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Family days out: Thomas Tank in Llangollen
What's the attraction?
Meeting Thomas the Tank Engine, a proper coal powered steam train, and lots of other characters from the show. For the adults it's a nice day out, for the kids it's all their Christmases come at once.
Llangollen is also a nice place to visit in itself, there's quite a few shops to look at and plenty of places to get some tea and cake.
Llangollen Railway is run by volunteers and operates trains for 7 ½ miles along the banks of the River Dee from Llangollen to Carrog.
What's on offer?
The star attraction is a ride on Thomas himself, or rather in Annie and Clarabel, his two carriages. The ride, a short way up and down the tracks at Llangollen railway station, takes about five minutes. You can take a longer ride to Carrog on Daisy or Douglas - half-an-hour one-way. This means you can do a round trip in a one-and-a-half hours, with a half-hour stop, or stay for longer if you wish. There are also rides to Glyndyfrdwy. Stories, face painting, a Thomas cinema, and 'hello' from the Fat Controller are on offer at the station.
How did you get there?
We drove along the A5 from Bethesda to Llangollen. The station is signposted - left off the A5 in the middle of Llangollen and cross the bridge over the river Dee. We parked at the Pavilion where the Eisteddfod is held, a two minute walk up the road past the station. 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 to Llangollen at lunchtime and had a bite to eat at Buttered Crust cafe nearby. We spent two hours at the station. but decided against the longer trip to Carrog.
Did you take a brolly?
We didn't, and thankfully the rain held off, but we would have got wet if it had rained.
What did you do there?
We went on Thomas, talked to the fat controller then went to the park.
How much did it cost you?
A family ticket (two adults, two children) is £30. Tickets for adults were £12, children £8, senior (60+) £10, and children under three go in free.
How about food and drink?
You are spoilt for choice for places to eat in Llangollen. We went to the Buttered Crust cafe about two minutes from the station. If you want something a bit more upmarket try Caesar's, which is on the opposite side of the river to the station.
Is it OK for kids
Yes, it's all geared up for kids and Jac certainly enjoyed it. The trains can be quite loud when they're chugging along and you obviously need to take care on the platform. 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?
There are no steps to the platforms, but the trains may be a bit trickier to negotiate. There were no ramps visible, but plenty of staff to give a helping hand. Wheelchair access is possible on most trains via the guards vans. Access ramps are stored on the platforms. Call 01978 860 979 for more details
What were the best bits?
Jac had been obsessed with Thomas before the visit and we were all probably as excited as him by the time we got there. His wonderment at being there was without doubt the best bit, and the reason for being there.
Opening times?
Thomas returns to Llangollen August 8-16, and October 24-Nov 1. 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).
For other events visit www.northwales.co.uk
