Bodmin & Wenford Railway

Cornwall, England

ABOVE: Two Beattie Well Tankers steam side by side near Boscarne Junction..

Bodmin is the capital of Cornwall. It may be the region's oldest town, with a church built on the site of a monastery that was founded in the 6th Century A.D. Today's attractions include the church, a town museum, a light infantry museum, a jail where public hangings took place until 1909, and the vast expanse of the Bodmin Moor.

Bodmin is also home to the Bodmin & Wenford Railway, which operates steam trains from Bodmin General station into the surrounding countryside. The railway attracts tourists, steam enthusiasts, and hikers or cyclists who use the train to reach various trails and nature paths. Trains run from Bodmin Parkway to Boscarne Junction via Bodmin General and back; a one-way trip in either direction takes just under an hour.

In addition to the standard trips, the Bodmin & Wenford Railway has a variety of theme excursions, including "A Day Out With Thomas" trips for children and their parents ("Thomas" being Thomas the Tank Engine of children's-book fame.) In 2006, when this article was last updated, special events included such excursions as a Valentines Dining Train, a Vineyard excursion with wine and cheese, "Steam, Beer & Jazz" trips in September, Murder Mystery Specials during the summer, a Halloween train, a 60s and 70s Disco Train, and holiday-themed excursions from early December through New Year's Day.

The Bodmin & Wenford Railway even has one- and two-day driving courses for dedicated railfans. (Bring your own overalls, cap, gloves, and footwear. A coal shovel is supplied.)

For more information, including timetables and special events, click the Bodmin & Wenford Railroad link on page 2.

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Photo: Bodwin & Wenford Railway.

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