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Plym Valley Railway

Plymouth, United Kingdom•4.5(188)•Heritage Site, Museum

Ride vintage steam and diesel trains along a restored 1.5-mile heritage railway through the scenic Plym Valley, with special events and driver experiences available.

Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway operating since 1980, dedicated to restoring and preserving the ex-Great Western branch line from Plymouth to Tavistock that closed in 1962. Visitors can enjoy scenic train journeys from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge on beautifully restored steam and diesel locomotives, with services running every Sunday from spring through November, plus selected special event days throughout the year. The railway offers a variety of experiences for families and railway enthusiasts. Standard train rides are available at affordable prices, with family tickets providing excellent value. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the venue offers "Drive a Train" experiences where visitors can take the controls of a steam or diesel locomotive for a 60-minute session. Special event days feature themed running days, brake van rides, and charity events, with advance booking recommended for popular experiences. Marsh Mills serves as the heritage railway centre where the venue preserves and restores steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, wagons and historic railway artefacts, recreating the atmosphere of a bygone age. The site is family-friendly with amenities including The Buffet, and is both pushchair and dog-friendly, making it accessible for visitors of all ages and abilities. The railway also welcomes volunteers and offers party hire options for special occasions.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: Closed
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: Closed
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

Venue Details

Venue Type

Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

The Buffet

Buffet at Marsh Mills station

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Google Reviews

4.5(188 reviews)
D
Dave Morgan

Dave Morgan

a month ago

Lots of building work being done to improve the station plenty of volunteer staff around, but could have done with better organization Great value bacon rolls in the Buffet :) A relatively new heritage line, but with some work over the next few years it will hopefully turn into something great.

Z
Zhade Barnet

Zhade Barnet

2 months ago

We came for the Teddy Bear Picnic and had the most lovely day out. A magical experience start to finish, with a clean, tidy, cozy-feeling station at both ends, and friendly and approachable volunteers at every point of the experience. First time ever on a steam train; kids loved it, and it was long enough for them to enjoy the ride but not long enough for the dreaded boredom to kick in. Very reasonable pricing, good timings in both directions, and a very cool little museum and gift shop, both of which simply oozed nostalgia, timelessness, and Englishness

J
Josh Williams

Josh Williams

8 months ago

DO NOT BOOK Today we attended an ‘experience’ booked for more than 100 foster carers and the children in their care. It had been advertised as a magical train journey, complete with hot chocolate and festive fun for everyone. What we actually received was appalling. The train we were put on was the most disgusting and visibly damaged mode of transport I have ever had the displeasure of using. The seats were soaking wet from leaks in the roof, there was water all over the floor, and the entire carriage was filthy. It looked as though a mop had never once been near the place. To make matters worse, there wasn’t a single decoration or hint of Christmas anywhere. The company knew full well that this booking was for some of the most vulnerable and deserving children in Plymouth. Yet they made absolutely no effort. When concerns were raised, the tone and response from staff were nothing short of outrageous. We genuinely try to support local businesses, but this was an exceptionally poor effort from a company that seems to lack both ethical standards and basic empathy. I strongly recommend spending your money at the South Devon Railway instead, where the experience we had only a few months ago was a hundred times better.

N
Natalie Morrison

Natalie Morrison

a year ago

Such a brilliant railway, so much love and attention to detail put in. We’ve just had a birthday party on the train, it was so reasonably priced and the hard working volunteers couldn’t do enough for us. They really put everything into making our day special and we all had the best time. Thanks so much to all the team for such a fun day! Well worth doing this for a kids birthday party, you won’t regret it. We’ll be back again if you’ll have us :)

A
ALAN Ashwood

ALAN Ashwood

3 years ago

My wife had a drive a train experience booked on this railway. The staff, who I found out to be all 100% volunteers, were some of the most friendly and helpful staff to find on any preserved line. We had the most excellent day and it was well worth the travel down from South Yorkshire to spend a few hours there. If you are in and around Plymouth we recommend a visit, but check they are open first! A great day and a great railway, keep up the excellent work guys! We'll be back......

Reviews last updated: 7 October 2026

Events at Plym Valley Railway

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 7 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about Plym Valley Railway

Is Plym Valley Railway free to visit?

Plym Valley Railway is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

Is Plym Valley Railway dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at Plym Valley Railway.

Is there parking at Plym Valley Railway?

Plym Valley Railway doesn't have on-site parking, but parking is available nearby.

Is there food at Plym Valley Railway?

Yes — The Buffet is on site at Plym Valley Railway. Buffet at Marsh Mills station

Is Plym Valley Railway pushchair-friendly?

Yes, Plym Valley Railway is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at Plym Valley Railway?

Plym Valley Railway is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to Plym Valley Railway by public transport?

Plym Valley Railway is well-served by public transport.
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