
Tamar Valley Line
A charming volunteer-run heritage railway offering scenic rides and memorable experiences, perfect for families and railway enthusiasts.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Volunteer availability

Tamar Valley Line
Best Time
Volunteer availability

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming volunteer-run heritage railway offering scenic rides and memorable experiences, perfect for families and railway enthusiasts.
"The care and attention to detail everyone put in for my 4 year old was honestly amazing.
"
Check Operating Days
Run by volunteers, so always check their schedule before visiting! :calendar:
Birthday Party Gem
Highly recommended for kids' parties - affordable with 5-star service! :birthday:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Calstock Viaduct Crossing
River Tamar
Marvel at the impressive viaduct as the train glides over the River Tamar, offering stunning valley vistas.

Gunnislake to Calstock Walk
Gunnislake Station
Enjoy a peaceful 3-mile walk through woodlands, exploring heritage sites and river views.
Birthday Party Experience
Onboard the train
A uniquely memorable and reasonably priced option for children's birthday parties, with dedicated volunteer attention.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Scenic Journey
Volunteer-Run Charm
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check Operating Days
Run by volunteers, so always check their schedule before visiting! :calendar:
Birthday Party Gem
Highly recommended for kids' parties - affordable with 5-star service! :birthday:
Scenic Riverside Walk
Combine your train ride with a lovely walk along the River Plym. :walking:
Support a Charity
This is a charity restoring heritage trains. Your visit helps preserve history! :heart:
Tips
from all over the internet
Check Operating Days
Run by volunteers, so always check their schedule before visiting! :calendar:
Birthday Party Gem
Highly recommended for kids' parties - affordable with 5-star service! :birthday:
Scenic Riverside Walk
Combine your train ride with a lovely walk along the River Plym. :walking:
Support a Charity
This is a charity restoring heritage trains. Your visit helps preserve history! :heart:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Tamar Valley Line for its charm, the dedication of its volunteer staff, and the overall positive experience, especially for children's birthday parties. The scenic route and the opportunity to support a heritage railway charity are major draws. Some minor points of feedback might relate to the short duration of the ride, but this is often seen as part of its appeal for a relaxed outing.
"Such a brilliant railway, so much love and attention to detail put in. We’ve just had a birthday party on the train, it was so reasonably priced and the hard working volunteers couldn’t do enough for us. They really put everything into making our day special and we all had the best time. Thanks so much to all the team for such a fun day! Well worth doing this for a kids birthday party, you won’t regret it. We’ll be back again if you’ll have us :)"
Natalie Morrison
"I can’t recommend Plym Valley Railway enough. For a day trip but specifically for a birthday party. The care and attention to detail everyone put in for my 4 year old was honestly amazing. So reasonably priced but a five star experience. Thank you everyone and Alfie for the great communication ⭐️🌟⭐️🌟⭐️"
Rianna Crook
"Great fun on the steam train, only a short distance but at the other end they a ice cream van and a nice flat walk along the river if you disabled. Steve who is a director was so friendly and helpful. A great afternoon out. Would do again."
jennifer hargrave
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Tamar Valley Line is accessible via train services. Gunnislake is a key station on the line. For those driving, parking availability may vary, so it's advisable to check local information. Some visitors suggest it's a good starting point for walks in the Plym Valley.
Yes, the Tamar Valley Line is a railway line itself, meaning it's inherently accessible by public transport. You can travel to Gunnislake station via train services.
While you can drive to the vicinity of stations like Gunnislake, the primary experience is the train journey. Parking might be limited, so consider public transport if possible.
Absolutely! Plymbridge Woods is a popular spot, accessible from the Plym Valley Railway. You can walk along the path and cross the River Plym.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally considered reasonably priced, especially for the experience offered. It's a charity, so your fare contributes to restoration efforts. Specific pricing should be confirmed directly with the railway.
It's always a good idea to check their operating schedule and booking requirements, especially for special events like the Christmas steam train. Since it's volunteer-run, confirming availability is key.
The railway is operated by volunteers, so hours can vary. It's crucial to check their official website or contact them directly for the most up-to-date operating days and times before planning your visit.
Reviews suggest there's a nice flat walk along the river at the other end of the short steam train ride, which is helpful for disabled visitors. Accessibility on the train itself should be confirmed with the railway.
🎫 🚂 Onsite Experience
It's a short, charming steam train ride with a focus on heritage and volunteer passion. Expect friendly staff, a scenic route, and a well-loved, restored railway.
Yes, it's a fantastic experience for children, especially for birthday parties. The volunteers put in a lot of effort to make it special.
At the other end, you can enjoy a pleasant walk along the river. There's also often an ice cream van available, making it a sweet treat after your journey.
The railway offers 'drive a train' experiences, which are highly recommended. The volunteer staff are incredibly friendly and helpful during these sessions.
The train ride itself is described as not too long and not too short, offering a satisfying experience without taking up the entire day.
📸 📸 Photography
The crossing of the Calstock Viaduct over the River Tamar is a highlight for photographers.
The scenic woodlands and river views along the walk from Gunnislake to Calstock also offer great shots.Yes, you can capture beautiful views from the train window as it travels along the scenic route.
The volunteer-run nature of the railway means there's a lot of attention to detail. Capturing the restored steam and diesel locomotives can be very rewarding.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
❤️ Heritage Enthusiasts
🚶♀️ Walkers and Nature Lovers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Volunteer Spirit
This hands-on approach extends to special experiences like the 'drive a train' sessions, which are highly recommended and offer an unforgettable opportunity to get up close with the engines. The volunteers' passion is infectious, and their efforts are crucial for the railway's survival and continued operation. Supporting this charity means contributing to the preservation of a beloved local attraction.
Scenic Beauty and Walks
Beyond the train, the line connects to beautiful walking routes. A popular option is the 3-mile walk from Gunnislake to Calstock, which meanders through lush woodlands and offers glimpses of archaeological heritage. This walk is perfect for nature lovers and those who enjoy combining a scenic train journey with outdoor exploration. For those seeking even more woodland adventures, Plymbridge Woods is also recommended, with paths along the River Plym accessible from the Plym Valley Railway.
Family Fun and Celebrations
The short, engaging train ride, combined with the opportunity for a pleasant walk and perhaps an ice cream at the end, makes for a perfect, manageable day out for younger children. The friendly atmosphere and the magic of a steam train ride are sure to delight kids of all ages, making it a highly recommended choice for a unique and memorable celebration.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit