Railholiday

28/07/2024

I’m guessing today’s steam will be the 13.21, currently expected at 13.30 (although my experience says times can vary pretty wildly).

27/07/2024

It’s tomorrow! The Royal Duchy will be steaming through on Sunday 28th July. Check realtimetrains.com for up to date times (use the detailed button for the search otherwise it will only show stopping trains). Details about the train at https://www.railwaytouring.net/the-royal-duchy-july-2024

23/07/2024

An inside view on how Dave has made the droplight window.

The mould filled with GRP (glass reinforced polyester resin).

Outer parts & glass rebate parts of mould removed.

New droplight removed from the mould. The resin is coloured so painting is not required.

Fitting the spring loaded brass flap to the lower edge. Dave is going to mould these recesses in next time rather than routering them out.

New droplight from the inside complete with glazing.

21/07/2024

We really love this video our guest Stephen Bennett made while staying in the Old Luggage Van. You can follow more of Stephen's videos on his YouTube channel Stephen Bennett Railways.

20/07/2024

The sun came out yesterday, so the team took the opportunity to work on the outside of Mevy. Carriage maintenance is a constant in our lives. Unfortunately despite buying top quality FSC certified marine ply for Mevy it simply hasn’t lasted as it should. However Dave has come up with a new scheme that will hopefully put an end to a never ending schedule of sanding and filling. He’s created a fibreglass mould and has completed the first of the window frames in this way. So far it seems like it has worked well. Fingers crossed!

15/07/2024

Went to see a friend in Bristol for the day on Saturday and changed at the newly refurbished Taunton station en-route. I’m always pleased to get off a packed Arriva Cross Country Voyager and into a GWR Hitachi IET. There were plenty of tables, so I was able to work and enjoy the stunning views. It’s a lovely ride. My favourite bits are Exeter to Newton Abbot, the rolling countryside around Totnes and of course the stunning section over the Royal Albert bridge and onwards to St Germans. The journey flies by. My top tip; breaking the journey ticket into three (St Germans to Tiverton, Tiverton to Taunton then Taunton to Bristol) cuts about £30 off the cost of the journey.

10/07/2024

September short break special in Harvey. We are offering short breaks in September of three days or more from ANY START DATE, so you can chose which day of the week you begin and end your holiday. Harvey makes a fabulous base for exploring west Cornwall. Close to beach and shops, Harvey’s half an acre of enclosed gardens is perfect for escaping the world. Light up the brazier in the evening, watch trains from the viewing deck, bird watch from the signal box playhouse, sunbathe on the lawn or simply pretend you’re on the Harry Potter train. Pet friendly for up to three dogs (or more if small; please call to arrange) For more information and online booking please visit www.railholiday.co.uk.

09/07/2024

From this week on, we will now be steaming every Saturday throughout the summer until Saturday, August 31st! 🚂

Relax on our double-branch railway as you step back into the era of steam. Jump on board our heritage coaches and indulge in a delicious Cornish cream tea. Come rain or shine for a guaranteed family-fun day out. And don't worry, we welcome all family members, including the furry friends, with a 'Paws-on-floors' policy.

We highly recommend booking tickets through the summer season to guarantee your seats. Tickets can be booked through the link in our bio or by following the link below.

🎫:https://bodminrailway.digitickets.co.uk

📸: Patrick Hooper

09/07/2024

Looking for a great day out this weekend? Treffry Viaduct in the Luxulyan Valley is the perfect place to stretch your legs and we’ve just created a new walking trail which means you can travel there by train!

The viaduct can be reached on foot from Luxulyan train station by taking the following walking route. You will partly follow the Saints’ Way – a route which is thought to have been used by early Christian pilgrims. The area is steeped in history and you will pass many remains of the industrial past on your journey, some of which you can see marked on this map.

The highlight of the walk is heading across the top of the viaduct. Its ten arches, which are 90 feet high, each have a span of 40 feet and are quite a sight to behold. This vantage point offers a spectacular view of the Luxulyan Valley. This walking trail has been created thanks to funding from GWR and we’re hugely grateful for its support!

09/07/2024

A fabulous Sunday swimming and beach cleaning. Dave did my shop shift at St Germans Community Shop, so my friend Emma and I could celebrate having completed an amazing six years of daily swims. We joined her and friends for a dip, followed by soup and cake to raise money for and - This was followed by a beach clean for Rame Peninsula Beach Care. We decided to return to our special spot below Freathy, so we could keep chitting away at it. It’s a long way to haul rubbish - 18 floors and 2000 steps according to the phone, so Emma and I were quite proud to shift 10.2kg of plastic off the beach, including the plastic toilet we’d found last time but didn’t have the means to remove. Couldn’t do it without a backpack. I had my opinel knife so am slowly removing rock-trapped net and rope - will be a long term project!

