Cornwall’s Most Scenic Railways

Cornwall’s scenic train journeys are slow travel at its best. Dog-friendly, family-friendly and made for all weathers, you can hop on for the journey, hop off for a walk, a pub lunch or a beach. Enjoy the ride on our favourite railways in Cornwall.

A timeless Cornish day out. Step aboard beautifully restored steam and diesel trains and roll through the heart of the Cornish countryside. Whatever the weather, it’s an easy win – cosy carriages in winter, windows open in summer, and seasonal events from murder mystery evenings to onboard escape rooms. This Easter, Paddington is paying a visit on 5-6 April, bringing bear-sized family fun and craft activities.  

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Hop on board one of Cornwall’s most scenic branch lines, that winds along a river valley to meet the coast at Looe. One of the county’s best-loved rail ale trails, there are plenty of welcoming pubs dotted along the route, beckoning you to hop off for Cornish-brewed pints, pub lunches and woodland walks, before delivering you to the bustling harbour town of Looe. 

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Visit the artists’ paradise of St Ives on one of the UK’s most scenic railways. This 15-minute journey sweeps along the banks of the Hayle estuary and the golden sands of Carbis Bay – alongside bobbing boats, seabirds and surfers – before coming to a halt above the white sands of Porthminster Beach. So you can forget the hassle of driving and arrive in St Ives relaxed and ready to enjoy the galleries, harbour and restaurants of one of Cornwall’s most famous seaside towns.  

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Trundle through Cornwall’s lesser-known landscapes and villages of ‘clay country’ en route to the popular seaside town of Newquay. Cutting from coast to coast between Par and Newquay, the Atlantic Line rolls through the Luxulyan Valley and across the Goss Moor – a mix of industrial heritage, wild terrain and unexpected viewpoints. It’s a great way to arrive in Newquay without the traffic, dropping you straight into one of Cornwall’s best-loved surf towns.

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A gentle, water-framed journey from the city to the sea. Leave Truro’s cathedral and cobbled streets behind and follow creekside views, viaducts and coastal glimpses all the way to Falmouth. By the time you arrive, you’ll be ready to make the most of the beaches, maritime attractions, galleries and waterside restaurants of this vibrant harbour town.

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Often overlooked in favour of the branch lines, the Cornish Main Line rewards passengers with Cornwall’s ever-changing landscape. Take in sweeping views of St Austell Bay, wind through woodland and countryside, and re-emerge to the panoramas of St Michael’s Mount and Mount’s Bay before pulling in at Penzance. A perfect choice for a longer, more contemplative ride through the southwest.

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Short, slow, and charming – the narrow-gauge Launceston Steam Railway winds through 2.5 miles of unspoilt Kensey Valley scenery. With vintage locomotives and an authentic early-1900s feel, it’s the ideal outing for families or anyone seeking a leisurely afternoon onboard. Round off the ride with a cream tea at the station café, a wander through the museum, a riverside walk from Newmills, and a 20% discount on Launceston Castle with your train ticket.

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Cross into Cornwall over the Tamar, glide across the iconic Calstock Viaduct, and wend through woodland to the quiet, riverside village of Gunnislake. Starting its journey in Devon, the Tamar Valley Line is one of the most beautiful and underrated journeys in the southwest. However, it’s the Cornwall stretch that stays with you –  remote, unhurried, and etched in your memory long after the ride. 

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Choose from our collection of places to stay near Padstow, where the county’s best railway journeys are within easy reach.