Bodmin and Wenford Railway Station

The station at Bodmin and Wenford is one of those places that appeals mainly to heritage railway enthusiasts and serious train spotters - and fair play to them, because the restored Victorian platform and signal box are genuinely well-maintained. You're looking at a working heritage line that runs vintage steam and diesel trains on seasonal weekends, mostly through the Cornish countryside toward Bodmin Parkway.

What you actually do here depends entirely on whether you've booked a ticket for a journey. If you have, expect a nostalgic rattle through proper countryside with period-appropriate rolling stock and staff in uniform who take the whole thing seriously. If you're just passing through Bodmin and fancy a gawp at the platforms and old buildings, that's free, though there's not masses to occupy you for more than twenty minutes unless the trains are running.

It's worth factoring in if you're camping nearby - Mena Farm is only just over three miles away, and if your kids are into railways at all, a heritage journey beats another afternoon at the campsite. Adults who fancy something a bit different will appreciate the effort that's gone into restoration, even if you don't board anything.

Bodmin itself is worth a proper explore, and the station sits conveniently on the edge of town. Avoid school holidays unless you're after crowds; quieter weekends in spring and autumn tend to run smoother trains anyway. Allow a couple of hours if you're combining it with a journey, half an hour if you're just stopping by.