(This post features businesses I’ve worked with in the past year)
As you probably know, I’ve rediscovered my love for steam engines! I would’ve loved to be around during the great steam train era but alas I was born too late. However that doesn’t mean I should miss out. There are over 100 heritage railways in the UK and I’m lucky enough to have half a dozen of them pretty much on doorstep here in North Wales.
Steam Train Bucket List
Having said that there’s a fair few of them that I’ve yet to have the pleasure of visiting. So with that in mind I’ve made a steam train bucket list for 2020.
Victorian Weekend on F&WHR
Every year the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway host a Victorian Weekend ar Porthmadog Harbour Station. I’ve never been but after watching Steam Train Britain I really want to go! People come to the Harbour Station dressed up in their Victorian gladrags and it looks like such good fun. I might not get all dressed up (I don’t think I own any Victorian clothing) but I’d be happy just to see others getting dressed up. I might even get to meet Queen Victoria herself!
See the Gravity Slate Trains
This was also featured on that Steam Train Britain programme. One of the Ffestiniog Railway engines will pull wagons laden with slate up to Dduallt station where they are uncoupled. Gravity will then pull them towards Porthmadog… but not to worry, they wagons aren’t left to their own devices. The train will have brakesmen to control the speed of the train. Now I’m not sure if passengers are allowed to travel on the gravity train but if you take a peek at the videos on YouTube it looks like one awesome ride! Better than any rollercoaster!
South Snowdonia Railways
Whilst researching the Santa Trains I realised that I haven’t been on any of the South Snowdonia railways! So I aim to tick off at least two of the following this year
– Fairbourne Railway
– Talyllyn Railway
– Bala Lake Railway
– Corris Railway
Visit Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway
I’m hoping to have a weekend away in the Lake District again over Easter and therefore adding the Lakeside & Haverthwaite Railway to my list. We passed the station and the trains look huge! My husband really wants to go on one of the big trains… or as he refers to them “a proper train”.
See the Flying Scotsman
Built in 1923 in Doncaster, the Flying Scotsman has to be the most famous steam train in the word (discounting Thomas the Tank that is). I’m genuinely gutted that I missed the Flying Scotsman’s visit to North Wales back in November but alas I found out too late to be able to see it. I’m hoping to catch a glimpse of the famous train this year instead.
There so much more I want to see for example the Glenfinnan Viaduct (most famous for being featured in the Harry Potter films), walk the Cwm Prysor viaduct to name but another two. Unlikely to be able to get to Scotland but hopefully the Cwm Prysor viaduct should be manageable.
Do you have a steam train bucket list?
The Victorian Weekend sounds amazing and I have an outfit. It’s for a maid, but I can be a maid on her day out. :)) Let me know if you go, maybe my husband and I can join you.