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The Railway Touring Company · Rail day excursion

The Mazey Day Cornishman

One-day diesel train excursion from the Midlands to Penzance for Mazey Day festival

Illustration of The Mazey Day Cornishman

The Railway Touring Company's Mazey Day Cornishman is a one-day rail excursion from the West Midlands to Penzance in Cornwall, timed to arrive for Mazey Day, the centrepiece of Penzance's annual midsummer Golowan Festival. The 300-mile journey departs early from Dorridge with stops at Birmingham New Street, Bristol Temple Meads and Exeter, then follows the scenic Dawlish Sea Wall beside the English Channel through Devon, crosses Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall, and passes views of historic tin mining engine houses before arrival in Penzance. Passengers step directly into the street festivities of Mazey Day, with traditional parades, large wicker models crafted by the community, live music, dancing, and food and craft stalls filling the town. The train is diesel-hauled by two Class 37 locomotives, harking back to the steam era of British rail. Four service tiers are offered, from Standard reserved seating to Premier, which includes a full English breakfast and a four-course dinner freshly prepared on board and served at your seat. This trip suits repeat rail travellers attracted to heritage locomotives, food and wine enthusiasts seeking on-board dining, and first-time rail passengers looking for a self-contained day out.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure confirmed: June 2026. Confirm availability before planning.
  • This is a single-day excursion; passengers must organise their own return transport from Penzance or arrange overnight accommodation if staying longer.

Day by day

  1. Day 1rail

    Dorridge to Penzance via the Dawlish Sea Wall and Cornwall for Mazey Day

    Diesel-hauled by two Class 37 locomotives, the train leaves Dorridge early morning, picks up at Birmingham New Street, Worcestershire Parkway, Cheltenham, Cam & Dursley, Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads, then runs via the Somerset Levels and Whiteball Summit to Exeter, along the Exe estuary and the Dawlish Sea Wall through Teignmouth, over Dainton Bank and the South Devon incline via Totnes to Plymouth, crosses the Tamar on the Royal Albert Bridge into Cornwall, calls at Par, Truro and St Erth, and passes St Michael's Mount at Marazion before arriving at Penzance around lunchtime for the Mazey Day festivities. The train returns to Dorridge by the outward route in the evening.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1The train runs along the Dawlish Sea Wall beside the English Channel, a famous coastal railway section through Devon
  • Day 1Crossing Brunel's Royal Albert Bridge over the Tamar River marks entry into Cornwall
  • Day 1Arrival in Penzance for Mazey Day festivities, including parades, wicker models and street entertainment of the Golowan Festival

Questions travellers ask

Which trains are used?
The Mazey Day Cornishman, a diesel-hauled train pulled by two Class 37 locomotives.
What is included in the ticket price?
Reserved seating and rail travel from the Midlands to Penzance. Four tiers are available: Standard (reserved seat at table for four), Standard First Non-Dining (First Class reserved seat only), First (morning tea and breakfast items, afternoon tea and scone), and Premier (full English breakfast and four-course dinner prepared on board).
Where can I board?
Boarding points include Dorridge, Birmingham New Street, Worcester Parkway, Cheltenham Spa, Cam and Dursley, Bristol Parkway and Bristol Temple Meads.
What happens in Penzance?
Passengers arrive for Mazey Day, the centrepiece of Penzance's midsummer Golowan Festival, featuring parades, community-created wicker models, street entertainment, live music, dancing and food and craft stalls.
Are there optional extras?
A guaranteed table for two is available as an optional extra in Premier Dining or First Class service.

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