Plym Valley Railway

Coypool Road, Plymton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4NW, England
1-90 Years
Paid

Description

Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway in Plymouth dedicated to restoring part of the former Great Western branch line closed in 1962. Founded in 1980, it now offers scenic train rides through the beautiful Plym Valley from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge. It is a charming attraction for families, railway enthusiasts, and anyone wanting to experience a bygone era of rail travel.

Visitors can enjoy heritage train rides along 1.5 miles of restored track, explore Marsh Mills heritage centre where steam and diesel locomotives are preserved, visit the buffet café, browse the shop for souvenirs and model railways, and ride the 7¼-inch Plym Valley Miniature Railway. Dogs are welcome on leads, and limited bike spaces are available. Special highlights include Drive a Train experiences such as the Steam Driver Experience, Industrial Diesel Driver Experience, Class 14X Driver & Guard Experience, and Passenger Diesel Driver & Guard Experience. The railway also offers birthday party packages including return trips, behind-the-scenes tours, cab visits, food options, and themed party room hire. 

Standard fares cost £4.00 Adult Single, £8.00 Adult Return, £12.00 Adult Rover, and £2.50 Child Single, £4.00 Child Return, £6.00 Child Rover, with a Family Return (2 Adults & 2 Children) at £20.00. Driver Experiences range from £80.00 to £180.00, and party packages start at £50, with optional food and room hire charges. 

Overall, Plym Valley Railway offers a nostalgic rail journey combined with interactive experiences and family-friendly activities. Its mix of heritage trains, miniature railway, and hands-on driver experiences makes it both educational and fun. It is an ideal day out for railway fans, families, and those exploring Plymouth’s scenic surroundings.

Features

  • Paid
  • Host birthday parties: Yes

Features

Marsh Mills: The Buffet, situated at Marsh Mills is open when trains are running from 10am- 4pm. It stocks a wide range of food and refreshments and is a great place to stop after visiting the railway or the Plym Valley.All profits go towards the development of the Plym Valley Railway.

  • Dogs are welcome at the Plym Valley Railway and on the trains, provided they are under control and on a lead.
  • There are limited facilities to carry bikes. Please speak to the Train Guard or platform staff.
  • The shop is open on most Sunday afternoons, and in the mornings on operational days only.  Souvenirs, toys, model railways and books, both new & used are available for purchase.
  • Please note we are unable to accept £50 notes, cheques or give any refunds.

Miniature Railway: Situated at Marsh Mills is the Plym Valley Miniature Railway. Launched in 2016, the 71/4 railway runs for almost 100m. There are plans to extend the railway with the opening of Platform 2 in the near future.

  • The railway has a fleet of several locomotives including:
  • Class 66 in EWS Maroon  livery
  • Class 66 in Freighliner Green livery 
  • 0-4-0 Ruston in Red livery 'Beckee'
  • 0-4-0 Ruston in Green livery 'Mabel'
  • The Miniature Railway often runs during Special Events and on Sundays.

Plym Bridge: Plym Bridge is a perfect place for a day trip. There is lots to do situated very close to our platform.

What to see

Drive a Train

  • Steam Driver Experience: Have you ever wanted to drive a steam locomotive? A Steam Driver Experience is perfect! Learn the firing and driving of one of our steam locomotives. The Driver Experience is a great gift or activity for anyone who wants to see what it’s like to be a driver on a heritage railway.
  • Industrial Diesel Driver Experience: Want a more detailed hands on experience? Want to give a special birthday gift? A Driver Experience is perfect! Learn the preparation and driving on an industrial diesel engine, drive with the locomotive alone, operate points and crossing gates. The Driver Experience is a great gift or activity for anyone who wants to see what it’s like to be a driver on a heritage railway. It’s also a great expansion from the ‘Driver a Train mentioned above. 
  • Class 14X Driver & Guard Experience: The Plym Valley Railway's Class 14X fleet are ready for public Driver Experiences! Take to the controls of the either the Class 142 or Class 143 for one trip from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge and then act as Guard for a second trip, both under the watchful eyes of our competent staff. 
  • Passenger Diesel Driver & Guard Experience: Take to the controls of a Diesel Locomotive for one trip from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge and then act as Guard & lookout for a second trip, both under the watchful eyes of our competent staff.

Price

Price: Paid

Price Details

Adult

  • Single: £4.00
  • Return: £8.00
  • Rover: £12.00

Child

  • Single: £2.50
  • Return: £4.00
  • Rover: £6.00

Family Ticket (2 Adults & 2 Children Return)

  • Return: £20.00

Drive a Train

  • Steam Driver Experience: £180.00
  • Industrial Diesel Driver Experience: £80.00 
  • Class 14X Driver & Guard Experience: £90.00
  • Passenger Diesel Driver & Guard Experience: £90.00

Pricing URL: https://www.plymrail.co.uk/

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: Yes

Birthday Party Details

Standard Party Package - £50

  • Up to 10 children + 3 free adults
  • 1 Return trip by steam/diesel train
  • Behind the scenes tour
  • Look in locomotive cab and meet the driver

Food

  • Picnic lunch including sandwich, drink, crisps, chocolate etc £3 each
  • Hot Food including main, chips & drink £5 each

Party Room Hire

  • 1 hour use of railway themed party room which can be arranged and decorated to suit £40
  • Additional hours £20

Extras

  • Additional adults £6 each
  • Additional children £5 each

Sundays 10:00- 17:00 and other selected days.

Address: Coypool Road, Plymton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 4NW, England

Post Code: PL7 4NW

Council: Plymouth

County: Devon

  • By Car: Follow the B3416 off the Marsh Mills roundabout, (below the A38 next to Sainsbury’s), towards Plympton, or  follow the signs for the Coypool Park and Ride Car Park, which is situated opposite the Railway. From Plymouth city centre, head towards Exeter and when reaching the roundabout follow above directions. There is no parking on site at Marsh Mills Station, but the Park & Ride car park at Coypool  is directly opposite the railway, and can be used by visitors to the railway at weekends. At Plym Bridge platform there is a car park nearby.
  • By Bus: Buses Nos. 21, 21A & 20 from Plymouth City Centre. Alight at McDonalds and follow directions to the railway. Alternatively Bus No. 50 from either the Railway Station or City Centre. Alight at the stop after Sainsburys Marsh Mills, walk down the road to a pedestrian bridge. Cross the bridge and follow the footpath. You will then see the railway.
  • By Train: There are regular Cross Country and Great Western Railway services to Plymouth. Once at the station follow the signs to the city centre– 10 minute walk.

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