Timetables Released for Lappa Valley’s Grand Gala Weekend

Click here to read our announcement of the visiting locomotives

The weekend is set to be one of the biggest celebrations in our history, with visiting steam locomotives operating on our 15-inch gauge Main Railway for the very first time, alongside a record five steam locomotives in action across the site.

Joining us for the weekend is Mr. Hallworth, visiting from Perrygrove Railway Adventure in Gloucestershire. Named in memory of Tony Hallworth from Wadebridge, the locomotive honours a man who inspired generations of railway volunteers through his work across the heritage railway movement, including at Bodmin Railway. For us, the visit represents a very special homecoming to Cornwall.

Also visiting is Spirit of Adventure, the largest 15-inch gauge Exmoor-built tank engine ever constructed. Appearing courtesy of Perrygrove Railway Adventure and Michael Crofts, the locomotive is considerably larger than our own Exmoor engine Ellie, with a cab large enough for the driver to stand inside – making it an impressive sight in steam.

The visiting locomotives will join our home fleet of Zebedee, Muffin, Ellie, City of Truro and Arthur for a packed weekend of intensive services and special events across the railway.

Following lots of anticipation from enthusiasts and families alike, visitors can now see exactly what’s planned across the weekend – including the return of some favourite Gala traditions, alongside brand-new experiences for 2026.

Highlights Across the Weekend Include:

• Double-headed steam trains
• The return of our ever-popular parallel runs and train races
• Special runs featuring our home locomotives versus the visiting engines on Saturday
• A special non-stop finale service on Saturday evening behind all five steam locomotives at once
• A one-off passenger service hauled by Little Arthur on Saturday
• The return of visiting locomotive Kilgharrah on the Lakeside Railway
• A spectacular Sunday Grand Finale featuring the longest train of the year

Saturday Evening “Whistle-Up”

At the end of the day on Saturday, visitors will also be able to enjoy a special “Whistle-Up” finale at Benny Halt.

All of the steam locomotives will line up between the locomotive shed and coal pile before sounding their whistles together to bring the day to a memorable close.

Arthur’s Passenger Service

Another unique part of the weekend will see Little Arthur, our Lister Works locomotive, operate a special one-off passenger service on Saturday.

Arthur does not normally haul passenger trains, making this a particularly rare opportunity, with spaces expected to be very limited.

Sunday Grand Finale

The celebrations will continue into Sunday, culminating in a spectacular Grand Finale featuring all available locomotives taking a final bow in front of cheering crowds.

The service will also feature the longest train of the year, using every available carriage for one final journey around the Main Railway.

Elsewhere Across the Park

Elsewhere across the site, visiting steam locomotive Kilgharrah will return to our 7¼-inch gauge Lakeside Railway, operating regular on-demand services throughout the weekend.

It is also hoped that Duke of Cornwall, freshly repainted into its striking Cornwall Air Ambulance livery, will make a special appearance operating a limited number of services on the Newlyn Downs Branch Line.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy miniature traction engines on display, alongside all the family fun that makes a visit to Lappa Valley so special.

As always at Lappa Valley, admission includes unlimited rides on all railways, alongside access to our indoor and outdoor play areas, adventure golf, boating lake and more.

We’d strongly recommend pre-booking tickets online ahead of the weekend.