South Devon Railway

About

The South Devon Railway is looking forward to welcoming visitors for a ride on their 1960s ‘Bubblecar’ diesel railcar between Buckfastleigh and Staverton this half term from 15th to 23rd February. (They are undertaking winter maintenance between Staverton and Totnes Riverside). The Bubblecar, of the type that was used on branch lines from the end of steam in the sixties right up until the eighties and nineties, offers a fantastic way to see the line, with excellent all round vision – you can even see the driver at work! And with no leaves on the trees, this time of year is a terrific time to see river Dart in full flow, which the railway follows for almost the whole length of your journey. There’s plenty to see at Buckfastleigh too.

In the meantime, the main season gets underway with a big spring steam gala over the weekend of 14/15th March.

The South Devon Railway is a branch line of the former Great Western Railway. Gleaming, historic GWR steam engines haul trains full of enthralled passengers of all ages on a round trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. The line passes through some of Devon's most beautiful countryside, hugging the river Dart for almost all of your journey - and through countryside rich in wildlife, barely any of which is visible from the road.

At Buckfastleigh, there is a riverside walk and picnic area, play area, gardens, a fascinating museum, our workshop and historic steam and diesel engines as well as our well stocked shop and refreshment rooms. Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies is adjacent to Buckfastleigh station and you can buy joint tickets for both attractions. Down the line you'll discover sleepy Staverton, where time really has stood still, and on to historic Totnes. The station there has been rebuilt from buildings and artefacts rescued from all over the west country and is well worth a visit. While you are there, visit the award winning Totnes Rare Breeds Farm, right next door to the station. Joint tickets can be bought. We're also a short walk from the town and main line station.

There is plenty of free parking at Buckfastleigh station.