Plym Valley Railway

Plym Valley Railway is a small volunteer-run heritage railway on the eastern edge of Plymouth, in Plympton, Devon. Its short standard-gauge line follows part of a route that once carried ordinary passengers and freight, and today it offers a relaxed, nostalgic ride for families, rail enthusiasts and photographers.

What is the Plym Valley Railway?

It is a heritage line of roughly 1.9 km (about 1 mile 14 chains), laid on a surviving stretch of the former South Devon and Tavistock Railway. That company built a branch which later became part of the Great Western Railway network, connecting Plymouth with Tavistock. The branch opened in 1859 and shut in 1962, after which the track bed lay unused for years.

How did it come back to life?

The preservation project was founded in 1980 by people who wanted to save a piece of the old Plymouth to Tavistock route. Progress was gradual and relied on volunteer labour. Heritage trains first ran in 2001, when the opening section from Marsh Mills towards World's End was completed. A longer section to Lee Moor Crossing followed in 2008, and in late December 2012 Plym Bridge Platform opened to visitors, extending the journey further up the valley.

Where does it start?

The railway is based at Marsh Mills, where you will find the locomotive shed and the workshop. From there trains head north along the Plym Valley, a green corridor that feels surprisingly rural despite being so close to the city. The setting is part of the appeal: a short trip through wooded scenery on a line with real branch-line history.

When does it run?

Trains usually operate on Sundays. Besides the regular timetable, the calendar includes steam galas, dining trains, photographic charters and seasonal Santa Specials. Because the timetable changes from year to year, check the railway's official website before you travel.

Who runs it?

The whole operation depends on volunteers. People work in many areas, from driving and firing to maintenance, station duties and fundraising. The railway regularly looks for new helpers, so if you enjoy hands-on projects, this can be more than a day out.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Plym Valley Railway a full-length journey to Tavistock?

No. Only a short part of the original line has been restored. The old route to Tavistock was much longer, and most of it is no longer a railway.

When did the original line close?

The original branch closed in 1962, after more than a century of service from its opening in 1859.

When did heritage trains start?

The first heritage trains ran in 2001, after many years of volunteer restoration work.

Is it suitable for children?

Yes. A short train ride, a working railway site and special event days such as Santa Specials make it an easy choice for families, though you should confirm event details in advance.

Can I take photographs?

Railway photography is part of the culture here, and the railway organises photographic charters for enthusiasts who want dedicated time with the trains.

What is the best time to visit?

Choose a running Sunday or a themed event day. Steam galas draw the biggest crowds, while an ordinary operating day is usually calmer and good for a quiet ride along the valley.

Why visit?

The line combines local history, volunteer enthusiasm and a pleasant landscape close to Plymouth. It is a modest railway rather than a grand tourist attraction, and that is exactly its charm: a living reminder of the branch line that once connected the city with Tavistock, kept running by people who care about it.