Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Step back in time on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, a heritage steam line offering nostalgic journeys through Cornwall's scenic countryside.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Trains run regularly
Bodmin and Wenford Railway
Best Time
Trains run regularly
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, a heritage steam line offering nostalgic journeys through Cornwall's scenic countryside.
"This was by far the best hidden Gem we found in Cornwall!"
🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Dining trains are popular! Book your spot for afternoon tea or evening meals well ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around stations and potentially exploring the surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is a must!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Steam Train Journey
Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway
Experience the nostalgic charm of a steam train ride through the Cornish countryside. Hear the whistle, feel the rumble, and smell the coal smoke.
Vintage Carriages
Various carriages
Step back in time in beautifully restored vintage carriages, some offering private compartments for a unique, almost magical feel.
Dining Experiences
Onboard dining trains
Indulge in a first-class culinary journey with themed dining trains, from afternoon tea to evening meals, all served in elegant, traditional settings.
Locomotive Spotting
Stations and depots
Marvel at a collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives, including the famous Bagnall Tank 'Judy'.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allow Ample Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Dining trains are popular! Book your spot for afternoon tea or evening meals well ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around stations and potentially exploring the surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Bring your camera! The vintage trains and stations offer fantastic photo opportunities.
👍 Chat with Volunteers
The volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions – they love sharing their passion!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Dining in Advance
Dining trains are popular! Book your spot for afternoon tea or evening meals well ahead to avoid disappointment.
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking around stations and potentially exploring the surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is a must!
📸 Capture the Nostalgia
Bring your camera! The vintage trains and stations offer fantastic photo opportunities.
👍 Chat with Volunteers
The volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions – they love sharing their passion!
⏰ Check the Timetable
Timetables vary, especially for special events. Always check the official Bodmin and Wenford Railway timetable before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Bodmin and Wenford Railway for its authentic heritage experience, friendly volunteers, and high-quality dining options. The nostalgic atmosphere and well-maintained steam trains create a memorable trip for all ages. Some find it a bit pricey for the duration, but the overall experience is highly recommended as a 'hidden gem'.
"We had a brilliant time at Bodmin Railway! A lovely little trip on the steam train, made even better by booking a private compartment, felt like something straight out of Harry Potter. The vintage carriages, the sounds and smells of the engine, and the relaxed pace all made for a really nostalgic and enjoyable experience. Great for kids and adults alike. Would definitely recommend if you’re in the area."
Simon Slade
"Stopped here as a let’s see what it is late afternoon. Wished we went earlier as this was great place to visit. The volunteers were amazing very friendly and talkative. This was by far the best hidden Gem we found in Cornwall"
nindy2k
"We have just returned from one of the “Evening Dining Trains”, what an amazing experience it was!
The actual train/railway staff are super friendly and knowledgeable.
The dining experience was nothing short of 1st class. Hannah and her catering team did a bang up job! We honestly weren’t expecting much from the food, but were blown away by the high quality.
Firstly the tables are laid with white linen, the glasses and cutlery polished to an inch of thier lives and all classically/traditionally laid out.
All the courses and all the dishes were delicious, extremely well presented with attention to detail and the service staff were amazing.
My seafood linguini was possibly the best I’ve ever had !! Served piping hot (always important), the various seafood cooked perfectly and the citrus sauce was expertly balanced in flavour and acidity.
And that’s from a fellow chef, who’s cooked all around the world and cooked for British Royalty and American Presidents (and yes I’m including any pasta meals I’ve ever cooked myself!)
Well done everyone. We are looking forward to joining you for another excellent trip and meal next month and probably one of the Murder Mystery trips too!
👍😁👍"
Jos Wellman
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Bodmin Parkway Station is the main arrival point for many visitors, and it's a short distance from Bodmin General Station. You can take local buses or taxis from Bodmin Parkway to reach Bodmin General. Some Reddit users suggest checking local bus routes like the #11 for scenic countryside travel if not hiring a taxi.
Yes, there is parking available at Bodmin General Station. It's advisable to check the railway's website for the most current parking information and any associated fees.
Absolutely! Bodmin Parkway is a key station, and you can travel from there to Bodmin General. The railway operates services connecting these points, offering a seamless transition for visitors arriving by train.
Bodmin General Station is the primary operational hub. If arriving by car, follow local signage. If arriving by train at Bodmin Parkway, a short taxi ride or local bus service will get you to Bodmin General.
Yes, the railway connects to various points in Cornwall. Some visitors combine their railway trip with visits to nearby attractions like Healeys Cyder Farm or Wheal Martyn Museum.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tickets can be purchased in advance online through the official Bodmin and Wenford Railway website, which is highly recommended, especially for special events. You can also purchase tickets at the station on the day of your visit, subject to availability.
Opening hours and operating days vary throughout the year and are dependent on the timetable. It's essential to check the official Bodmin and Wenford Railway timetable for the specific dates and times you plan to visit.
Yes, there are various ticket options, including single journeys, return tickets, and 'All-Line' tickets for a more comprehensive experience. Family tickets are also available and can be more cost-effective.
