Penrhyn Castle Railway Museum

Penrhyn Castle Railway Museum is a railway museum housed in a former castle, displaying narrow gauge railway artifacts, locomotives, and equipment from Welsh industrial history. The exhibitions occupy the castle's former stables and feature vehicles and components spanning different periods of regional railway development.

The museum opened in 1951 and received Charles as its first locomotive, previously used in the Penrhyn Quarry Railway system. This railway once connected the slate quarries to the port and was central to local industrial activity in the 1800s.

The collection shows how railways shaped Welsh industry, particularly through their connection to slate mining operations in North Wales. You can see how rail transport influenced daily life and economic activity in the region.

The National Trust manages this museum and offers regular guided tours through the exhibition areas housed in the former castle stables. Plan enough time for a thorough visit and check opening hours, as these may vary with the season.

The collection preserves authentic railway components within a Norman Revival castle situated 55 meters above sea level. This unusual combination of historic locomotives and Victorian architecture makes it distinctive for visitors interested in industrial heritage.

Location: Llandygai

Official opening: 1951

Elevation above the sea: 55 m

Operator: National Trust

Address: Bangor LL57 4HN

Website: https://nationaltrust.org.uk/features/railway-museum-at-penrhyn-castle

GPS coordinates: 53.22608,-4.09457

Latest update: December 12, 2025 07:56