Lappa Valley to mark 200 years of train travel with Weekend Gala

Cornish attraction Lappa Valley will mark a major milestone in railway history this weekend as it takes part in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, commemorating 200 years since the dawn of train travel.

The popular family attraction near St Newlyn East will host a packed programme of events this Saturday and Sunday (June 14th and 15th), featuring a full line-up of steam and diesel locomotives, visiting engines, and rare running formations across all three of its railways.

Following last year’s 50th-anniversary gala, which saw record attendance and the largest gathering of Lappa’s fleet to date, the team is preparing to deliver another iconic event - this time in honour of two centuries of the railway.

Operations Director Ben Harding said: “Now, with the Railway 200 celebration, the entire team is absolutely thrilled to bring back that same sense of wonder and celebration. Months of preparation are paying off, and we can’t wait to welcome guests to another extraordinary weekend.”

Highlights of the weekend will include parallel runs, double and triple-headed trains, non-stop services, and top-and-tailed operations. Visitors will also be able to enjoy special appearances by 7.25″ steam engines Kilgarragh and Tazmin, alongside Lappa Valley’s own fleet—favourites such as Zebedee, Muffin, and Ellie, plus diesel locomotives City of Derby and City of Truro.

Static displays, miniature traction engines, and family-friendly heritage exhibits will also feature throughout the site.

The event is part of the UK-wide Railway 200 programme marking 200 years since the Stockton & Darlington Railway launched the world’s first public railway to use steam locomotives.

Full details, opening times and tickets can be found on the Lappa Valley website.