07/07/2024

My blog this week on Railholiday.uk is about the inspirational and how one person’s thought ‘I can be the change’ becomes such a force for good. Could you be the change too? I hope you enjoy the article and do follow as her posts are always thoughtful and insightful.

21/06/2024

Utterly beautiful walk around St Germans quay at sunrise to celebrate the summer solstice. The ripples in the water are from my feet; it was glorious to stand barefoot in the warm mud while tiny crabs tickled their way around me, accompanied all the while by birdsong. So lucky to live in such a beautiful place.

14/06/2024

Lots of festivals this weekend. Falmouth Shanty festival is featured below, but tomorrow it’s also Saltash Gala, the first week of Saltash songs and shanties festival and Menheniot’s Cherry Fair. And there’s music and a barbecue on West Looe quay all weekend. Life in Cornwall is never dull!

Falmouth’s Sea Shanty Festival – ‘the largest free nautical music and song festival in Europe,’ they say – is back this weekend (14-16 June 2024). It’s probably got even larger since we made this short film for the Guardian in 2011 – around the time that Cornish singers The Fisherman.....

13/06/2024

Lovely cycle ride along the coast road on Tuesday. And now it’s easier than ever to do this route by public transport with the new Saltash Ferry. Catch the ferry to Royal William Yard, then Cremyll ferry to Mount Edgecumbe. Then either enjoy the house and grounds for a while, or jump on the number 70 double decker for a trip along the coast. The bus eventually goes to Plymouth train station, via the Torpoint ferry, but we’d recommend jumping off and enjoying the beaches along the way. Alternatively a ferry from Cremyll goes to the Barbican in Plymouth, a 25 minute walk from the station.

10/06/2024

We never fail to be struck by the beauty of the Cornish coast, which is so easily accessed by train from St Germans and Hayle. This seascape was a lovely walk from Charlestown harbour, served hourly by the number 30 bus from St Austell station. Charlestown is a charming village, much used by television companies for historical dramas. There’s a wonderful Shipwreck Museum, an elegant church, a super beach with rock pools, plus plenty of cafes and a pub. The beach photos are of Porthpean, less than a mile from Charlestown, which is very popular for water sports.

30/05/2024

Please share - there’s a last minute opportunity to come for a Railholiday break. And the weather looks good! Due to a cancellation Millpool has suddenly become available from tomorrow, Friday 31st May. This carriage, which is perfect for couples and fully accessible, is being offered for three days at our pro rata weekly rate £375, a saving of £75. There is a further £50 off if you live in Cornwall or Devon, or come by train. Millpool has stunning views, and would make a perfect place to stay while exploring the locations used in Beyond Paradise. For more information and online booking please visit our website Railholiday.co.uk, or call me, Lizzy, on 07776 261192.

30/05/2024

Some photos from our wonderful village May Tree Fair this weekend. Firstly fun and games at the rec, followed by a procession through the village, stopping in the priory to have the tree blessed, then bands until late into the evening, including the talented Kate and Sophie from Livewire Youth Music. Great fun was had by all. The Railholiday team were as usual in the heart of the action. Nic was first aider and steward, I, Lizzy, made the tug of war trophies & coordinated the tree decoration (thank you Kirsty, Beulah, Paula and all who helped.) However it was Dave who really put in the the hours; he’s been treasurer for many years, but this year has been busier than ever. He sorted the generator (including collection and return), organised the Railholiday sponsored accessible portaloo, the hot dog stall, the putting up the marquees and taking them down, the raffle prizes and much more. I’d like to say he’s now taking a well earned rest, but there’s rather too much work to do for that! Thanks to everyone else involved in this wonderful community event.

25/05/2024

New boat ferry from Saltash to Royal William yard is a welcome addition to the public transport portfolio.

Take to the Water in Plymouth Set sail with Plymouth Boat Trips, the South West’s premier cruising and ferry company. From sight-seeing cruises, private charters and party nights to connecting ferries – there’s something for everyone. Download our brochure

22/05/2024

A photo bomb from our work at Hayle yesterday. Dave continued the painting while I enjoyed my favourite occupation of playing in the garden. The interesting plant is a broomrake and is parasitic on ivy. We deliberately manage the garden for optimum ecological benefit, so it was lovely to hear a nest of chicks squealing like rusty hinges from thick ivy and to spot a dunnock singing in the escalonia hedge. Only butterfly was an orange tip, but plenty of bumble and honey bees. The Bachmann carriage was a kind gift from guests.

