Bodmin & Wenford Railway
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
4
About
Cornwall's Premier Steam Railway will appeal to all age groups.Join us for a leisurely 13 mile journey through scenic Cornish countryside evocative of a 1950's Branch line.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- David CCardiff, United Kingdom149 contributionsEnjoyable March afternoonWe have visited here a few occasions and decided to do the last return trip to each Branch . The price was 20 quid as per Newquay zoo . The train was quite busy for a mid March departure . Our final final trip to Bodmin Parkway was empty . Not many people on the last last let . All ij all a nice two hour experience. Shame the 37 or 47 wasn’t out . Or one of the gronksHi there, we are pleased you enjoyed your trip! If you want to see our Class 47 or 57 in action, we have a selection of diesel days throughout the year. Diesel day tickets can be purchased on our website and run on selective Saturdays. Thanks leaving a review :)Written 6 April 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 March 2023
- PandyPandoraHarpenden, United Kingdom913 contributionsBodmin & Wenford RailwayA pleasant way to spend a couple of hours. We purchased "all lines" tickets in advance. The journey starts and finishes at Bodmin General station. First it travels to Boscarne Junction and back. The engine then changes end and the train sets off again to Bodmin Parkway and back. Overall it's around two hours, with journeys of 45 minutes and 50 minutes respectively. There's not much to see apart from back gardens (look out for the train enthusiast's garden!) but this is more about the experience than the views. You can pay extra to book a whole compartment. There are toilets, a small gift shop and takeaway cafe at Bodmin General station. You can take the food and drink purchased onto the train with you. There are some lovely homemade cakes. You can pre-order food & drink when booking your tickets. There is a small car park at the station but this fills up quickly. We (and a lot of other passengers on our train) ended up getting blocked in by a couple of vehicles parking inconsiderately at the entrance and a delivery lorry then not being able to get through the car park to the yard at the back. There should have been an announcement on the platform for the drivers of those vehicles to return to and move their vehicles.Hi there, Thank you for taking the time to leave a review about Bodmin Railway! We are happy you had an overall positive experience and we definitely agree that you cannot miss the train enthusiasts garden. We appreciate our car park can fill up quite quickly and we do try our best to make announcements regarding blocked vehicles. We ask that if anyone's car has been blocked in, to speak to the booking office, head office or Responsible Office (usually found on the platform) so we can make an announcement as soon as possible. Thanks again for your lovely review. We do hope you visit again in the future!Written 16 April 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2023Written 10 April 2023
- AlexBanbury, United Kingdom4 contributionsExcellent steam railwayExcellent visit, really well organised, cafe in the station and buffet cart in the train. 2 routes across so very scenic countryside. Worth getting off train at the end of each journey to watch them turning the engine around.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 June 2023
- @darrenlewis78Neath Port Talbot, United Kingdom1,173 contributionsNot worth the moneyExpensive trip for what you get for your money. We went on the afternoon tea journey. Which was about hour. Half hour to it’s destination. You stop get off if you like for 5mins @ train station. Get back on to travel back to where you got on. Travel through country side with lots of trees to see while nibbling on your scone and drinking tea. Which cost around £40.Visited May 2023Travelled with familyWritten 11 June 2023
- sarah wPaisley, United Kingdom85 contributionsWorth a visitIt was a pleasant and interesting day for train enthusiasts and those looking for something different. We were able to visit several stations on approximately 12mile of track. Staff were dressed appropriately for the period portrayed, facilities were excellent. Shops and toilets available on the platforms. Parking also available and dogs allowed on site and on-board.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 16 June 2023
- EnfieldPeterEnfield, United Kingdom259 contributionsOverall a fun experienceWe went for a family train ride and creamed tea on the train. The cream teas and Cornish pasties were very good, the staff were friendly and helpful and the train was comfortable. There is a nice shop at the station with souvenirs etc. The only slight criticism was that the train journey itself was rather short and limited and did not provide as may good views of the countryside as we had hoped. I understand that most of the trips are longer but the trip that includes the cream tea is a shorter one and that is a pity as I would have preferred to pay a bit more and get a longer journey. Still a nice outing though.Visited June 2023Written 25 June 2023
