Conwy Valley Museum

In a nutshell

Gauge:        15" tramway and 7¼" miniature railway

Length:  ½mile (15"), over a mile (7¼")

Opened: Early 1970s

Location:

Conwy Valley Railway Museum
The Old Goods Yard
Betws-Y-Coed
Conwy
LL24 0AL 

Tel: 01690 710568

View Larger Map 

Web:   www.conwyrailwaymuseum.co.uk
Email. info@conwyrailwaymuseum.co.uk

 

Date of visit: 8 August 2012

 

Key Facts

•  The museum occupies the former railway yard adjacent to Betws-y-Coed mainline railway station
• The museum was originally established by Alan Pratt in the early 1970s with a small exhibition in a standard gauge bogie coach. The museum now has its own dedicated building housing exhibits and model railway layouts.
• The museum has a well stocked model railway and railway book shop
• There is also a café and rides for children

Route

• The 15" tramway runs for half a mile, the length of the site, parallel to the mainline railway.
• The 7¼" railway includes two overlaid and intertwined dogbone loops giving a ten minute ride overall.

My Impressions

 We arrived at the museum early in the day before it had opened and were able to enjoy a coffee in the cafe on the mainline railway platform opposite. This gave us a good view of the museum building and shop.......

.... and the standard gauge exhibits which house the café and a coin-operated model railway.

Unfortunately, the 15" tramway wasn't running while we were there but we were able to see first few of the day's trains on the 7¼" railway hauled by one of the line's diesels, Gwydir Castle.

In the meantime, one of the line's steam locos, Douglas was being steamed in the yard.

On various visits previously, there always seems to be something happening with plenty to keep all members of the family happy. Just a flying-visit on this occasion, with a return visit is on the cards when more time is available.