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Royal Deeside Railway
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Royal Deeside Railway

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See all things to do
Royal Deeside Railway
4.5
About
A heritage railway in the heart of Royal Deeside, Scotland. Steam, diesel and battery electric vehicles and an award-winning station building. On-board Buffet Car serving teas, coffees and light snacks. No charge to view the Station building, platform and trains. Tickets at cost to travel on the trains, with reductions for children and concessions. Open Weekends Easter to September. Santa Specials leading up to Christmas. Mince Pie Specials around Hogmanay. Check our website for timetable.
Suggested duration
1-2 hours
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
71 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
22
Average
8
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Patric D
Sandbach, UK945 contributions
Just too short!
Aug 2023 • Couples
This is a neat little railway run by an enthyusiastic band of volunteers, but the problem is that is just so short. It's a one-mile trip at best so there's not that much to experience from that aspect. Probably just better to go and watch the trains and maybe leave a donation!
Written 22 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ABEONAS
Folkestone, UK4,502 contributions
Royal rails
Jul 2022 • Friends
We had an excellent experience with two trips on the railway. There was a Trolley Dolly ambling through the Royal carriage serving drinks and “Theatrical Winks” ! We received a talk on the history of the railway whilst we travelled . The volunteers do a sterling job. There is a gift shop in the station building.
Written 17 July 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
HBBlue
Aberdeen, UK86 contributions
A lovely afternoon well spent
Aug 2021
We had the great pleasure to visit this quintessentially British attraction. Nostalgia is high on the agenda and we thoroughly loved it. The railway is run by volunteers who do a simply sterling and thoroughly professional job. The driver, guardsman, and fireman were all decked out in appropriate dress for the age of the train. A lot of thought has clearly been put into the experience and nothing is too much trouble. As a disabled visitor my needs were met. The train is as accessible as the team can make it, wheelchairs are not an issue, and they will strive to accommodate any bespoke needs visitors may have.
Our Great Dane was also accommodated and this is a very dog friendly attraction.
I would also note that the toilet facilities were clean and well presented.
We look forward to our next visit.
Written 1 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
K Stewart
2 contributions
Fantastic experience for small children
Dec 2019
Very excited grandson was delighted with his balloon monkey while waiting for train. Had juice and biscuits and we had tea and warm mince pie. Had a sing song then santa came and all children received presents. Really festive experience with feel good factor
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
amf
Peterhead, UK2 contributions
Santa Claus on the Royal Deeside Railway
Dec 2019
Great outing for the children at Xmas time, been there three years running with grand children. Staff always chatty and cheerful, this year the added bonus of a balloon modeller thrown in, making free models for the kids. Very good Santa Claus and enthusiastic carol singers. Included tea/coffee/sweet mince pie for the big kids and juice /biscuits for the little kids and present for each child.Good fun.
Written 24 December 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul C
Aberdeenshire, UK357 contributions
Wednesday...not as good
Jul 2019 • Family
Visited Wednesday. Very quiet. The station master/ticket seller was cheerful but everyone else seemed very miserable.
We boarded the train...I went to buy coffee which seemed to annoy the staff that they had to get off their chairs. I asked for.cold water instead of milk and had to watch the young girl use water from her gym bottle.
The train was great....just think the midweek staff/volunteers let it down.
Written 29 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WARDROBER
185 contributions
Great experience, lots of history
Jul 2019 • Friends
This volunteer-run heritage railway punches above its weight for its welcome and all the history packed into the station building. Easily accessible from the Deeside Way cycle path, which runs right past it, the railway also houses the unique battery electric multiple unit (only one in Scotland) which ran as an experimental train on this line in the 1960s. If you arrive early for the first train, you can find a coffee in the cafe at the Milton of Crathes centre across the car park.
Written 22 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gandulph
Towcester, UK136 contributions
Small but impressive
Jul 2019 • Couples
A small and well run railway providing a picturesque journey. The line is at present being extended. There is a small gift shop as well
Written 21 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jamie Atkins
Aberdeen, UK24 contributions
A lovely excursion
Jul 2019 • Business
Took a coach load of 40+ OAPS here for an afternoon out, and they loved it. I also went on the train ride, and was very impressed with the ride, and the enthusiasm of the staff that volunteer there. Well worth the money, and definitely worth a visit.
Written 15 July 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Sandy B
Glasgow, UK21 contributions
Santa Train Trip
Dec 2018 • Family
I would to thank the volunteers for an enjoyable trip on the Santa train at 3.30 today. Meeting Santa made my 2 year old daughter Kathleen’s day, even though our son with his friend Sophie were as loud as could be expected for this time of year. There was plenty of volunteers to make the trip an excellent experience, the tea and hot mince pies were also very good, and as always we all thoroughly enjoyed the trip on the steam train. Look forward to joining you for the trip next year.
Written 16 December 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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ROYAL DEESIDE RAILWAY: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

Frequently Asked Questions about Royal Deeside Railway