The Launceston Steam Railway links the historic town of Launceston with the hamlet of Newmills. The line runs for two and a half miles through the glorious Kensey Valley along the trackbed of the old North Cornwall Railway.
Your train is hauled by narrow gauge (2' 0") locomotives built in Victoria's reign, and you can ride in open or closed carriages depending on the weather; whatever you choose, you are assured of a marvellous view. A seat in the front of the train is as good as being on the footplate.
Tickets are "Day Rovers" so you can ride the trains as often as you wish, or you can break your journey for a picnic, to explore the footpaths around the Kensey Valley or visit the Newmills Farm Park.
With a train every 50 minutes or so, many passengers choose to enjoy a picnic or a walk in the valley, and return on a later service. The guard will stop the train, on request, at Hunt's Crossing.
Launceston Station is the place to wander around the Railway Workshops and the Engineering Museum, which have a wide range of exhibits, many of which are demonstrated at work. The museum includes vintage motorbikes and cars, and a collection of railway notices, signs and equipment.
You can also browse in the much acclaimed Gift Shop, renowned for its large selection of quality gifts and its well stocked bookshop. We also offer a mail-order service; for more information, please write to the railway.
The station area was once the site of an Augustinian Priory some of which can be seen by visitors to the Railway.
Also at the station is the buffet where a wide choice of refreshments are available, including of course, cream teas!
The railway's free car park is also Launceston.
One thousand years ago Launceston Priory flourished in the valley where trains now run. Destroyed by Henry VIII during the dissolution of the Monastries its ruins vanished from sight. With the passage of centuries the Priory was forgotten - until in 1886, navvies excavating the new line of the North Cornwall Railway came across remains which excited the archaeologists and set off a frantic bid for preservation, alas far from successful.
Come and view the remains and see just a little of what still lies buried only inches below the surface at Launceston station.
Request stop, please ask the guard to stop the train here
Rough pasture with trees and river, and sometimes cows.
Canna Park station is TEMPORARILY CLOSED
Newmills station is the end of the line, and the train will be here for about ten minutes while the locomotive runs round the train. From the station there are a choice of footpaths (ask for a leaflet), including a hilly walk which leads to Tregadillet with its renowned pub, or on a more level route which leads to Hidden Valley.
Next to the station at Newmills is the riverside farm park with indoor and outdoor games for children. The park is not owned by the railway company so there is a small charge - but we heartily recommend a visit.
