Further Information
Bodmin Attractions
- St Petrocs Church
- Bodmin Gaol
- Shire Hall
- Bodmin Town Museum
- Bodmin & Wenford Railway
- Cornwall's Regimental Museum
Come Rain or Shine
If the weather is not at it's best, or you just want to spot a few more things for your itinerary, then here is an excellent guide to help you.
Introducing Bodmin & Wenford Railway
A Vintage Steam Experience
Bodmin General Station was built in 1887 as a terminus for the Great Western Railway. The line between Bodmin General and Bodmin Parkway, the current stopping point on the mainline route from London Paddington to Penzance, and is Cornwall’s only branch line with working steam engines.
It is maintained, by the Bodmin & Wenford Railway who operate steam train services between Bodmin General and Bodmin Parkway, and also in the opposite direction, to Boscarne Junction. Trains run regularly throughout the season and periodically during the winter months (check their website for details).
Planning a Day Out
You can enjoy some excellent days out travelling by steam train. For example, take the train from Bodmin General to Bodmin Parkway (some 3 miles out of town) and walk the one and half miles to Lanhydrock House (a National Trust property). You can spend the day enjoying the house as well as the wonderful and very extensive gardens, then retrace your steps arriving back at Bodmin General Station. Bedknobs B&B is a leisurely 20-25 minute walk to and from the Station.
If you take a train in the opposite direction, you can alight at Boscarne Junction and from there, can visit the Camel Vineyards, pick up the popular Camel Trail, or simply enjoy some refreshments at the hospitable and friendly Borough Arms Public House. The Bodmin and Wenford Railway stage many events and activities and their website is well worth a visit for futher details.
Steam Experience and Driving Days
If you love the wonderful smell of steam and oil then why not try the ultimate experience of drving a real steam locomotive, or even a Diesel MTU.
Check out the Driving Courses page on the BWR website and Bedknobs is happy to offer a 10% discount on all directly booked accommodation for all participants.
The Bodmin and Wenford Railway stage many special events over the season including Steam and Diesel Gala days featuring guest engines, Murder Mystery Specials and my personal favourite, Steam and Real Ale events. Check their website for dates.
Bodmin General Station was built in 1887 as a terminus for the Great Western Railway and providing direct access for troop movements for the DCLI stationed at The Keep across the road.
A year later it was connected to the Bodmin and Wadebridge line, built by Sir William Molesworth in 1834, providing access for freight traffic from the Wenford clay drys, granite and other minerals.
You can find out more on the Bodmin and Wenford Railway Wiki and Bodmin and Wadebridge Railway Wiki pages.
There are plans to re-open the line as far as Grogley Halt, with the eventual aim of restoring the link to Wadebridge.
With the siting of the new Cornwall Council hub at Bodmin, there is the possibility of mainline services might run from Bodmin General once again.