22/05/2024

12/05/2024

11/05/2024

“We are all of us in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars” Oscar Wilde.
We had a fabulous view of the aurora borealis last night from above our woods in St Germans last night. And more tonight if the sky is clear!

09/05/2024

Looking forward to the Bank Holiday weekend? 🌞
Whether you're a local or visiting Cornwall for the first time, make the most of your time with Access Cornwall! Dive into our website, https://accesscornwall.org.uk/, to explore comprehensive accessibility information on venues throughout Cornwall. From stunning beaches to historic landmarks, we've got you covered. Let's ensure everyone can enjoy the beauty of Cornwall without barriers.

Photo description: A photograph of Jubilee pool, an outdoor swimming pool in Penzance. Behind the pool there is the sea and coastline of Newlyn.

06/05/2024

Have you see the great offers starting to filter through for the inaugural On The Water week next month?

From kayaking to paddle boarding, seal-spotting to round-the-island trips... & even the unique water sport of E-Foiling.

With sponsorship from Black Dog Marine - On The Water is a week-long celebration & promotion of the fantastic array of water sports, boat & fishing trips around our coastline, harbours & river.

Learn More At: https://welcometolooe.com/activity/on-the-water-looe-polperro/

E-Foil Cornwall Sea ExplorersLooe Sea Safari Black Dog Marine Talland Bay Beach Cafe Looe Rowing Club Looe Self Drive Boat Hire

04/05/2024

One side of Harvey painted! We have guests in this week, so will back to work in earnest next week. www.railholiday.co.uk/harvey.htm

04/05/2024

Discover a magazine created by young people with Special Educational Needs and / or Disabilities for inclusive employers in Cornwall. Funded by Cornwall & Isles of Scilly Careers Hub

29/04/2024

Meet who runs yoga sessions on Hayle beach, followed by a swim in the sea and drinks at Cove Cafe every Thursday morning at 9.30am, plus three Sundays a month. All are welcome; the perfect treat while on holiday in our railway carriage Harvey of Hayle.

If yoga isn’t your thing, then a stroll on the beach is essential while staying in Hayle. Three miles of golden sand, with coffee stops en-route. Holiday bliss. 💕

26/04/2024

We have native bluebells in our woods. They're a little later than the Spanish ones and are just coming into flower now.

Can you tell the difference between a native and a Spanish bluebell? Don't worry, we're here to help! 💙

Native bluebells have...
👉 Narrow leaves, about 1-1.5cm wide
👉 Deep violet-blue (sometimes white), narrow, tubular-bell flowers, with tips that curl back
👉 Flowers on one side of the stem
👉 Distinctly drooping stems
👉 A sweet scent
👉 Cream-coloured pollen inside

Spanish bluebells have...
👉 Broad leaves, about 3cm wide
👉 Pale blue (often white or pink), conical-bell flowers, with spreading and open tips
👉 Flowers all around the stem
👉 Upright stems
👉 No scent
👉 blue- or pale green-coloured pollen inside

Follow our guide 👉 https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/wildlife/how-identify/spanish-or-native-bluebell

25/04/2024

As our 1950s carriage Harvey of Hayle is empty at the moment we’ve decided we’d take the opportunity to give it a lick of paint (and as it’s a Mk1 carriage, a small ton of filler too). While Dave’s been busy sanding I’ve been distracted taking photos of flowers, listening to the birds and making a foraged salad from Alexander’s, three cornered leek and sorrel. Accompanied of course by homegrown pickled walnuts in cider vinegar. No pasties today! Believe it or not, the cerise pink flowers are apple blossom; it’s a Cornish variety called Pendraggon, grafted by Dad. The flesh of the apples it produces is a deep purplish red right through to the core.
#1950

24/04/2024

Left to its own devices a lawn will host all sorts of lovely spring flowers. This is some long grass in the Old Luggage Van garden, which is full of dandelions, forget-me-nots, cat’s ear, hawk bits and daisies. We let lots of grass patches grow long, so our garden teams with wildlife. Why not experiment with no mow May and see what happens when you leave your lawn to its own devices? But be warned; you may find yourself, like me, getting continually distracted by watching passing butterflies and bees! I guess that’s less mowing, more moseying…