Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Bodmin General Station, Bodmin, Cornwall
Bodmin General Station, Harleigh Road, Bodmin, Cornwall, PL31 1AQ | 01208 73555
Cornwall's only standard-gauge steam heritage railway
Bodmin & Wenford Railway is the only standard-gauge line in Cornwall still operated by steam locomotives, running just over six miles from Bodmin General through wooded, hilly countryside to Boscarne Junction, with a connecting service onward to Bodmin Parkway on the mainline. The original Great Western Railway branch opened in 1887-1888 and carried passengers until 1967 and freight until 1983 - a preservation society formed in 1984, and Bodmin & Wenford Railway plc issued shares the following year to fund restoration. Heritage steam services began in June 1990, with the full line to Boscarne Junction reopening in 1996.
The journey climbs around 300 feet on gradients as steep as 1 in 37 and crosses the River Fowey on a 79-yard viaduct, calling at Colesloggett Halt along the way. Trains are typically hauled by Great Western Railway steam locomotives or period British Rail diesels, with British Rail Mark 1 coaches and some historic GWR stock, giving a genuinely authentic branch-line feel rather than a purely tourist experience. The railway also runs a full events calendar, including murder mystery trains, cream tea trains, diesel galas, and driving experience courses on both steam and diesel locomotives for visitors who want to get properly hands-on.
The line runs alongside part of the Camel Trail cycling and walking route on its former freight section toward Wadebridge, making it easy to combine a train ride with a walk or cycle in the same visit.
Opening Times & Ticket Prices
Open every day except Fridays (closed for essential maintenance); steam trains typically run five times a day Sunday to Thursday, with Bubble Car or Diesel Day operations on summer Saturdays.
Single journey - Adult / Child (3-16) / Concession £9.00 / £6.00 / £8.00
One-hour return (one branch) - Adult / Child / Concession £16.50 / £9.50 / £15.50
Two-hour circular route (both branches) - Adult / Child / Concession £24.00 / £13.00 / £23.00
Child under 3 Free
Dogs £3.50 (all journey types)
Carer tickets are available with the required ID documentation. Tickets can be booked online up to 24 hours before travel, or bought at the Booking Office on the day, subject to availability.
Did you know?
Part of the Bodmin & Wenford's former freight route toward Wadebridge is now shared with the Camel Trail - so today's cyclists and walkers cover ground once used to carry china clay by rail.
Visitor Information
Parking
A car park is available at Bodmin General station; Bodmin Parkway also has mainline station parking for visitors joining there.
Facilities
A booking office, shop and refreshments are available at Bodmin General, with catering trains and events running through the year.
Disabled Access
The railway publishes dedicated access and facilities information - check it before visiting or contact the railway directly to discuss individual needs.
Things to Do Nearby
- Bodmin Jail - a former Georgian prison turned immersive visitor attraction in the town centre.
- Lanhydrock House - a grand Victorian country house and estate.
- The Camel Trail - a traffic-free cycling and walking route sharing part of the old railway corridor.
- Pencarrow House & Gardens - a historic house and 50 acres of formal and woodland gardens.
- Bodmin Moor - open moorland with walking routes and Bronze Age remains.
Nearby Places to Stay
Frequently Asked Questions
Official Website
For current timetables, fares and special events, visit the official Bodmin & Wenford Railway website directly, or view a live copy below.
Visit bodminrailway.co.ukPage last updated: 21 August 2026