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Today, you can still travel into Cornwall by steam, though at a more leisurely pace, with The Railway Touring Company. Though not heading to Penzance as the famous Cornish Riviera Express did, ‘The Royal Duchy’ takes a scenic route from Bristol with the added excitement of a run along the sea wall at Dawlish.
Heading into Cornwall via Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar, ‘The Royal Duchy’ steams through magnificent Cornish countryside to Par, where there is a choice of visiting picturesque seaside town Fowey or harbour village Charlestown. Dates are Sundays, July 28, August 18 and September 1.
Summer steam, scenic routes and seaside fun
‘The Royal Duchy’ is one of a wide choice of mainline steam excursions from The Railway Touring Company. Around 80 departures each year include: summer steam to seaside resorts Bournemouth, Minehead and Weymouth; visits to historic cities, such as Chester and York; and dramatic routes, including the Settle and Carlisle Line and the North Wales Coast.
In another nod to railway history, The Railway Touring Company’s ‘End of Southern Steam’ train runs from London Victoria to Weymouth on July 9 stopping at the Yeovil Railway Centre where the locomotive will be serviced.
Best Small Travel Company for Rail Holidays
Named ‘Best Small Travel Company for Rail Holidays’ at the 2023 British Travel Awards, The Railway Touring Company also offers rail themed holidays. Itineraries packed with heritage rail interest, many with steam, travel through England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Alsace, Austria, Germany, Norway, Poland and Switzerland. Further afield, their rail adventures explore Canada, Colorado & the Rocky Mountains, India and Sri Lanka.
