My day out: Bodmin and Wenford Railway

We visited Bodmin and Wenford Steam Railway in Bodmin. Everything here is undercover, and is an all year round attraction for all ages – so was an ideal day out for a grey day in February.

With the ‘Freedom of the Line’ ticket you pay once and can travel all day. The first train of the day took us to Boscarne Junction, where you can enjoy a walk along the Camel Trail, visit Camel Valley Vineyard or eat at The Borough Arms. 

Returning to Bodmin General Station, we took the next train to Bodmin Parkway where you can eat at the Signal Box Café, take a footpath to Cardinham Woods, or walk along the old carriage drive beside the River Fowey to the National Trust Lanhydrock House.

Everyone is welcome at the railing, from babies to grandparents and dogs on leads; there is also a wheelchair accessible carriage with a ramp to board. Basic refreshments are available in the Old Booking Hall Café at Bodmin General Station, and there is a buffet car on board the train. Alternatively, it’s only a ten minute walk into Bodmin town centre where you will find cafes and a bakery.

The only downside about the day was that the journeys were too short, I would have loved to stay on for longer.

Top tips for visiting Bodmin and Wenford Railway:

  • Look at the website in advance to see the calendar for running dates, special offers and varied events such as steam and cream trains, diesel days, murder mystery trains and vintage carriages.
  • There are money-saving family tickets available, and sometimes half price weekends during the year.
  • There is limited parking at Bodmin General railway station, but there is a long stay car park nearby.
  • If you are traveling on one route then allow one hour, travel both routes allow two hours, and if disembarking then allow all day.

About the author: Alison is a holiday home specialist, and visited Bodmin and Wenford Railway in February 2019.