The Man Engine visits the Tamar Valley

The Man Engine – a giant mechanical puppet, taller than two double decker buses – will be visiting the Tamar Valley on Monday 25th July. It’s easy to get there and see it by train.

From Plymouth, catch the 10.54 to Gunnislake on the scenic Tamar Valley Line (arrives 11.40). The Off-Peak Day Return fare is just £5.60 for adults (and seeing the giant itself is free). From Gunnislake station it’s a five-minute walk to the Tamar Valley Centre (see map).

Bring a picnic to eat in the grounds of the Centre, and learn more about the history of Drakewalls mine. Then at 12.30 the big moment comes with a procession and ceremony. The event will be one of the first glimpses of the Man Engine, which will be touring Cornwall for a fortnight as part of the Cornwall Mining Landscape World Heritage Site’s ‘Tinth’ anniversary.

“It’s the largest mechanical puppet ever to be built in Britain: a colossal metal Cornish Miner, part man, part machine”

The journey home
Trains back depart Gunnislake at 13.45 and 15.45. Why not break the journey – which is allowed with your train ticket – by getting off at Calstock to enjoy a riverside walk?

Find out more
Find out more about The Man Engine and its Cornish tour. For event details, call the Tamar Valley AONB team on 01822 835030 or email info@tamarvalley.org.uk.

More to Explore

Walks from the railway

Rail Ale Trails

Foodie Guides

Beaches by train