Par (Railway Station)

Par Railway Station is a significant transport hub in the county of Cornwall, located just a few kilometres from the town of St Austell. The station serves as a key transfer point for travellers heading to the popular resort of Newquay along the scenic Atlantic Coast Line. Despite its modest size, the station retains a historical charm and plays a vital role in the region's railway connectivity.

It is important for passengers to know that the station has three platforms. Platform 1 serves trains heading towards Penzance, Platform 2 serves trains towards London and Plymouth, and Platform 3 is dedicated to trains on the Newquay branch line. Transfer between platforms is via a footbridge, so if you have heavy luggage, please manage your energy accordingly. Information boards are installed at the station to help navigate the schedule.

• Official Website: It is recommended to use the National Rail website or the operator GWR (Great Western Railway) to check the current schedule.
• Helpline: National Rail Enquiries general line (usually 03457 48 49 50 for the UK).
• Address: Eastcliffe Road, Par, Cornwall, PL24 2LT, United Kingdom.
• Ticket Office Hours: Usually open in the morning (Mon-Fri from 07:15 to 13:30, Sat from 07:30 to 12:30); at other times, it is self-service.
• Luggage Storage: Not available at the station.
• Accessibility: Step-free access is available to Platform 1; access to Platforms 2 and 3 may be limited for wheelchairs without staff assistance (it is recommended to book assistance in advance).

Getting to Par station from the centre of St Austell or surrounding villages is quite easy. The station is located in the village of Par, approximately 6 kilometres east of St Austell.

Public Transport: Regular bus routes (for example, by First Kernow) connect the station with the centre of St Austell and neighbouring towns such as Fowey. The stop is located in the immediate vicinity of the station exit. The bus journey takes about 15–20 minutes.

Taxi and Car: A taxi ride from St Austell will take about 10–12 minutes. There is a small car park at the station, which is convenient for those planning to leave their car and continue their journey by train.

On Foot: If you are in the village of Par itself, it is easy to walk to the station. However, walking from St Austell is not recommended due to the distance and the lack of direct pedestrian paths along the main road.

Par station provides a basic set of services necessary for waiting for a train comfortably. During operating hours, a ticket office is open where you can get advice from a staff member. At other times, passengers can use ticket vending machines that accept cards.

Covered areas on the platforms and a small waiting room are provided for waiting. The station has toilets (usually open during staff working hours). Passengers can use free Wi-Fi (GWR network) to stay connected. Please note that there are no ATMs or full-service currency exchange points at the station itself, so it is better to withdraw cash in advance.

Regarding dining, Par station offers modest but convenient options. Directly at the station or next to it, a small cafe often operates where you can buy hot coffee, tea, sandwiches, and homemade pastries. This is a great place for a quick snack before the journey. The average price here is quite reasonable.

If you have 30–40 minutes to spare, you can take a walk to the nearby streets of Par village, where traditional British eateries and shops of the convenience store format are located. There you can purchase snacks, water, and groceries for the road. There are no 24-hour restaurants in the immediate vicinity of the platforms.

The history of Par station dates back to the mid-19th century. It was opened on 4 May 1859 by the Cornwall Railway and has played an important role in the life of the region ever since. Initially, the station was strategically important not only for passenger transport but also for the transportation of minerals, particularly kaolin (china clay), the mining of which flourished in the vicinity of St Austell.

The architecture of the station has preserved features of the Victorian era. An important stage was the transformation of the station into a junction point for the Newquay branch, which made Par the gateway to the popular beaches of the north coast. Despite the modernisation of tracks and signalling systems, the station remains a monument to Cornwall's industrial history.

When planning a trip through Par station, it is recommended to arrive at the station 15–20 minutes before the train departs, especially if you need to buy a ticket from a machine or cross to a distant platform via the bridge.

Transfers: If you are travelling to Newquay, watch the information boards carefully: trains to this branch depart from a separate platform (usually No. 3). You should allow extra time for the transfer, as trains on branch lines may run less frequently.

Safety and Luggage: Do not leave your belongings unattended. In the evening, the station may be quiet, so keep to well-lit areas. If you are travelling late in the evening, check the schedule of the last bus or taxi in advance, as night transport in this area is limited.