The railway follows the original route of the Helston branch line, which first opened to traffic in 1887.
The line was originally closed to passengers in 1962 and saw its final freight traffic in 1964.
Volunteers have cleared over a mile of heavily overgrown trackbed to make the current route operational.
The railway features a dedicated restoration shed where visitors can often see vintage rolling stock undergoing structural repairs.
Truthall Halt is a reconstructed station platform that serves as a key stop on the current line.
Helston Railway is a volunteer-led heritage restoration project situated on the trackbed of the former GWR branch line to Helston. The line currently runs for approximately 1.5 miles through the wooded Cober Valley, offering views of Cornish countryside inaccessible by road. Passengers travel in restored vintage carriages hauled by historic steam or diesel locomotives. The site includes the restored Prospidnick Halt and Truthall Halt, featuring authentic Victorian railway infrastructure. The project is actively working toward restoring additional track sections to extend the line's operational length. The site operates as a working railway museum where visitors can observe restoration techniques in progress.
The platform at Truthall Halt during the arrival of a steam locomotive.
Check the official website for current operational status before traveling, as services are subject to volunteer availability.
Bring sturdy footwear, as the station platforms and surrounding areas are gravel or earth-based.
Combine your trip with a walk in the adjacent Cober Valley woodlands.
Do not expect a full-scale commercial railway experience; this is an ongoing, volunteer-driven restoration site.
Operates primarily on a seasonal basis, typically from spring through autumn, with limited service days often restricted to weekends and specific school holidays.
Dress appropriately for outdoor weather conditions and respect safety barriers near active tracks.
