Western Railway between 1923 and 1938 – transporting you back in time for a breathtaking three hours.
“Hop aboard at Aberystwyth and watch the scenery passing by your window,” states Visit Wales. “You will soon see the countryside change travelling through wide open fields, ancient woodland and rugged mountain scenery as the line twists and turns, clinging to the hillside to reach Devil’s Bridge – home of the famous Mynach Falls and Devil’s Punchbowl.”
The tourist board adds that the route is also great for bird watchers. Keep an eye out for birds of prey such as red kites and buzzards which tend to ‘soar high above the valley floor’. Or, have a cuppa and listen to the old choo choo zip through the stunning vistas.
Travelling duo Nicola and Ronan ticked the journey off their bucket list last year, and described the ride as the UK’s ‘most beautiful. Sharing their experience on TikTok, the content creators showed the steam train’s regal interior, and a glimpse of some of the gorgeous vistas you’ll zip through.
“We recommend upgrading to a first-class ticket: It’s an extra £11.25, but it makes the whole experience unforgettable,” the pair added. “The first-class carriages have been beautifully updated and it made the whole experience more authentic. You may even be lucky enough to get the whole carriage to yourself like we did.”
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Basic fares start from £38.50 for an adult, and £5.50 for children. You can bring your dog along for the ride too, for just £4 – although they’re not allowed in first-class. If you’re wanting an upgrade, expect to pay around £57.75 for an adult, and £24.75 for a child.
If you want to guarantee a whole carriage to yourself, you can actually charter your very own private excursion. However, the 2025 timetable is yet to be announced – meaning you’ll have to wait patiently for now.
You can learn more about the Rheidol Railway, including how to buy tickets, here.
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