Helston Railway is a heritage railway in south Cornwall that is gradually restoring a section of the former Great Western Railway branch line between Helston and Gwinear Road.
Today the railway is operated by volunteers and offers visitors the chance to experience traditional railway travel while also seeing an important piece of Cornwall’s transport history being brought back to life.
The line currently runs between Prospidnick and Truthall Halt, with ongoing work to extend the railway further along the original route.
Helston Railway Timeline
1887 – The Helston Branch Opens
The Great Western Railway opens the branch line between Helston and Gwinear Road, connecting the town with the main railway network. Passenger and goods trains serve the local community and surrounding industries.
Early 20th Century – A Busy Rural Branch
For many decades the railway carries passengers, agricultural produce and other goods. The branch becomes an important transport link for Helston and the surrounding area.
1962 – Passenger Services End
Like many rural railways across Britain, passenger numbers decline as road transport becomes more popular. Passenger services on the Helston branch are withdrawn.
1964 – The Line Closes
The branch line is closed completely and the track is lifted shortly afterwards, ending more than 75 years of railway operation.
Late 20th Century – Preservation Begins
Local enthusiasts begin working to preserve part of the former railway. The Helston Railway Preservation Company is formed with the aim of restoring a section of the historic branch.
2000s – Track Restoration Starts
Volunteers begin clearing the old trackbed and relaying track along part of the former route. Infrastructure including bridges, track and stations gradually begins to return.
Truthall Halt Rebuilt
The historic Truthall Halt station is rebuilt by volunteers, recreating the atmosphere of the original branch line and providing a destination for passenger trains.
First Passenger Trains
Heritage trains begin running again on the restored section of line, marking an important milestone in the railway’s restoration.
Today – A Growing Heritage Railway
Helston Railway now operates heritage trains between Prospidnick and Truthall Halt, with volunteers continuing to restore track, rolling stock and infrastructure.
The long-term goal is to extend the railway further along the original route and preserve the history of the Helston branch for future generations.
The Original Railway
The Helston branch line opened in 1887, connecting the town of Helston with the main line at Gwinear Road. Built by the Great Western Railway, the branch served both passengers and local industry.
For many years the railway played an important role in the life of the town and surrounding area. Trains carried passengers travelling to and from the main line, as well as goods including agricultural produce and supplies for local businesses.
Like many rural branch lines across Britain, however, passenger numbers declined in the mid-20th century as road transport became more popular.
Passenger services on the line ended in 1962, and the railway was completely closed shortly afterwards.
Preservation and Restoration
Decades later, local enthusiasts began working to preserve part of the route and restore it as a heritage railway.
The Helston Railway Preservation Company was formed with the aim of rebuilding the railway and sharing its history with visitors. Volunteers began clearing the old trackbed, restoring infrastructure and gradually relaying the line.
One of the key milestones in the restoration was the rebuilding of Truthall Halt, a small country station on the original route. Today it forms one end of the current running line and gives visitors a glimpse of what travel on the branch would have been like in the past.
The project continues to grow as more track is restored and additional facilities are developed.
Helston Railway Today
Today Helston Railway offers visitors a short but atmospheric journey through the Cornish countryside using heritage rolling stock.
The railway is run almost entirely by volunteers who maintain the track, restore historic vehicles and operate trains on open days and special events.
As restoration continues, the long-term aim is to extend the railway further along the original route and continue preserving the history of the Helston branch for future generations.
