Cornwall Living
Steaming Back in Time
Tucked away in rolling Cornish you’ll find one Cornwall’s most inspiring heritage projects; Helston Railway. A journey not just of miles, but of passion, community spirit and a deep respect for history, this lovingly restored branch line offers visitors a unique window into the golden age of rail travel.
The story begins in 2002, when the original Helston Railway Preservation Society was formed with the goal to restore and reopen as much of the old Helston Branch Line as possible. What started as a dream shared by a few enthusiasts has blossomed into a thriving heritage railway, thanks to countless hours of dedicated volunteer effort.
With kind permission from the landowner, work officially began on Sunday 24th April 2005, when volunteers rolled up their sleeves and began clearing the track bed at the historic Trevarno Estate. It was no easy task as the route was wildly overgrown and in parts, completely im-passable. But little by little, the vision began to take shape.
Today, around a mile and a half of track has been cleared and laid, running from just north of Prospidnick Halt down to Truthall Halt. It’s an impressive achievement, testament to the sheer determination and skill of the volunteer team.
While Trevarno Station, the railway’s original station, is not currently open for passenger use due to access limitations, it remains an important part of the railway’s heritage. Visitors can, however, enjoy a warm welcome at other points along the line, and explore the charmingly re-stored surroundings.
Rides aboard the Helston Railway offer more than just a scenic trip through the countryside. The experience is enriched with a lovingly stocked shop (housed in a converted GUV mail van) and a highly praised buffet café, run from a vintage Class 103 Park Royal Diesel Multiple Unit. Under the care of Fred and his team, the buffet is a favourite among returning visitors, offering great food, warm smiles, and the nostalgic hum of vintage locomotives.
The railway is home to a fascinating collection of rolling stock. Under the stewardship of the Helston Railway Preservation Company, the current fleet includes two Ruston & Hornsby shunters, a two-car Park Royal DMU, and a heritage brake van affectionately named Daisy.
Perhaps the most exciting addition is a Peckett steam locomotive, delivered in 2016 and currently undergoing a 10-year boiler refurbishment. Once completed, the hope is to have this beauty back in steam, an event that promises to be a landmark moment for the railway.
Until then, passengers can enjoy the charm of diesel-hauled services, courtesy of ‘Kingswood’, an Andrew Barclay 0-4-0 shunting locomotive, which hauls a delightful mix of Mk1 Suburban coaches and Class 127 DMU.
Every inch of track, every cuppa poured and every bolt tightened is the result of passionate volunteer labour. This love for Cornwall’s railway heritage has breathed life into this project.
Whether you’re a railway enthusiast, a history buff, or simply looking for a unique family outing, the Helston Railway offers something truly special. Plan your visit, hop aboard, and experience Cornwall from a whole new perspective — one carriage at a time.