1c Fair
Camping Gear 
Prints of North Wales Scenes 
Road Maps 
Tents 
What's the attraction?
The Talyllyn experience is not only for steam loco fans - it's got something for everyone.
It's a memorable journey, running through the Snowdonia National Park with waterfalls at Dolgoch, while the scenic Fathew Valley and Nant Gwernol offers a series of walks that start and finish on the Talyllyn Railway.
With a visit to the museum, the shop, the café and an unique children's playground, it was the perfect combination for a really interesting and enjoyable family day out.
What's on offer?
The Talyllyn Railway is a narrow gauge line using steam trains running inland from Tywyn on the mid Wales coast to Nant Gwernol, near Abergynolwyn.
How did you get there?
Tywyn is well sign posted on the B4405 and the A470 roads, and finding the Talyllyn Railway is easy. In addition, the brochure has a clear, detailed map showing the Talyllyn Railway and the mainline trains as well as the main A & B roads.
Click to launch Google MapHow long did you stay?
Following an educational visit to the museum, we had a wonderful lunch at the main Tywyn Wharf terminal station, before starting the journey at 1.55pm and arriving at Nant Gwernol near Abergynolwyn at 2.48pm.
Did you take a brolly?
The weather was good but sitting in a closed carriage, the rain would not have worried us.
What did you do there?
Visiting the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum before lunch was an excellent starting point to our day out with displays of locomotives, wagons, track and signals as well as films and photographs.
It was a really relaxing day for us as parents, just sitting on the train enjoying the children's excitement as they travelled along this beautiful valley seeing all the slate huts, sheds, shelters, bridges and different steam locomotives. Seeing their local area from the train instead of the car was very interesting because the countryside looked so different - sometimes they couldn't work out where they were.
Having their tickets punched by the guard was a big thrill for them and it was great hearing Colin asking questions about the different patterns used each day by conductors. Catrin held tight to hers the whole journey. However, trying to keep Tom stimulated on the whole journey was a real challenge. Maybe it wasn't as relaxing for the visitors in our carriage.
How much did it cost you?
Single tickets from Tywyn to Abergynolwyn for an adult and three children cost £17.50. A Day Rover with unlimited travel from any station is £11, while under-fives go free. There's reduced fares of pensioners, and special rates for groups.
How about food and drink?
The new Porter's Platter Refreshment Room at Tywyn Wharf station was well worth a visit. So open and spacious - cleanliness is obviously a priority with gleaming stainless steel equipment and all the cooking area can be seen by customers.
The assistants were pleasant and very accommodating especially with such varied requests ranging from lasagne (£5.25) to cheeseburgers (£2.65) to baguettes (£2.95) and soups (£2.95). All home made, the food was a treat in itself.
Are there any shops?
The Railway Shop was also at Tywyn Wharf station offering a wide range of different, unusual products as well as your usual railway gifts and very well displayed. Indeed, I made a mental note of returning to do some Christmas shopping - reasonable and original gifts for friends and family of all ages. However, the children were so keen to get on the train we had little time to spend money.
Is it ok/safe for kids?
Keeping the children away from the tracks is the main thing really on all the stations along the journey even though it really is fascinating for them. Catrin and Tom were mesmerised by all hissing noises, the different smells of the burning coal and boiling water in the engines.
Can people with disabilities get around?
There are suitable toilet facilities at Tywyn Wharf and Abergynolwyn stations and special coaches are always available for wheelchairs.
What was the best bit?
Having enjoyed the museum and the lunch, Ken then drove to Abergynolwyn to meet us off the train. With a free car park, a refreshment room, shop, picnic tables and toilets there was enough to see and do to wait for us. The children just loved the Railway Adventure playground - a unique park from trains to balancing logs to an amazing slide.
Opening times?
February to December
More details from Talyllyn Railway Wharf Station, Tywyn, Gwynedd, 01654 710472, email enquiries@talyllyn.co.uk or visit http://www.talyllyn.co.uk/
