In the picturesque coastal town of Newquay, Cornwall, lies a hidden gem that promises a delightful journey back in time and will surely put a smile on the face of both young and old – the Little Western Railway.
Opened in 1968, the Little Western Railway is Cornwall’s oldest 7 1/4 inch gauge miniature railway!
Nestled within the beautiful 24-acre Trenance Leisure Park and Gardens, it’s a beloved attraction for families and train enthusiasts alike.
This miniature train ride is a must-visit attraction for locals and tourists alike. Explore my photos and review of this sweet attraction in our hometown.
Train Rides and Locomotives at Little Western Railway
The Little Western Railway offers scenic circular rides giving passengers two loops of the track totalling 1/4 mile.
The 5-minute journey takes you through a tunnel, past a trickling stream with plenty of blooming flowers to admire in the summer months.
They have three main locomotives:
- Linda: This charming petrol engine was built in 2012 and offers a nostalgic open-air experience.
- Swallow: A reliable and efficient diesel locomotive, Swallow ensures a smooth and comfortable ride.
- Ashleigh: The star of the show, Ashleigh is a live steam engine that chugs along, puffing smoke and adding a touch of magic to the journey.
What to Expect on Your Visit to Little Western Railway
Train ride tickets can be purchased at the ticket booth at the station. Tickets are £1.50 per passenger over 2 years old. Those aged 2 years and under can ride for free!
They also offer a special deal of 12 tickets for the price of 10 with an expiry date of one year – great for locals, or tourists who fancy a few rides!
Rides typically last around 5 minutes, with two circuits around the track.
Friendly Staff at Little Western Railway
The friendly staff will be happy to answer any questions you have and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. We’ve always found them pleasant and polite.
Often the ticket-master makes the experience as authentic as possible for the children, starting with purchasing a ticket from the ticket booth, punching the ticket, wearing his engine hat and tooting his whistle or the train horn as the train leaves the platform.
There is usually some train-themed merchandise to purchase at the ticket booth too!
Little Western Railway Visitor Reviews and Experiences
There are a lot of great reviews and testimonials from visitors who have ridden the trains at Little Western Railway, across the internet. It’s not just us that think the railway is a great experience with children!
Here are some examples of the reviews from across the net:
Bradley who visited in August 2022 says on TripAdvisor: “This is a great fun attraction for the kids (and adults) that is great value for money. The staff are very friendly and the railway has had some great renovation work done on it.”
Wayne who visited in 2023 says in a Google review: “A great little railway with lots of potential, don’t expect a long journey as you get 2 laps and only takes about 5 minutes. What you don’t get in journey length you are rewarded with a very well presented and well loved railway. Unlike other smaller railways run as money spinners this is run with passion.”
Sarah who visited in May 2023 left a review on their Facebook page: “Lovely little railway. Perfect for a play in the park and ride on the train. Really good value for money.”
Special Events at Little Western Railway
Little Western Railway is best visited during the spring and summer school holidays throughout the year, but in 2023 they opened for the very first time in the Christmas holidays too.
They opened for select days during Christmas and New Year, decorating some of the train carriages as gifts and lining the tunnel with fairy lights!
Their Facebook page is a good place to find out the latest events.
Dedication Behind the Fun at Little Western Railway
Beyond the chugging engines and happy smiles, the magic of Little Western Railway hides a dedicated team committed to preserving this beloved piece of Cornish heritage. Keeping a miniature railway running smoothly requires constant care, attention, and ongoing efforts that ensure its charm endures.
We often walk past the railway and witness the care and attention that goes into maintaining this piece of Newquay with the owners regularly maintaining the landscaping, tracks, trains and making improvements.
Sadly most of the beautiful large trees had to be cut down for safety reasons last year, however, we have seen the owners planting lots of new trees and plants which will flourish and ensure the area is safe and continues to be visually appealing for visitors in the future as they ride through the landscape.
This dedication to preserving its history ensures future generations can experience the charm of vintage locomotives for years to come.
Little Western Railway isn’t just a fun day out; it’s a testament to the dedication of those who ensure its smooth operation and preserve its historical significance. So, the next time you ride the train, take a moment to appreciate the unseen efforts that keep this Cornish gem chugging along for generations to enjoy.
A Brief History of the Little Western Railway
Little Western Railway, established in 1968 by Eric Booth, a retired RAF veteran, began with the vision of creating a public miniature railway in Newquay. Named Litte Western as the Western Railway passes in the background over the Trenance Viaduct, the railway quickly gained popularity, carrying 70,000 passengers in its opening year!
In 1980, a new locomotive was acquired, laying the foundation for continued success under the management of Rudi, who brought innovative additions like electric signals and hand-painted signs. However, with ageing infrastructure and changing ownership, the railway faced challenges in the following years.
The Legacy Continued Under New Ownership
In 2014, John Littlefield took over, initiating a revitalisation effort that included refurbishing the HST and acquiring new rolling stock like the steam engine Angor Wat. Sadly John passed away, leading to the railway changing hands again in 2018 and once more in 2020, when Richard Curtis, a local enthusiast, acquired it.
Under Richard’s ownership, Little Western underwent a significant renovation, with the entire railway dismantled and rebuilt ready for a 2021 reopening. This included new bridges, tracks, and expanded rolling stock, including ‘Linda’ a petrol locomotive, showcasing a commitment to preserving and enhancing this cherished heritage attraction in Cornwall.
Little Western Railway: A Charming Attraction
Overall, the Little Western Railway is a delightful attraction that offers a nostalgic and scenic train ride for all ages. With its charming locomotives, friendly staff, and beautiful setting, it’s sure to leave lasting memories.
So, climb aboard and discover the magic of miniature train rides at Newquay’s Little Western Railway!
Visit the Little Western Railway’s official website for more information and up-to-date details on ticket prices and seasonal opening times: https://www.littlewesternrailway.com
Where is Little Western Railway in Newquay, Cornwall?
You can find the railway at Little Western Railway, Trenance Road, Newquay TR7 2LZ.
How Much Does Little Western Railway Newquay Cost?
At the time of writing, it’s £1.50 per person.
Children aged 2 and under ride for free!
You can buy 12 tickets for the price of 10.
Only humans can ride the railway due to health and safety.
Additional Family Activities Nearby
The Little Western Railway is conveniently located within Trenance Leisure Park, close to Newquay Boating Lake and Trenance Gardens, making it a perfect stop for a full day of family fun.
Nearby attractions include crazy golf, a playground, a skate park, a trampoline park, soft play, swimming, tennis courts and cafes. There are also rose gardens, a museum and you can hire pedalos on the boating lake!
More great things to do nearby:
The Tide Climbing Centre Review
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