Strathspey Staycations: Cromdale Station and Firhill Cottage

01/09/2026

21/05/2026

Looking for a magical steam* train experience in Scotland this summer? Step aboard the Strathspey Railway in the heart of the Cairngorms and enjoy a nostalgic journey through beautiful Highland scenery aboard our heritage trains.

Departing from Aviemore station, Strathspey Railway offers traditional heritage carriage travel, panoramic Observation Carriage views and elegant Afternoon “Steam” Tea experiences, upgrades with Prosecco available!

Fans of wizarding adventures may also recognise Aviemore station from Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. In the playscript, Albus Potter and Scorpius Malfoy flee Hogwarts on foot and arrive at Aviemore station by morning, meaning Hogwarts must be hidden somewhere nearby in the Highlands…

Find out more and book tickets at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability

12/05/2026

27/04/2026

If you’ve watched BBC’s The Traitors, you’ll have seen our railway play its part...

Our heritage railway has been used as a filming location for every series of BBC’s The Traitors. Contestants have travelled in the same carriages our visitors ride in today, and some of the most dramatic moments were filmed right here on our railway.

In series 1-4 contestants boarded our steam train at Boat of Garten station, in series 3 some were banished in our yard beside Boat of Garten station. In The Celebrity Traitors Finale, the celebrities boarded at Broomhill, our train provided the dramatic setting for the explosive onboard celebrity challenge!

Visiting the railway is a bit like stepping into the show itself. You are travelling in the same carriages the contestants did, through the same Highland scenery. This photo shows Claudia stood on the platform at our Broomhill Station, next to our train!

This spring, you can experience the journey for yourself 🌼🚂

Join us for a scenic steam* train ride through the Cairngorms, perfect for a relaxed day out with family or friends.

📅 Running daily (except Fridays) throughout the rest of April and May
🎟️ Tickets available now:
www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability.

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08/04/2026

Got a teenager who thinks everything is boring? 😅🚂

We see you. The eye rolls. The “do we have to?” before you’ve even left the house.

So… what’s actually in it for them?

Something different (and actually quite cool) 🚂
This isn’t a theme park ride or a screen, it’s a real heritage train you can hear, feel and watch as it winds through the Highlands.

Up close with a real steam* engine 🔥
Take a peek into the footplate, see the fire, the coal, and the drivers at work. Proper behind the scenes stuff… and yes, that’s pretty cool.

A bit of “oh… this is actually alright” 🎬
Our railway featured in The Traitors, so there’s always that moment of recognition along the journey. Look out for our Traitors photo opportunities at our stations

Low effort, high reward 😌
No long walks, no pressure, just sit down, snack from the trolley, and watch the world go by.

Unexpectedly good views 🌄
Even the most unimpressed passenger usually looks up at some point.

For younger ones (and secretly competitive adults…) 🔍
Our activity books include an eye spy challenge along the line, plus dot to dots, mazes and colouring to keep minds busy.

And yes… a gift shop at every station 🎁
Because sometimes a small souvenir is all it takes to turn the day around.

Better value for families 💛
We offer family discount tickets on standard travel and Afternoon ‘Steam’ Tea, making it easier to enjoy the experience together.

But the real bit?
It’s 1 hour 40 minutes together, no distractions, no rushing, just time as a family.

And those are the days they remember later… even if they won’t admit it now.

Book your journey: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Steam hauled services subject to operational availability

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25/03/2026

The wait is nearly over!

Our 2026 season begins on 27 March, when our heritage trains return to the line between Aviemore and Broomhill.

After a long winter, we’re looking forward to welcoming passengers back on board to enjoy the scenery of the Spey Valley, whatever the Highland weather decides to do.

Will it still feel like winter, or will spring begin to show itself along the line?

If you’re planning a visit this week, tickets are available to book now:
www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

The image shown is a sneak preview of one of several new, heritage style artworks we have had created especially for the railway, which will feature on a new range of merchandise. Currently in production but keep an eye out for it in our gift shop on your next visit!

07/02/2026

February half term starts this Saturday and our Steam* Train Experiences return to the line 🚂

The perfect way to make special family memories together, with beautiful Highland scenery, heritage carriages and plenty of space to relax and enjoy the journey.

