Boston Lodge Works at the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways is enjoying a busy summer as visitors take the opportunity to explore behind the scenes at one of the world’s most remarkable railway workshops.

The renewed Boston Lodge Works was recognised earlier this year with a Highly Commended accolade at the 2026 Civic Trust Awards. The award recognised the sensitive conservation and redevelopment of the historic site, alongside its continued role as a working railway engineering works and its new opportunities for public engagement.

Now, as the summer season gets into full swing, the project is allowing an increasing numbers of visitors to experience the results for themselves, with three guided Boston Lodge tours taking place each week.

The approximately two-hour long experience begins at Porthmadog Harbour Station, where visitors board a short train journey to Boston Lodge before being taken behind the scenes to discover the history, characters and craftsmanship that have shaped the Works and the railways.

The Civic Trust Awards judges praised the project for securing the future of the historic working site “not by freezing it in time, but by ensuring it remains active and relevant for generations to come.”

That philosophy is now being put into practice every week, as visitors see the historic buildings not simply as preserved heritage, but as a living and working part of the railway.

With tours proving particularly popular during the summer season, Boston Lodge is offering visitors a rare opportunity to see this nationally important industrial heritage site at work and learn more about the people, skills and stories behind nearly 200 years of railway history.

The guided tours along with train tickets can be booked online at www.festrail.co.uk