January 26, 2026 - 223 views
The Llangollen and Corwen Railway has announced the launch of a new half-term service aimed at helping visitors explore the Dee Valley by train.
The Berwyn Explorer will run during February half term, offering five return services a day between Llangollen Railway Station and Berwyn on Saturday 14, Sunday 15, Wednesday 18 and Saturday 21 February.
The service is designed to give families, walkers and visitors an affordable way to combine heritage rail travel with outdoor activities during the school holidays.
Operated using one of the railway’s vintage diesel railcars, the service allows passengers to travel at their own pace, with tickets valid on any of the day’s five trains. The railcars provide panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and a warm, nostalgic travelling experience.
Berwyn Station offers direct access to a range of countryside walks and landmarks, including the Chain Bridge, Horseshoe Falls, Llangollen Canal and Llantysilio Church, which is known for its annual snowdrop display. The station itself has been restored to its 1920s Great Western Railway appearance and features a heated waiting room and period tearoom.
In 2025, Berwyn Railway Station was named the most beautiful station in the UK, a title reflecting both its historic character and its location within the Dee Valley. The stationmaster’s house is also available as a holiday let.
Tickets for the Berwyn Explorer have been priced to remain accessible, with adult fares set at £10, children at £5, and free travel for under-threes. Dogs and kayaks can also be carried for a small additional charge.
Peter Dickinson, station master at Berwyn Railway Station, said the service was intended to make it easier for people to enjoy the surrounding landscape during the school holidays. He said travelling by train added to the sense of adventure, while the station itself provided a welcoming base for visitors.
The Berwyn Explorer forms part of the railway’s wider efforts to encourage sustainable travel and support rural communities by promoting access to the countryside without reliance on cars. Looking ahead, the railway is also exploring plans for a future shuttle connection between Berwyn Station and Horseshoe Falls.
The launch comes ahead of the Llangollen and Corwen Railway’s annual Branch Line Gala, which will take place from 10 to 12 April 2026 and will feature steam and diesel services, visiting locomotives and family-friendly activities.
Further details are available on the railway’s website.
