20/06/2026
On this day 150 years ago (20th June 1876), the Cornwall Minerals Railway introduced the passenger railway service from Fowey to Newquay, ushering in a new era for the town and bringing a steady influx of visitors. In 1877 the line was leased to the Great Western Railway, which greatly promoted and helped establish the town as one of Cornwall’s leading seaside resorts. 🚂
In 1892, the Great Western Railway completed a new connection at Par following the gauge conversion, giving Newquay a direct link to the main line and allowing through travel to major stations such as London Paddington. The growing tourist trade soon created a demand for quality hotel accommodation, leading to plans for what would become the Great Western Hotel in 1879.
Many thanks to William Emmett for another excellent write-up.
Find out more about the history of Newquay’s railway from the Stories from the Station project: https://newquaymuseum.org/projects/stories-from-the-station/
