4 min read
4 min read
2026 marks a major milestone for Snowdon Mountain Railway as we celebrate 130 years of taking visitors on unforgettable journeys to the summit of Yr Wyddfa.
Since opening in 1896, we have welcomed millions of visitors from around the world, offering a unique way to experience the highest mountain in Wales. Today, as the only public rack and pinion railway in the United Kingdom, we remain committed to preserving our heritage while continuing to invest in the future of the railway and the visitor experience.
Throughout our anniversary year, we have delivered a number of significant projects across the attraction, from major infrastructure improvements on the mountain to enhancements in our retail, catering and visitor facilities.
“Our 130th anniversary is an opportunity to celebrate the remarkable history of Snowdon Mountain Railway, while looking ahead to its future. The investments we’ve made this year reflect our commitment to preserving this unique railway, enhancing the visitor experience and ensuring future generations can continue to enjoy this one-of-a-kind journey.”
– Kristian Johnson, General Manager
One of the most significant projects completed this year has been the automation of the points system at Clogwyn Station.
Situated high on the mountain, the points have historically been operated manually by a dedicated blockman. Following a major investment programme, the points are now fully automated and powered by solar energy, improving operational efficiency while reducing the need for manual intervention.
This project represents an important step forward for the railway, demonstrating how modern technology can be integrated into a historic operation while respecting the unique environment in which we operate. The use of solar power also supports our ongoing commitment to sustainability within the spectacular landscape of Eryri National Park.
Credit: Philip Marsh
As part of our continued investment in the visitor experience, we have recently completed a refurbishment of our cinema at Llanberis Station.
The renovated cinema, now renamed ‘The Picture House’, is themed around the early 1900s. It provides visitors with an enhanced introduction to the story of the railway, the remarkable engineering achievement behind its construction and the rich history of Yr Wyddfa. Visitors also get an insight into what it takes to keep a heritage railway operational. The short film helps set the scene for the journey ahead and offers guests a deeper connection to both the railway and the mountain before they board the train.
Click here to watch a preview of the video.
We’ve also redesigned our arrivals area, creating a dedicated heritage space where visitors can explore carefully curated railway memorabilia and discover the stories that have shaped Snowdon Mountain Railway over the last 130 years.
The display features a number of fascinating artefacts from the railway’s history, including the original General Manager’s chair used by Gowrie Colquhoun Aitchison, and one of the earliest visitor books containing entries dating back to the First World War.
Visitors can also uncover a lesser-known chapter of the railway’s wartime history through a notice linked to secret radar testing carried out on the summit during the Second World War, disguised at the time under a covert cover story. Alongside these items, interpretation panels share the story of the locomotives that have served the railway throughout its history, from the original steam engines through to the fleet in operation today.
We’re proud to welcome visitors from across the world to experience Wales, and that experience extends beyond the railway itself.
Since last year, we’ve increased our focus on Welsh food and drink across our catering outlets, giving visitors more opportunities to enjoy local flavours during their visit. Guests can now choose from a range of Welsh products, including traditional Welsh oggies, freshly made cakes, locally brewed beers and coffee roasted by North Wales-based Dwyfor Coffee.
By working with Welsh suppliers and producers, we’re helping to create a stronger sense of place throughout the attraction while supporting local businesses and celebrating the rich food and drink heritage of Wales.
As part of our anniversary year improvements, we’ve refreshed and reconfigured our retail offer at Llanberis Station, alongside the introduction of the Victoria Sweet Shoppe.
Inspired by the railway’s Victorian heritage, the Victoria Sweet Shoppe offers visitors a nostalgic retail experience that complements the history and character of Snowdon Mountain Railway. Located beside the rear station car park entrance, it has quickly become a popular stop for families and visitors looking to take home a sweet reminder of their day on the mountain.
In addition, our main gift shop has been reimagined to improve the visitor experience, with a clearer layout and dedicated zones to make browsing easier and more enjoyable. This includes a new food and drink section showcasing Welsh produce, alongside a refreshed range of popular souvenirs such as magnets, keepsakes and other gifts inspired by the railway and Yr Wyddfa.
At our summit visitor facilities, we have introduced operational improvements designed to enhance the customer experience during busy periods.
By reconfiguring the existing counter area, we have created an additional till point, enabling our team to serve visitors more efficiently and reduce waiting times during peak operating periods.
While simple in concept, this enhancement forms part of our ongoing commitment to continually improve every aspect of the visitor journey.
Reaching our 130th anniversary is a proud moment for everyone connected with Snowdon Mountain Railway.
The investments delivered throughout this milestone year reflect our commitment to preserving the heritage of Britain’s only public rack and pinion railway while embracing innovation where it enhances the visitor experience and supports the long-term future of the attraction.
As part of Heritage Attractions Ltd, we look forward to building on this legacy and continuing to inspire future generations with unforgettable journeys to the summit of Yr Wyddfa for many years to come.