✨ 3 departures per day
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Discounted family tickets
☕ Afternoon Steam Tea available

Running 7th to 22nd February.
🎟️ Book now: www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

*Please be aware: we always aim to operate a steam-hauled service. However, on occasion, due to operational requirements, it may be necessary to substitute a heritage diesel locomotive in order to deliver the scheduled service.

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22/12/2025

Step into your own cosy compartment and enjoy Christmas the magical way 🎄🚂

Our Elf Express Festive Steam Tea is a wonderful way to spend quality time together this Christmas. Settle into a beautifully decorated heritage carriage, watch the winter Highlands roll by, and enjoy a festive steam train journey filled with cheer.

While children enjoy their festive activity books, our cheeky elves will pop by with songs, laughter, and plenty of mischief along the way. Then comes a very special moment as Santa himself visits your table, chatting with your little ones and gifting every child aged 3 and over a special souvenir toy.

Upgrade to First Class and enjoy your own private compartment, where you can indulge in a Festive Steam Tea featuring seasonal sandwiches, delicious cakes, hot chocolate, and a cheeky prosecco for the grown ups. It is cosy, festive, and full of Christmas magic.

🎟️ Book your Elf Express Festive Steam Tea at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

30/11/2025

The Elf Express – A Steam* Train experience with a festive twist! Book now at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk

Looking for a fun festive outing with your family this Christmas? Hop aboard the Elf Express! This isn’t just any train ride; it’s a steam train experience packed with festive cheer. You would be travelling in the same carriages featured in the BBC series The Traitors' (We call it the Elf Express - Claudia Winkleman called it the Traitors' Express!).

Imagine spending quality time with your loved ones on a decorated heritage train. While the kids enjoy their festive-themed activity books, you can sit back and enjoy the stunning winter scenery of the Highlands.

Keep an eye out for our cheeky, entertaining elves! They’ll be wandering through the carriages, bringing laughter with their silly antics and singalong tunes. You won’t want to miss it!

And guess what? Santa himself will make a wee stop at your table! He’ll spend up to a few minutes at each table, handing out a souvenir toy to every child (aged 3+), chatting with your little ones or posing for a photo.

Want to make your experience even more special? Consider upgrading to First-Class! You’ll have your own private compartment, just for your family, where you can enjoy a delightful Festive ‘Steam’ Tea. This includes seasonal sandwiches, delicious cakes, hot chocolate, and even a cheeky prosecco for the adults!

Or, if you prefer the Highland views, our Observation carriage is the place to be. With comfy armchairs and panoramic windows, you’ll have the best seat in the train to take in the winter wonderland. Adults are treated to a wee dram, there will also be hot chocolate and mince pies available.

If you book multiple tables, you will be allocated the same carriage for all the tables. If you book separately to friends or family and would like to be allocated the same carriage, please get in touch and let us know.

Little ones under 3 can sit on your lap for free - no ticket needed! Activity books can be given to under 3’s but unfortunately, the Santa gift is not available, due to the age rating on the toy, you are welcome to bring your own age-appropriate gift for the little ones.

Fancy a snack or a drink? We’ll have a trolley service on board with extra treats for sale or feel free to bring your own food. You can also purchase a drink from our on-board bar.

Just a heads up: our heritage carriages, with its single glazed windows, can get a bit chilly in the Highland winter, so make sure to wrap up warm. Bringing a blanket might just make your ride extra cosy.

So, are you ready for a festive Steam* Train experience? The Elf Express awaits, and it’s going to be a Christmas journey where memories are made! Book your tickets now and get ready for some Festive excitement!

Elf Express Xmas Trains

• Sat 6th /Sun 7th Dec

• Fri 12th /Sat 13th /14th Dec

• Fri 19th /Sat 20th/Sun 21st

• Mon 22nd /Tues 23rd

• Wed 24th Dec -Christmas Eve Special

*Please be aware: We always aim to deliver a steam hauled service however, on occasion, due to operational issues, it may be necessary to substitute for a heritage diesel engine, to ensure we can deliver the scheduled service.

25/11/2025

Two weeks to go until the first Elf Express departs. Our team is preparing for journeys filled with festive spirit for families of all ages.
Have you travelled on any of our Festive services before? Share your favourite memories and images below.
The first Elf Express train departs from Aviemore on Saturday 7th December.
Tickets and timetables at www.strathspeyrailway.co.uk