Boston Lodge Railway Works Guided Tour

Porthmadog

Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways
Available until 1 November 2025

Go behind the scenes of the Railway at Boston Lodge

Here you will be immersed in tales of past and present, uncovering the story of how the railway has shaped local landscapes and communities, and influenced railway development around the world!

  • Discover… the story of the special people and characters that 'brought the railway to town', shaping the works and the railway right up to the present day.
  • Learn… how the Railway uses heritage skills to build and maintain an impressive fleet of carriages and locomotives, with special views into the workshops.
  • Marvel… at the Railway's collection of world-famous collection of carriages and locomotives that have been built and maintained on the site for over three centuries.

About your tour:

Perfect for those with an interest in heritage railways, the two-hour guided tour starts from Porthmadog's Harbour Station, before you travel by train across the famous "Cob" embankment to Boston Lodge Works.

This will be followed by a guided tour of the site. Grab this opportunity to see behind the scenes at the Railway Works and learn about the history of the Railway and make the most of a unique opportunity to get up close to a Loco.

Safety information:

  • Boston Lodge is a working engineering site with rails and uneven surfaces throughout and is often muddy in places. This is combined with frequent vehicle and train movements. Due to the uneven ground and the amount of walking involved, the tour is not accessible to wheelchair users or people who are not fully mobile without assistance.
  • For your own safety and comfort, tour participants must be able to stand and walk for the two-hour duration unaided.
  • Your sight must be sufficient to see potential dangers yourself.
  • Children under the age of 10 are unfortunately not permitted on-site for safety reasons.
  • Children over the age of 10 must have a valid ticket and be accompanied by a responsible adult ticketholder.
  • Please wear warm clothes and bring a waterproof as the weather can be unpredictable.
  • Stout shoes, preferably walking boots, must be worn (anyone wearing sandals or open-toed shoes will not be allowed)
  • There are no café facilities at Boston Lodge.
  • Dogs are not allowed in Boston Lodge.
Location

Porthmadog Harbour Station

Festiniog Railway Co,
Harbour Station,
Porthmadog,
LL49 9NF
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How to find us

Porthmadog Harbour Station:

  • Address: Porthmadog Harbour Station, Festiniog Railway Co., Harbour Station, Porthmadog, LL49 9NF

Parking at Porthmadog Harbour Station is reserved for passengers with a Blue Badge. Car parking for other passengers is available free of charge in the fenced area at the top end of the nearby Llyn Bach car park, a short walk away from Porthmadog Harbour Station.

Facilities
  • Toilet
  • Café at Porthmadog station
More Info
Are the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways wheelchair-accessible?

Most of the railway's historic carriages are accessible. They use modern comfortable carriages with seating at tables and many have space available for customers with mobility impairments, which includes wheelchair spaces. 

A step and wheelchair ramp are carried on all normal trains and these are available to help you access the trains, please ask a member of staff. 

As space for wheelchairs is limited, we strongly recommend contacting the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways (01766516024) after you have booked your tickets to reserve your wheelchair space. 

Please note that Boston Lodge tours are not wheelchair-accessible. 

Are there toilets on Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway trains?

There is a small toilet compartment on most trains, which is regrettably not accessible to wheelchairs. This toilet is seen as being for emergency use only as the facilities at the stations are far superior. 

Certain special services operate entirely with vintage carriages and at this stage, they are not suitable for customers who need to remain in their wheelchairs, and have no toilet facilities.

Are the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways suitable for dogs?

Yes, dogs are welcome on board. This includes all assistance dogs, who are welcome in all carriages and station buildings. 

Please note that dogs are not permitted on-site at Boston Lodge. 

Can I buy food on the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railway trains?

Trains on the railway do not have refreshments on the trains. Take-away refreshments are available to take with you from Porthmadog, Tan-y-Bwlch and Blaenau Ffestiniog stations.

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