The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways have announced a partnership with Cadw, the Welsh heritage organisation, to help visitors save money on days out exploring the heritage and landscapes of North Wales.

The partnership with Cadw entitles travellers on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway to a discount on admission tickets to three of North Wales’ most iconic castles – Caernarfon, Criccieth and Harlech.

At the same time, visitors who visit any of the castles before travelling on the railway can also benefit from a discounted train ticket.

The partnership was developed to encourage visitors to make more of their time in the area, and instead of just visiting a single attraction, experience more of the region’s landscapes, communities, railways, castles and industrial heritage.

The initiative is also designed to promote the area’s outstanding heritage, and has the support of the local authority connected with the World Heritage Site that is the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales.

To take advantage of the offer, travellers on the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway should retain their train ticket and present it at the ticket office when visiting Caernarfon, Criccieth, or Harlech Castle.

Provided the castle visit is within seven days of travelling on the railway, visitors will receive a 20% discount on the admission price to the castle.

Conversely, anyone travelling on the railway after they have visited one of the castles should present it at the station booking office when purchasing a Standard ticket for the Snowdonia Star or Gelert Explorer from Caernarfon Station to receive a 10% discount on the train ticket price.

Train travel must be within seven days of a visit to one of the three castles.

In July, the Ffestiniog & Welsh Highland Railways allowed residents to travel at a discount, and also extended involvement with local companies by awarding £3 million in contracts to local contractors for its Interpretation and Boston Lodge Project.