Mainline steam and diesel specials
Nothing quite beats the whoosh of a steam train through the station. We’ll be seeing steam in Cornwall, starting next month on the 18th and 19th April when the Railway Touring Company will be running their Great Britain XIII to Penzance and back.
I’ve not yet got detailed times, but can tell you that we have availability in Millpool for that weekend, and also in our carriage Harvey of Hayle from Saturday. (Hayle is an easy hop to Penzance station where the steam train will terminate its journey, so if you want to take a closer look, this will be a good option.)
On Sunday the 31st May The Royal Duchy will be steaming through. We have availability in Mevy and Millpool that weekend.
It will be full steam ahead again on Sunday 26th July. We are almost full that weekend, but Millpool is available and can be booked as a short break on request; call me, Lizzy, on 07776 261192 if you are interested.
On Sunday 30th of August there will be another visit by the Royal Duchy. This coincides with the popular music festival Tunes in the Park that is happening at Port Eliot that bank holiday weekend.
Later in the season we can look forward to another steam train, this time a Cornish Riviera Tour, courtesy of the Steam Dreams Rail Company. On Tuesday 22nd September it will be heading down to Cornwall, stopping at Truro and Penzance, before returning on Friday 25th. We still have availability in all carriages except Millpool for that week.
The Royal Duchy makes its final visit on Sunday 27th September, so the last week in September will be a great time to visit if you love steam trains.
In addition to the steam, we’ve also got diesel specials to look forward to. The Railway Touring Company are running The Atlantic Voyager on Saturday 2nd May, The Mazey Day Cornishman on Saturday 27th June, and The Cornish Branchliner on Saturday 27th September.
A big thank you to our guest Graham Andrews for sending information about this year’s steam trains.
Finally a disclaimer. We are sending this information in good faith, but appreciate that the running of steam engines is not always straightforward, so it is possible steam may sometimes be replaced with diesel at the last minute.
Want to stay for a short break or week while the steam trains are scheduled? Follow this link check the availability of our carriages.
Other steam train links
There are some great heritage railways in Cornwall and Devon. Here are a few links to some favourites, so if you’re not blessed with mainline steam during your visit, you can get a fix of preservation steam, and support the many volunteers that help to preserve our railway history for future generations.
Full sized railways
Bodmin Railway
“Discover the excitement and nostalgia of steam travel with a journey back in time on Bodmin Railway, Cornwall’s only full-size railway still operated by steam locomotives.”
Helston Railway
“The original Helston Railway Preservation Society was formed at a meeting held in the Chy-an-Albany Hotel, St Ives, on the 18th May 2002. Its objective was to restore to running order and re-open as a heritage railway, as much of the old Helston Branch Line as possible.”
Plym Valley Railway
“The Plym Valley Railway was founded in 1980 with an aim of restoring part of the ex-Great Western branch line from Plymouth to Tavistock that was closed in 1962.”
South Devon Railway
“The South Devon Railway recreates the golden days of travel between the 1930s and 1960s as it takes you on a trip back in time on a traditional Great Western Railway branch line running from Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside.”
Dartmouth Steam Railway
“Based on the glorious South Devon coastline in South West England, enjoy your days out in Devon on our steam trains, boat trips and paddle steamer.”
Narrow Gauge Railways
Lappa Valley Railway
Lappa Valley transports families on an exciting nostalgic train ride from the car park, into a secret world of traditional fun and family adventures. This wonderful miniature railway really does have it all; play parks, cafe, indoor play, pedal boats, mini golf. The owners take a lot of care to make sure Lappa offers a great day out for all the family, the staff are friendly and always happy to help. Adding to Lappa’s uniqueness is that the site is built around East Wheal Engine House and chimney, a mine that once employed 1200 people. The railway runs along a one of the oldest mineral railway trackbeds in Cornwall.
Launceston Steam Railway
“Our enchanting 2½ mile narrow gauge railway offers train rides through the unspoilt countryside of the Kensey Valley in Cornwall. All trains are hauled by lovingly restored Victorian steam locomotives. The station and surrounding buildings are largely untouched as a historical site for visitors to experience an authentic 1900’s railway.”
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
“Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline. Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world’s most famous and picturesque narrow-gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.”
Have we missed something? Do let us know by emailing Lizzy at office@railholiday.co.uk
