The Cornish Belle climbing up to Bodmin
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Bodmin and Wenford Railway

4.7
·285 reviews·, United Kingdom

Step back in time on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, a heritage steam line offering nostalgic journeys through Cornwall's scenic countryside.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekends

Trains run regularly

CrowdMedium
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The Cornish Belle climbing up to Bodmin

Bodmin and Wenford Railway

Best Time

Weekends

Trains run regularly

CrowdMedium
Highlights

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.

4.7
(285 reviews)

"This was by far the best hidden Gem we found in Cornwall!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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!

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.7 · 285 reviews

👶 Good for kids♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Steam Train Journey

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

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

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

Locomotive Spotting

Stations and depots

Marvel at a collection of historic steam and diesel locomotives, including the famous Bagnall Tank 'Judy'.

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Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

Secure your spot on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway, especially for popular events like Santa trains or dining experiences. Booking ahead ensures you don't miss out and can often save money. Check the official timetable for train times and routes.

Allow Ample Time

A trip on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway is more than just a ride; it's an immersive experience. Plan for at least 2-3 hours to fully enjoy the journey, explore the stations, and perhaps grab a bite. Consider the 'All-Line' ticket for a comprehensive exploration.

Best Times

When
Weekends
Why
Trains run regularly
Crowd
Medium
When
Christmas season
Why
Magical Santa trains
Crowd
High
When
Off-peak weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, relaxed pace
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

drilling holes for the track circuit wires #bodminrailway #pway #permanentway #railway #rail #drill #track #maintenance #trackcircuit #handdrill
@orphan88
14.9K likes • 2.5M views

🎯 Book Dining in Advance

Dining trains are popular! Book your spot for afternoon tea or evening meals well ahead to avoid disappointment. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around stations and potentially exploring the surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

#bodminrailway #britishrailways #railway #cornwall #maintance #heritage #rail #track
@orphan88
3.2K likes • 71K views
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas… Christmas has arrived at Bodmin and Wenford Railway✨We re-open this weekend for our first Santa by Steam 2022 trips, let us know if you’re joining and don’t forget to share your pictures and tag us so we can see too❤️ See you all very soon 🚂 #christmas #railway #heritagerailway #cornwall #christmasrailway
bodmingeneral
218 likes • 2.9K views

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Bring your camera! The vintage trains and stations offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

👍 Chat with Volunteers

The volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions – they love sharing their passion! Reddit

A fun ride on the historical bodmin heritage railway. From bodmin general to bodmin parkway with the sister and some cream tea 🚂 We definitely had a loco motive 🤪😅 #bodminandwenfordrailway #steamtrain #sistersunited
hypnotela
2 likes • 96 views

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. Reddit

👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be walking around stations and potentially exploring the surrounding areas. Comfortable footwear is a must! Reddit

📸 Capture the Nostalgia

Bring your camera! The vintage trains and stations offer fantastic photo opportunities. TikTokInstagram

👍 Chat with Volunteers

The volunteers are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. Ask them questions – they love sharing their passion! Reddit

⏰ Check the Timetable

Timetables vary, especially for special events. Always check the official Bodmin and Wenford Railway timetable before your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(285 reviews)

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

Authentic steam train experience
Friendly and knowledgeable volunteers
Excellent dining options

What People Dislike

Can be expensive

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. Reddit

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. TikTok

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

🎫 🎫 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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🚂 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. Reddit

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. TikTok+1

Yes, the railway hosts various special events throughout the year, including popular 'Santa by Steam' Christmas trips and themed dining experiences. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🍽️ 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. Reddit

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. InstagramReddit

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. Reddit

Yes, refreshments are available at the stations, including good coffee and snacks, perfect for a break between train journeys. Reddit

Yes, the Bodmin and Wenford Railway sometimes offers breakfast runs as part of their special experiences. Check their schedule for availability. Reddit

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram

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. Instagram

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. TikTokInstagram

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. TikTokInstagram

Yes, special events like the 'Santa by Steam' offer unique photographic opportunities with festive decorations and Santa himself. The atmosphere is very photogenic. Instagram+1

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