- Cheese King of DenmarkDenmark4 contributionsA great little railwayA great little heritage railway, very charming, Bodmin General station especially. My only real complaint is the lack of online booking options, being limited to all line tickets beginning at Bodmin General only, which leaves it up to chance if you start your journey elsewhere and have to buy on the day. Other than that, the views are great, the volunteers are kind and helpful and the history is alive and well. Except the train got stuck going up a hill, but that just made it much more interesting and memorable!Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 2 July 2023
- Simon NPreston, United Kingdom42 contributionsMurder Mystery Train, A Very Enjoyable Evenings' EntertainmentWe travelled on the Murder Mystery Train, set in 1935 Germany. The cast were very professional, the railway staff were friendly and hospitable. We enjoyed a very pleasant evening and were well entertained, even though neither of us guessed murderer.Visited June 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 4 July 2023
- cathrunnGreater London, United Kingdom2 contributionsDisappointingThe idea of a trip on a steam train turned out to be more exciting than the experience. I went with my two sons and we each felt disappointed that we saw so little of the scenic countryside because the trees on both sides of the railway line blocked the views for most of the trip. It made me wonder how parents would keep their younger children interested when there was nothing to look at but trees. It could have been made more interesting with a commentary giving the passengers some information about the history of steam engines, the history of that particular train line, and any interesting facts about the areas we were passing through (even though we couldn’t see them). It’s good to support these sort of things in order to ensure they keep going, but I feel that visitors need to get a bit more for their money than a trundle past hundreds of trees.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 5 July 2023
- John BTruro, United Kingdom122 contributionsWorth a day out of your holiday to see this.All five of us had a great day. We started at Bodmin General, an iconic Great Western Railway branch line station. Booking office very friendly and helpful, and with 'greeters' on the platform. We had time for coffee in the very smart buffet there, before our train left, but I noticed that we could have bought that on the train, too. The scenery is very pretty, with the steep gradients up from both Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction to the main station at Bodmin General. We broke our journey at Boscarne Junction and walked to the Borough Arms pub for lunch; highly recommended. All was steam, but there are some diesels here; we saw one at Bodmin Parkway on (it seemed) works duty. There were some diesels at Bodmin General, and they looked very smart, but King Steam usually rules, with no. 5552 apparently running in after recently completed overhaul. Do come; you won't regret it. Apart from road travel, you can come by train to Bodmin Parkway, and join the steam train there; perhaps after a snack and hot drink in the station buffet in the old signalbox there. Lanhydrock House (National Trust) is nearby.Hi John, thank you for your lovely review. It's wonderful to hear you had a great visit!Written 25 July 2023This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited July 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 July 2023
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.0
1,054 reviews
Excellent
547
Very good
263
Average
135
Poor
55
Terrible
54
sdcsmith2000
Cornwall, UK929 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Have been doing this for a number of years with the tiny human and it’s always been a good trip out but this year, for us was the best!
The railway is very well supported by the volunteer team, they all worked really GWR and were very helpful and friendly. The trains and carriages are a wonderful experience and felt very Christmassy. This year Santa was on the train and visited each child and gave them a really excellent quality present during the trip all of which made the whole experience magical!
Amazing memories made, my thanks to all the team and cannot wait for next year!
The railway is very well supported by the volunteer team, they all worked really GWR and were very helpful and friendly. The trains and carriages are a wonderful experience and felt very Christmassy. This year Santa was on the train and visited each child and gave them a really excellent quality present during the trip all of which made the whole experience magical!
Amazing memories made, my thanks to all the team and cannot wait for next year!
Written 19 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your lovely review! We are so pleased you enjoyed a bit of a different set-up this year and we cannot wait to welcome you back for the 2024 festive season.
Written 31 January 2024
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Tessa F
Paignton, Devon38 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Wonderful Santa train 🚂. The festive staff were all so friendly which made it Special. Bodmin Steam train station is lovely with festive decorations. Great activity sheet for children. I went with a big family group, so we were grateful that refreshments were reasonably priced. The presents from 🎅 Santa on the train were fab, but it might be an idea to offer more age related pressies.
