Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd 50th Birthday Weekend
Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; mostly walking on gentle terrain and occasional standing on platforms.
Overview
Celebrate 50 years of Welsh railway restoration with Llangollen Railway Trust Ltd’s special birthday weekend. Ride vintage trains, try your hand at track laying, and enjoy live music and Welsh heritage in North Wales.
50th Birthday Weekend
12-14th September 2025
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About This Adventure
Celebrate 50 years of railway restoration at our special weekend from September 12-14! Experience the journey of our volunteers, enjoy train services, try track laying, and join a lively birthday party with music and food. Discover the rich heritage of Wales and its legendary connections. Don’t miss this unforgettable event!
Join us in celebrating our 50th Birthday!
About
Our 50th Birthday Celebration Weekend will take place between 12th & 14th of September. The event will commemorate the incredible achievements of our volunteers, who have worked tirelessly to restore and maintain 10 miles of a Welsh railway that many thought would be lost forever when it closed in 1964.
What's going to happen?
Friday 12th: The Journey So Far. Recreations of our line as it grew and expanded, from very first steam-hauled reopening train to building a brand new station at Corwen that opened in 2023.
Saturday 13th: Happy Birthday LR! A busy day of train services that showcase what our railway has achieved. The opportunity to find out about what rebuilding the railway involved and even have a go at laying some track. On Saturday evening we will hold a special birthday party at Llangollen Station with live music, food and a bar. Free entry!
Sunday 14th: Dydd Cymru. Wales Day Celebrating the fantastic country that our railway runs through, the places it connects and the legend of Owain Glyndwr, whose Mount can still be seen near Glyndyfrdwy and is 625 years old.
The #LR50 weekend will be our contribution to the amazing events taking place all over the UK this year to celebrate the 200th anniversary of passenger carrying railways.
More details to follow very soon!
Adventure Tips
Book Train Rides Early
Seats on vintage steam services fill quickly during the birthday weekend, so secure your tickets early to avoid missing out.
Wear Sturdy Footwear
Expect uneven surfaces around tracks and restoration work areas; solid walking shoes or boots will ensure comfortable footing.
Participate in Track Laying Safely
Volunteers guide track laying activities—follow instructions carefully and wear suitable clothing to join this hands-on experience safely.
Plan for Variable Weather
North Wales weather can change quickly in September; pack waterproof layers and sun protection for outdoor activities and events.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Red kites soaring overhead
- Grey herons along the River Dee corridor
History
The Llangollen Railway once formed part of a key passenger route since the 19th century and was nearly lost after its 1964 closure until volunteers began restoring the line in the 1970s.
Conservation
The trust emphasizes sustainability by maintaining heritage trains while protecting surrounding habitats, balancing restoration with environmental stewardship.
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Adventure Hotspots in Chester
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Waterproof Jacket
Protects against unpredictable rain common in September during the birthday weekend.
fall specific
Comfortable Walking Shoes
Ensures stable footing on uneven trackside paths and station platforms.
Sun Hat and Sunscreen
Helpful for sunny days spent outdoors watching trains or wandering the grounds.
summer specific
Camera
Capture timeless steam trains and the stunning Welsh countryside in the golden light.