Heritage Railway Day Out Of The Year 2026
Helston Railway
Helston, TR13 0RY
Helston Railway Preservation Society was the result, back in 2002 of a vision by a small number of enthusiasts to re-open a section of the Helston branch line. We now have a fully functioning standard gauge heritage railway.
Helston Railway welcomes dogs to all areas, including in certain areas of our buffet carriages and on the trains to and fro from Prospidnick.
What is Helston Railway?
Helston Railway is a heritage railway in Cornwall, England, run by volunteers. It’s known as the most southerly railway in the UK and offers scenic diesel (and sometimes steam) train rides through the Cornish countryside.
Where is it located?
It’s based at Prospidnick, near Helston in Cornwall, with the postal code TR13 0RY.
Who runs the railway?
The railway is operated by the Helston Railway Preservation Society and the Helston Railway Preservation Company, entirely by volunteers.
The Railway
Helston Railway is a volunteer-run heritage railway in Cornwall, proudly known as the most southerly railway in Britain. It preserves part of the former Helston branch line, which originally opened in 1887 to connect the town of Helston with the main railway network and served local passengers, agriculture and industry for many decades. Like many rural branch lines, it fell victim to changing transport habits and closed to passengers in 1962, with goods traffic ending shortly afterwards. Today, dedicated volunteers have brought the line back to life, restoring track, stations and historic rolling stock to offer visitors a chance to experience a traditional railway journey through the Cornish countryside. As well as celebrating the area’s railway heritage, Helston Railway continues to work towards extending the line and safeguarding its historic structures for future generations.
A visit to Helston Railway is about more than just a train ride; it is an immersive step back in time. From carefully restored halts and vintage carriages to friendly volunteers eager to share their knowledge, the railway captures the spirit of Britain’s branch-line past. Set against a peaceful rural backdrop, it provides a relaxing and educational day out for families, railway enthusiasts and visitors to Cornwall alike, while playing an important role in preserving local history and community heritage.
Award Winners Showcase.