● Soft toy & rucksack is ideal for under 6yrs. Age 7yrs + need a different pressie please.
● next year, please have Christmas music and lights on the train.
That would be perfect. Thanks
● Soft toy & rucksack is ideal for under 6yrs. Age 7yrs + need a different pressie please.
● next year, please have Christmas music and lights on the train.
That would be perfect. Thanks
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
woodspolzeath
9 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A fantastic evening on the Bodmin Steam Railway. A performance of The Lady Vanishes took place during the railway journey. A great evening out for friends and family. Ticket price even included a drink upon arrival and a Cornish Pasty !
Written 16 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Badger1970
Bristol, UK97 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Bodmin and Winford is one of the smaller heritage line but no less important
We have visited a few times and the experience has always been a great time there, the staff have always been friendly, informative and helpful, the engines and carriages have been clean and well preserved and a great sight to see, my grandchildren loved going on the steam hauled train
We have visited a few times and the experience has always been a great time there, the staff have always been friendly, informative and helpful, the engines and carriages have been clean and well preserved and a great sight to see, my grandchildren loved going on the steam hauled train
Written 10 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andrew B
1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Couples
Very very disappointing! Nowhere near two hours on the train but would be if you took into consideration the long brand sat waiting.
Food was terrible and don’t get me started on the coffee.
All in all very disappointing when you’ve just paid £20 for the pleasure of being shafted.
Food was terrible and don’t get me started on the coffee.
All in all very disappointing when you’ve just paid £20 for the pleasure of being shafted.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Granty-P
Gateshead, UK44 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Whilst this is a heritage railway, it's not the biggest or best we have visited. Unfortunately we arrived on a diesel gala day, which we didn't know about, and no steal locos were running, but that was our fault for not planning our day out properly.
The station building is a typical Great Western Railway country station, but with a few modern touches incorporated for visits...i.e. cafe and shop.
The station building is a typical Great Western Railway country station, but with a few modern touches incorporated for visits...i.e. cafe and shop.
Written 25 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dai
South Wales, UK26 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Not the best steam train experience I’ve had. I only took the return from Parkway to Bodmin and that journey was short and all you see is trees. The staff work hard and do a great job. It was very busy and all seats were occupied best to book before on line to reserve your seat. Okay for a morning out and for steam train enthusiasts.
Written 22 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
foodandtravel93
22 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
We had a fantastic ride on the brunch train whilst staying near Bodmin. It was a fun trip, great value and we were surrounded by lovely passengers. The railway is primarily run by volunteers who are clearly incredibly passionate about what they do, the history and the fantastic trains they work with. Highly recommended.
Written 21 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Victorianlad
Melbourne, Australia17,134 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
I arrived at Bodmin Parkway railway station by clean, comfortable and punctual GWR train. A great way to travel.
The preserved railway has a cafe and gift shop on the down platform. i bought a ticket then lugged my suitcase over the footbridge as the preserved railway's trains depart from the island platform.
The trip is scenic, fun and great for kids. There was a long queue of passengers buying tickets so the Pannier tank GWR steam loco driver added another car from a stabled train.
The engine 5552 worked hard in one direction. We had 128 using my trip to Boscarne Junction.
Thank you to Julie in the gift shop and Jimmy the newsletter editor and trackwork specialist for assisting or conversing.
The railway needs our support.
Main line GWR sells combined tickets for travel on the Bodmin and Wenford so why not arrive and depart by main line train? Better than driving.
The preserved railway has a cafe and gift shop on the down platform. i bought a ticket then lugged my suitcase over the footbridge as the preserved railway's trains depart from the island platform.
The trip is scenic, fun and great for kids. There was a long queue of passengers buying tickets so the Pannier tank GWR steam loco driver added another car from a stabled train.
The engine 5552 worked hard in one direction. We had 128 using my trip to Boscarne Junction.
Thank you to Julie in the gift shop and Jimmy the newsletter editor and trackwork specialist for assisting or conversing.
