To visit the Talyllyn Railway is to experience living history!

Opened in 1865 as the first narrow gauge railway to be built for steam haulage, it survived largely unchanged until 1950 when a group of enthusiasts formed a Society to take over the railway and ensure its future.

Not only did the society aim to preserve the line and its ancient locomotives and carragies, still travelling up and down this unspoilt valley, but also to preserve traditional skills and values.

Since 1950 other historic locomotives and carragies have joined the original stock and new carriages have also been built. Wharf station now boasts the King's Licensed Cafe, a well stocked Gift Shop and the Narrow Gauge Railway Museum - admission is free. There are facilities for the disabled and car parking.

At Abergynolwyn light refreshments are available in the 'Quarryman's Tea Room' and there is a 'Railway Adventure' playground for younger passengers.

Fancy driving a steam engine, or planning a wedding or special event? Ask us!

www.talyllyn.co.uk

01654 710 472

Get that 'jungle feeling' and enjoy the animals at the Animalarium in Borth a collection of unusual and interesting animals with breeding pairs and colonies of endangered species whose natural environment is under threat. * Feed the animals all day. * H

Ceredigion Museum is a treasure trove, fun to explore and admission is free! Housed in the Coliseum, a former music hall, it is 'probably the most beautiful museum interior in Britain'. Learn about the way people lived in Victorian mid Wales. Enjoy the mo

Whilst in Aberystwyth, a visit to the National Library of Wales, one of only six copyright libraries in the UK, is a must. Situated on Penglais Hill, the imposing building is surrounded by beautiful gardens and has a panoramic view over the town which is in itself worth seeing. However, once inside the Library, you can see some of the oldest manuscripts in the country, such as the earliest manuscript of the Mabinogion, as well as a copy of all printed material (which include the first three books printed in Welsh and the first book printed in Wales). There is also an opportunity for vistors to research their family tree if they wish. The earliest recorded Welsh poetry can be seen in the Black Book of Carmarthen, along with a number of of exhibitions which are altered on a seasonal basis. Open from Monday to Saturday, the welcome is warm and enterance is free.

For more information on the National Library visit www.llgc.org.uk