When can I book tickets for the Ghost Train and Santa Specials?

Due to the popularity of these two events we delay the time that tickets can be purchased.

The tickets for the Ghost Trains go on sale on Friday 20th September at 7pm.

The tickets for the Santa Specials go on sale at 1pm on Wednesday October 9th.

Tickets for both events are sold on a first come basis, there are no priority bookings.
Please note dogs are not allowed at either the Halloween or Santa Special events.

Who do I contact to alter my bookings for the Santa trains or find out more information?
Please do not contact the railway regarding Santa trains.
Please contact the event organisers Fox and Edwards by clicking here.
 

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Can you place me on a reserve list for tickets please?

Unfortunately we do not operate reserve lists for tickets.

We use Ticketsource for management of ticket sales and availability will show on the relevant booking page.

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Can I get advertised discounts at the ticket office when I arrive at the station?

Special discount offers are only available if you book online in advance via this website. 
The discounts are not available at the station ticket office.

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Do you accept cash payments at the station?
The Ticket Office only accepts contactless or card payments.
There are no cash facilities at the ticket office.
The Fireman's Shovel Tearoom and Eric's Emporium (shop) accepts cash or card payments.
We do not accept cheques.

Can I bring my dog on the train?
Yes, well behaved dogs on leads are welcome on our standard services but not on our Halloween or Santa Special events.
We do ask that you keep them off the carriage seating however.

Please note dogs are not allowed at either the Halloween or Santa Special events.

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What is the difference between your standard and first class carriages?
Saloon (1st Class) tickets are for one round trip at the booked time.
You may travel on later services in a standard class carriage. (Subject to availability).

The difference can be seen by viewing this page on the website.
Click here for more details.

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Can I volunteer with the railway?
We welcome new volunteers regardless of skill level. 
Minimum age for volunteers is 14 years.

There is more information on the volunteering page of this website.

Do carers have to pay?
One carer may travel free with a fare paying less able person. The carer must obtain a complimentary ticket from the booking office on arrival at the railway. Identification or written proof of the carer status must be provided in order to be eligible for free travel. If no proof is provided then the carer will have to pay the normal 'on the day' fare. Please note: Santa Specials are organised by an external company. Please contact foxandedwards@gmail.com direct for the availability of carers tickets.

Do I have to pay for my 2 year old child?
Children aged under 3 years travel free and do not require a ticket.
(Except for Santa Specials when tickets must be purchased for all ages).
Child tickets are required for those aged 3 years to under 16 years.
Adult tickets are required for those aged 16 years plus.

Can I take a pram/pushchair onto the train?
Our carriages date from the late 1950s/early 1960s, consequently space is very limited with no storage facilties and narrow passenger aisles. Passengers generally leave prams/puschairs/wheelchairs in the station building whilst travelling.

Do you accept Heritage Railway Association Privilege cards?
Yes, on standard running days. Event days are not included in the Heritage Railway Association scheme.
 

When is the railway running?
The railway operates every weekend between April and September.
Additionally we run on selected Wednesdays during July and August.
We also operate on most Bank Holidays.

Can I smoke on the railway?
In line with the current law smoking or vaping is not allowed on any of our trains, in the station buildings or on the platforms at the stations.

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Why can't my sat nav find you?
Due to our location the postcode as designated by the post office will lead you to a dead end lane.
Sat Nav users should use NP4 9SF, this will direct you to the road junction on the B4248 between Blaenavon and Brynmawr. The railway is signposted at this road junction at Garn Yr Erw, look for the steam locomotive symbol on the brown tourist sign .

Can we visit the locomotive sheds?
Unfortunately due to security issues and ongoing ground works it is not possible for members of the public to visit the locomotive sheds or compound area. It is hoped that yard tours will resume at some time in the future.

I have bought tickets and need to cancel or I failed to turn up, can I have a refund?
Refunds are only available providing you have taken out ticket payment protection when booking with Ticketsource. See our terms and condtions of booking page.

Can we have a group discount?
Discounts are available on a sliding scale of over 10, over 20 and over 30 people on standard running days only.
Contact us if you wish to enquire about a group booking.
Group discounts cannot be used with any other offers or discounts.
Our in house catering team can provide refreshments, including cream teas for groups.
We generally do not permit the use of outside caterers.

Why are steam locomotives taken out of service after a period of time?
Steam locomotives are very complex engines and due to their very nature have to undergo a full boiler inspection every ten years. This includes the locomotive being completly dismantled, inspected, repaired and examined again before they can return to service.
This is a very time consuming and costly exercise.

Do you have wheelchair access on your carriages?
As at January 2024 we have very limited access for wheelchair users.
However it is hoped that during the latter end of 2024 one of our refurbished cariages will be back in service.
This carriage will have excellent access for wheelchair users with extra wide doors and an inclusive area in the main body of the carriage. Our carriages date back to the early 1960s when wheelchair access was not really considered.
 

How long is the line?
Including the Big Pit Branch the line is 3.1 miles which means your total journey is 6.2 miles. The train is restricted to a maximum speed of 25 mph in line with the Light Railway Act. 

 

How long does the journey last?
On a standard running day the return journey lasts approximately 55 minutes.
This includes a stop of approx. 15 minutes when the locomotive (for operational purposes) has to run around the carriages at Blaenavon High Level.
For further details on the journey click here.

Are there toilets on board the train?
Unfortunately there are no toilets on the train but facilities are available at both Furnace Sidings and Blaenavon High Level stations.

How old do you have to be to book a footplate ride?
Footplate rides are only available to persons over the age of 18.

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Are you going to extend the line?
Our long term plan is to extend the line, northwards to Waunavon and southwards towards Varteg.
There are a number of logistical issues to be overcome before we can do either but it is likely we will extend towards Waunavon first.
Have a look at our development plan.

When is the locomotive 'JESSIE' coming back?
Jessie has just completed its' 10 year overhaul and is now operational.
It is now back in working pool of locomotives and sports the livery it had when it first entered service.

Do you accept donations for the raliway?
Our railway welcomes donations large or small, we are a voluntary organisation so every penny helps.
You can donate online or at the railway during your visit.

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How do I become a member of the Railway?

If you are over 18 yrs old you can become a member by completing an application form online or in person at either The Railway Shop in Blaenavon town or at Furnace Sidings Station Emporium.
If you are under 18 yrs old or a non-UK citizen you can become a member of the Railway Society. This can only be done in person at either the Railway Shop or the Furnace Sidings Emporium. The benefits are exactly the same for either type of membership.
 

If you have any questions that are not answered here then please use our contact us page.