The railway needs our support.
Main line GWR sells combined tickets for travel on the Bodmin and Wenford so why not arrive and depart by main line train? Better than driving.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Richard B
9 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
Lovely little line, well run and beautifully preserved, may well visit again if we are ever in Cornwall, easy access from Bodmin Parkway stations but make sure you get your tickets from the signalbox/buffet on platform 1.
Written 20 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gunslinger1948
Oxford, UK2 contributions
Seems to be a complete lack of information about operating days, events etc in 2020. Pity as like many others I am currently holiday planning for 2020 and might quite like to have planned in a visit.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
Thanks for contacting us. We are in the process of updating our website and launching a brand new programme of timetables and events for 2020. Sorry for the delay, but this information will be available within the next week. Kind Regards.
Hi
I have read some reviews about the Santa steam train. I want to bring my steam train mad grandson this year. A couple of reviews mention that although advertised as an hour train ride this is not the case. Most of the hour is spent on a stationary train and 10 minutes on an actual ride. Can you clarify please as to how long the actual moving train ride is?
Thank you
Trudi
georger572018
Glasgow, UK245 contributions
We were on the train for just under an hour. No idea about the Santa train.
LadyLinnside
Glasgow, UK6 contributions
How come Hannah only acknowledges positive reviews?!!!!!! Don’t think I’ll bother with this attraction due to a combination of poor reviews and apparent poorer attitudes to customers
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
Sophie here, I'm sorry to cause confusion! Hannah responded to your question before I took over the account. I hope that you'll give us a try, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway is a wonderful place to visit, and we are a small team but we work very hard to make sure our visitors are happy. We hope that you'll come along and experience a visit for yourselves. Best wishes, Sophie
David G
Aldershot, UK1 contribution
Can yph take prams onto the train?
Bob Lancaster
Sandwell, UK
Yes, they can be accommodated usually in the guards van . The staff are very helpful there nothing is a problem to them.
Jemma S
12 contributions
Hi can you take dogs on the train?
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
Hi Jemma. You can bring dogs on all our regular trains, we just say paws on the floors please (rather than on laps or on the seats). We don't allow dogs on dining trains or our Steam & Cream trains. Hope that helps you plan your visit.
Cal2758
Merseyside, UK4 contributions
how much is the train
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
Hi. We currently have Tornado at Bodmin & Wenford from 31st May to 4th June 2017, which is £13 for standard travel for an adult (return trip to Bodmin Parkway). Typically our Freedom of the Line ticket to travel both lines, all day, is £13 for an adult.
Dolores A
Port Talbot, UK12 contributions
I'd like to take a ride on your stem train on the 23 Dec 2016 after staying at Jamaica inn , can you give me times for the 23 Dec and how far is it from the Jamaica inn
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
In December we are running our very popular and festive Santa by Steam trains and on the 23rd December trains depart from our main station here at Bodmin General at 10.00, 12.00, 14.00 and 15.45. You will need to book your tickets as these trains are very popular indeed but this can be done easily by telephone or on-line. The actual journey from Jamaica Inn should take about 25 minutes but please allow an hour at the very least for travel, parking and to enjoy the atmosphere and entertainment here before the train departs.
s k
London, UK11 contributions
Will be staying in Looe and cannot work out the best way to plan our trip on this train ie train from Looe to where and which tickets to buy.Thanks.
Bodmin & Wenford Railway
2 contributions
If you catch one of the very frequent First Great Western services from Looe station to Liskeard station, you can then board a regular main line service to Bodmin Parkway from where our steam hauled trains depart at frequent intervals.
If you purchase an Inclusive Through ticket on the first train the fare includes First Great Western return travel to Looe and a freedom of the line ticket on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway at the same cost as if you came and bought the ticket here at Bodmin General,,our main station.. In other words the return main line part of the travel is in effect free.
Hope this helps and we look forward to seeing you soon but please do not hesitate to contact us directly for any further advice if you wish.
Chris Hart
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Frequently Asked Questions about Bodmin & Wenford Railway
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