What's on offer?

Thomas was giving brake-van rides, and Toby The Tram engine was there for fans to climb aboard. There was free face painting, Thomas DVDs being shown in the Thomas cinema, and stories told on the platform throughout the day.

On the day we went, Duck was poorly, so Taffy the steam engine was standing in and giving rides to Glyndyfrdwy and back, while Daisy the diesel went to Carrog and back. There was no fair this time, but there usually is in the summer. There's also a GWR Loco shop selling train memorabilia, books and gifts – with proceeds towards restoration of a steam engine – and several of Thomas' friends to visit.

How did you get there?

We drove along the A5 from Bethesda to Llangollen, at the junction of the A5 and A539. The station is near the bridge over the river Dee in the middle of town. There is no parking at the station, and though there are three pay and display carparks in town, they were all full. Eventually we found a space about a 15 minute walk from the centre of town.

The nearest network train station is in Ruabon five miles away, with regular buses into Llangollen Monday to Saturday, less regularly on a Sunday.

How long did you stay?

We got there at lunch time, and stayed until the event finished at about 5pm. We went on the longer train ride to Carrog and back, and took in the events at the stations, but could have done with a bit longer to go on Taffy as well!

Did you take a brolly?

We were lucky to have glorious sunshine, although being February it was rather cold! Although the train rides and parts of the platform are undercover, we were still outside for most of our time, and would have needed a brolly had it rained.

What did you do there?

Our four-year-old son Jack is a big Thomas fan, so he really enjoyed seeing his engine friends and meeting the Fat Controller, Stationmaster and train drivers. Both trains were giving regular rides all day, and timetables of events are given out with your ticket.

How much did it cost you?

A family ticket (two adults, two children) cost £30. Tickets for adults were £12, children £8, senior (60+) £10, and for children under three admission was free. Tickets were valid all day on all trains and brake van rides, but re-admission wasn't permitted. There was also a free colouring competition supplied with each child’s ticket.

How about food and drink?

There are tea rooms at both Llangollen and Carrog stations, selling sandwiches, cakes, hotdogs, burgers, with prices between 90p and £2.50. A cup of tea was £1, coffee £1.20, and soft drinks from 70p to £1. There wasn't a lot of room in the tea rooms, but seating was available, and eating was allowed on the trains (if you weren't in first class – which was available for a £1 upgrade). We did what lots of other families did, and took lunch to eat on the train.

Is it OK for kids?

The day is aimed at children, and is very user friendly. All staff were really happy to talk to the kids and pose for photos! Supervision is requested on the train rides – especially for young children – to ensure safety. There are first aid stations at both stations, as well as toilets and baby changing facilities. There wasn't much walking involved, and access was easy for pushchairs, with designated storage for them on the trains and at Llangollen station.

Can people with disabilities get around?

Both stations are accessible without having to negotiate steps – except for getting on and off the trains, but we didn't see disabled/wheelchair access to any of the trains’ seated carriages.

What were the best bits?

Seeing Jack’s face when he realised where we were, and he saw Thomas puffing out from under the footbridge! The scenery was beautiful – enhanced by sun and the sound of the kids having fun. We really enjoyed our time – great for younger Thomas fans and train enthusiasts, though older children might get a bit bored. We’d definitely go again as long as we still have a Thomas fan in the family!

Opening times?

Thomas returns to Llangollen August 9-17, and October 25-Nov 2. Llangollen Railway is open most weekends of the year, and on weekdays June-October. For details on events visit www.llangollen-railway.co.uk call 01978 860951 (talking timetable), or 01978 860828 (tourist information).