Bodmin Railway Marks 40 Years of Heritage Steam on 31st May

Forty years ago, a small steam locomotive shunted back and forth at Bodmin General Station. Almost nobody knew it at the time, but those few movements marked the beginning of something that would grow into one of the country’s finest heritage railways. And on Sunday 31st May, Bodmin Railway is throwing a party to celebrate.

The 40th anniversary celebration marks four decades since the first authorised train movements of the preservation era took place at Bodmin General Station in 1986. It promises a day of live music, heritage vehicles and working steam for visitors of all ages.

A Line Rooted in Cornwall’s History

The story behind the celebration stretches back almost two centuries. The Bodmin & Wadebridge Railway first opened in 1834 and was one of the very first in the world to use steam, initially carrying minerals and agricultural sea sand. The line visitors travel today, between Bodmin Parkway and Boscarne Junction via Bodmin General, has its roots in the 1887 opening of the Bodmin Road (now Bodmin Parkway) to Bodmin section, followed by the extension to Boscarne Junction in 1888.

For much of the twentieth century, the line played a vital role in Cornwall’s China Clay industry. Steam hauled passenger trains between Padstow and Bodmin ended in 1963. Freight traffic carried on between Bodmin Road and Wadebridge until 1978, and the china clay trains kept the line to Wenfordbridge alive until complete closure in 1983.

Then local volunteers stepped in. The Bodmin Railway Preservation Society was formed in 1984, and the first Open Day took place on Sunday 1st June 1986, featuring shunting demonstrations by a small steam locomotive at Bodmin General Station. Those first movements were the start of something remarkable. Regular services between Bodmin Parkway and Bodmin General were restored in 1990, and the line was extended back to Boscarne Junction in 1996. Today the railway operates over 6½ miles of heritage track.

What’s On

The celebration on Sunday 31st May promises entertainment, nostalgia and community spirit. Highlights include onboard and platform performances by the award winning Loveny Male Voice Choir, meet and greets with Richard Trevithick actors celebrating the Cornish pioneer of steam, a display of vintage cars alongside the heritage locomotives and carriages, and the Indian Queens Brass Band. A special Rover Ticket allows unlimited hop-on, hop-off travel throughout the day.

Visitors can explore the Victorian station at Bodmin General and visit the Wagon Bar and station café, which serves local coffee, Cornish pasties, cream teas and more. The team of volunteers who keep the railway running will be on hand to chat.

Chris Hatton, Operations Manager at Bodmin Railway, said: “We are incredibly proud to play our part in preserving the legacy of this incredible line that played such an important role in Cornwall’s history, keeping it alive for future generations. This promises to be a fantastic day for enthusiasts, locals and visitors alike.”

Plan Your Visit

The 40th Anniversary Celebration takes place on Sunday 31st May 2026 at Bodmin General Station, Harleigh Road, Bodmin, PL31 1AQ. Free onsite parking is available. Tickets can be booked online in advance or bought from the traditional booking hall on the day, subject to availability. Early booking is recommended.

You can find tickets and full event details on the Bodmin Railway website.