A FAMOUS train loved by Harry Potter fans has cancelled its services, leaving tourists disappointed.
Earlier this year, people living near the Glenfinnan Viaduct said they were overwhelmed by a recent boost in visitor numbers, with people flocking to see the ‘Hogwarts Express’ chugging along the track.
3
An estimated 500,000 tourists swamp to the West Highland village each year, with the train one of the main reasons.
However, those numbers are likely to dwindle again soon with the star attraction suspended for the time being.
West Coast Railways, who operate The Jacobite steam train along the same 41 mile route featured in the Harry Potter films, have announced that no services will be running until at least July 31.
However, there is no guarantee that the train will be back on track by that date.
This is due to an issue with the old train’s door locks, which put passengers at risk of “falling out” as well as another problem concerned with people leaning out of windows.
A safety report, published by the Office of Rail and Road (ORR) states: “Persons may fall from the doors of a train.
“Any person leaning out of an open window of a moving train may be struck as the train passes infrastructure (including vegetation, rock cuttings and earthworks) close to the train.”
West Coast Railways have had to suspend services until the review is completed as a result.
In a statement on their website, they said: “Due to operational reasons, we are unable to run our Jacobite service before 31st July 2023 as planned.
“As of now, passenger journeys on the Jacobite have been suspended while West Coast Railways review the concerns raised by the ORR to reach a satisfactory and swift solution to the issues raised.
“[We] are looking to bring the Jacobite Steam Train back into service as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately, we are unable to offer any alternative dates to transfer your trip to, therefore our reservations team will process a full refund within the next 10 working days.
“Please accept our sincere apologies for these cancellations.”
However, for some apologies weren’t enough, as they were unfortunately left disappointed.
Chelsea Davis shared a screenshot of her cancellation email on Twitter, and wrote: “Noooo! I waited all year for this & just arrive in Scotland & get this. No other availability this year either.”
Another tourist Gina Soanes, who had travelled from Oxfordshire to ride the train for her son’s 18th birthday, had a similar experience.
She tweeted: “Thanks for ruining my son’s 18th Birthday.
“Arrived in Scotland today from Oxfordshire with the sole purpose of travelling on the Jacobite steam train to find our tickets cancelled due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’. Not good enough!”
The viaduct is the second best Harry Potter tourist location, according to a survey, with the Warner Bros. Studios in Hertfordshire taking top spot.
The studios offer tours and behind-the-scenes visits for Potter fans.
All eight of the films were shot at the studios at some point, including the interior of the Great Hall.
Meanwhile, this stunning UK seaside town is near Hogwarts, with dolphins often seen swimming from the beach.
And this “paradise” UK beach was also a filming locations for some of the Harry Potter films.
3