A striking statue of the Mermaid of Zennor has been unveiled at St Ives station, as Great Western Railway (GWR) invites families to discover the landscapes behind the South West’s most captivating legends.

The mermaid’s tale, of a local man lured by a mysterious sea creature, features in Great Western Railway’s newly refreshed story collection, The Line to Legend Land.

Released during English Tourism Week, the campaign encourages visitors to turn myth into adventure by exploring the region firsthand.

Originally published over a century ago, the updated collection brings together 11 traditional stories from the South West and Wales. It includes a new introduction and an original tale by acclaimed author Michael Morpurgo, designed to spark young imaginations.

The unveiling was attended by cultural figures, including Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery’s collections manager, with a new myths and legends exhibition set to open later this month.

The initiative also supports Farms for City Children, founded by Morpurgo and his wife, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. The charity has long connected young people with rural life across the very landscapes that inspired these stories.

To keep the magic alive, GWR is donating books to 500 primary schools, ensuring these timeless tales continue to inspire future generations.

“Cornwall’s legends, including the Mermaid of Zennor, are linked inseparably with the landscape we know and love. Such fireside stories have been passed down through the generations and form part of Cornwall’s strong regional identity – we explore all of this in the brand-new exhibition, Cornish Myths & Legends, which opens on 31^st March.

“The resurgence of interest in folk traditions reflects the joy of reconnecting with nature and the seasons, of going on adventurous quests, and of feeding your curiosity and sense of wonder. So, grab your copy of The Line to Legend Land, jump on a train to Truro, and come and see the exhibition for yourself! We’re running a free family trail during the Easter holidays too for truly legendary days out.”

 Jeni Woolcock, collections manager at the Cornwall Museum and Art Gallery.