While specific discount vouchers aren't always advertised, booking family tickets in advance can offer savings. Keep an eye on their website for any special offers or promotions.
Yes, booking a private compartment is possible and highly recommended for a unique experience, often described as feeling like something out of Harry Potter. This option should be booked in advance.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
A standard trip, like the 'All-Line' ticket, typically takes around 2 hours, including the time between trains. This is perfect for families with young children.
You'll experience a journey on a heritage steam or diesel train, travel through scenic Cornish landscapes, and visit historic stations. You can also see various locomotives up close. +1
Yes, the railway hosts various special events throughout the year, including popular 'Santa by Steam' Christmas trips and themed dining experiences.
Accessibility can vary depending on the specific train and station facilities. It's best to contact the Bodmin and Wenford Railway directly to discuss your specific needs and inquire about accessibility arrangements.
While not a standard offering, some special experiences might allow for footplate rides or driving opportunities. These are usually premium experiences and need to be booked far in advance. 
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The railway offers several dining experiences, including 'Evening Dining Trains' with multi-course meals, and 'Cream Tea' or 'Afternoon Tea' services. The food quality is often praised as first-class.
Yes, a 'Cream Tea' experience is available on select services. It's a delightful way to enjoy traditional Cornish cream tea while traveling on a heritage train.
Reviews consistently praise the high quality of food on the dining trains, with dishes described as delicious, well-presented, and expertly prepared. Even discerning palates have been impressed.
Yes, refreshments are available at the stations, including good coffee and snacks, perfect for a break between train journeys.
Yes, the Bodmin and Wenford Railway sometimes offers breakfast runs as part of their special experiences. Check their schedule for availability.
📸 📸 Photography
The stations themselves, with their vintage architecture and steam locomotives, are prime photography locations. The scenic countryside along the route also offers beautiful backdrops.
Absolutely! The interiors of the vintage carriages are incredibly photogenic, especially the private compartments. Capturing the details of the upholstery and woodwork is a must.
Yes, when the trains are at the stations or in the depots, you can often get close to the locomotives for detailed shots. Be mindful of safety and operational areas.
Popular shots include steam plumes against the Cornish landscape, close-ups of locomotive details, vintage carriage interiors, and happy families enjoying the experience. Hashtags like #bodminrailway and #steamtrain are common.
Yes, special events like the 'Santa by Steam' offer unique photographic opportunities with festive decorations and Santa himself. The atmosphere is very photogenic.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Look out for special events like the 'Santa by Steam' Christmas trips, which are incredibly popular and create lasting magical memories.
+1 The vintage carriages, especially private compartments, add an extra layer of enchantment. Don't forget to check the timetable for family-friendly departure times and enjoy the refreshments available at the stations. 💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
Alternatively, a leisurely afternoon tea or cream tea on the train provides a charming and relaxed way to spend quality time together, enjoying scenic views and delicious treats.
🚂 Railway Enthusiasts
Opportunities for footplate rides or even driving experiences (though rare and requiring advance booking) offer an unparalleled immersion into the world of heritage railways.
+1 The railway's ongoing maintenance and restoration efforts are a testament to its commitment to preserving these iconic pieces of engineering. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Locomotives of Bodmin and Wenford Railway
+1Visitors can often see these magnificent machines up close at the stations or in the engine sheds. The railway also operates diesel locomotives, such as the Class 08 shunter, which are used for shunting duties and sometimes for specific heritage services.
The ongoing maintenance and restoration of these locomotives are a testament to the dedication of the railway's volunteers and staff, ensuring these pieces of history continue to run. For enthusiasts, the chance to see these engines in action, hear their whistles, and even experience a footplate ride (on special occasions) is a major draw. The railway often highlights specific locomotives and their stories, adding an educational layer to the visual spectacle.
Experiencing the Bodmin and Wenford Railway with Family
Beyond the ride, the railway often hosts special events that are particularly geared towards families. The 'Santa by Steam' Christmas event is a perennial favorite, transforming the railway into a winter wonderland with Father Christmas making special appearances.
+1 These events are well-organized and create magical memories for children. The vintage carriages, some with private compartments, add an extra layer of wonder, making the journey feel like a special adventure. Practical considerations for families include checking the timetable for suitable departure times and ensuring comfortable footwear for exploring the stations. The availability of refreshments at the stations also makes it easy to manage snacks and drinks for younger travelers.
Culinary Delights on the Rails
Reviews consistently highlight the exceptional quality of the food, with dishes often described as sublime and expertly prepared. The catering team receives high praise for their attention to detail, presentation, and the deliciousness of their offerings, with some meals even rivaling those served in top restaurants.
In addition to evening dining, the railway also offers delightful afternoon tea and cream tea services, providing a more relaxed yet equally charming way to dine onboard. These are perfect for a leisurely afternoon outing. The railway also sometimes hosts breakfast runs and other themed dining events, ensuring there's a culinary journey to suit every taste and occasion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit