The Vale of Rheidol Railway recently celebrated the official opening of its new museum and events space in Aberystwyth, marking the completion of the ‘Wales to the World’ project.
The repurposed building offers 5,000 square feet of display space for some of the railway’s priceless collection, alongside exhibits from around the world. It tells the story of how Wales led the way in narrow gauge railways, helping to export the idea all over the world.
The museum is part of the £3.3m Wales to the World project which is transforming the site into a station suitable for modern tourists.
Llŷr ap Iolo, Managing Director of the Vale of Rheidol RailwayDelivering the project has been challenging at times. However, we now finally have the facilities to welcome visitors to the railway and offer a fantastic experience and day out. This makes the business more sustainable, both as an all year round attraction and as a large local employer."
The museum is located in the old Aberystwyth engine shed building, which was built in 1938 by the Great Western Railway. The space has been transformed into a multi-purpose display and events venue for community events.
Visitors will now be able to enjoy the museum for themselves, as the venue will be open daily until the start of November. Entry is free for those travelling on the train.
The museum is also being used as a hub for community events throughout the year, including live music and lunchtime concerts. The space is also available for private functions and events.
The railway is pleased to welcome coach operators to the railway. Their 2024 group rates are available for minimum of 20 people adult at a reduced rate of £28.50 per adult (high season) or £27 (March/April/October): passengers can enjoy a special reserved carriage on the train, which can be booked for either single or return journeys to Devil's Bridge. The train ride can easily be combined with other attractions in the local area, providing a memorable experience for your group.
Coach party visits can also be tailored or themed for special interest groups (eg U3A, model engineering groups etc), with talks or guided walks available at a small additional charge. Additional extras are also available by prior request, such as guided museum or workshop tours.
Further details can be obtained via email or by phone +44 (0)1970 625 819.
