Plym Valley Railway
Volunteer-run heritage railway in Plymouth with steam and diesel trains from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge and a collection of historic locomotives.
Have only individual sections read aloud
About the museum
The Plym Valley Railway lies on part of the former Great Western Railway branch from Plymouth to Tavistock. The South Devon & Tavistock Railway opened that line in 1859, the Great Western Railway took it over in 1876, and the branch was converted to standard gauge in 1892. Passenger services ended on 31 December 1962.
The Plym and Tamar Valleys Railway Association, which runs the railway today, began at a meeting in February 1980 with the aim of restoring part of the route. The first section from Marsh Mills towards World's End opened in September 2001, the line to Lee Moor Crossing followed in May 2008, and the Plym Bridge platform opened on 30 December 2012.
Marsh Mills is also a small heritage centre where steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, wagons and other railway artefacts are kept, restored and shown. The collection includes the Andrew Barclay steam shunter Albert, several diesel shunters and railbuses, and a preserved Class 143 power car. Trains run on Sundays and selected other days, and the railway holds special events such as driver experiences, charity days and a Christmas Santa train. A short miniature railway at Marsh Mills runs on Sundays and special event days.
Highlights
- Steam and diesel train rides from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge
- Andrew Barclay steam shunter Albert
- Diesel shunters, Pacer railbuses and a Class 101 unit
- Heritage centre with historic carriages and wagons at Marsh Mills
- Plym Valley Miniature Railway
- Driver experiences and Santa's Train events
Permanent exhibition
- Heritage centre at Marsh Mills – Steam and diesel locomotives, carriages, wagons and other railway artefacts being preserved and restored.
- Founded
- 1980
- Operated by
- Plym and Tamar Valleys Railway Association
Admission & discounts
| Adults | £4 |
|---|---|
| Children & teens | £2.50Single fare; return £4. |
| Families | £20Return fares for two adults and two children. |
| Adult return | £8 |
| Adult rover (unlimited travel all day) | £12 |
| Child rover (unlimited travel all day) | £6 |
Fares are for standard running days (single adult £4, child £2.50). Fares on charity and special event days and for driver experiences differ and are given on the events pages. £50 notes and cheques are not accepted and tickets are not refunded.
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible: no information
- Elevator: no information
- Accessible restroom: no information
- Accessible parking: no information
- Service dogs welcome: no information
- Tactile models & exhibits: no information
- Sign language tours: no information
- Easy-to-read materials: no information
- Audio description: no information
Rides in the diesel brake van, offered on green days, have limited capacity and are not suitable for disabled visitors. Dogs under control and on a lead are welcome on the railway and on the trains.
Kids & families
Great for kids & families
| Family ticket | £20 · Return fares for two adults and two children. |
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- Family tours & workshops
Family tickets and child fares are offered, and the railway runs a Santa's Train at Christmas in support of Children's Hospice South West. Plym Bridge, the other end of the line, has walking and cycling trails and woodland nearby.
Getting there & parking
By public transit
Marsh Mills (bus)
Buses 21, 21A or 20 run from the city centre (get off at McDonald's and follow the directions). Bus 50 runs from the railway station or city centre; alight at the stop after Sainsbury's Marsh Mills, then cross the pedestrian bridge and follow the footpath. Park & Ride service 200 runs when in operation.
By car
Parking available
There is no parking at Marsh Mills station. The Coypool Park and Ride directly opposite can be used by railway visitors at weekends, and the Plym Bridge platform has a car park nearby.
By car, follow the B3416 from the Marsh Mills roundabout, below the A38 next to Sainsbury's, towards Plympton, or follow the signs for Coypool Park and Ride. The what3words location is sticky.tummy.from.
Get directionsAmenities & dining
- Café
- Museum shop
A buffet at Marsh Mills is open 10:00 to 16:00 when trains are running, and a shop selling souvenirs, toys, model railways and books is open on operating days.
Events & venue rental
- Spaces for rent
- Private parties
Parties can be held on board a steam or diesel train on running days, and trains can be hired privately.
Inquiries & detailsPlan your visit
| Good to know | One-hour driver experiences on a steam or diesel locomotive or a Class 142/143 railbus can be booked in advance on purple days. |
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