See the best parts of Devon from the comfort of a steam train, a tram or a remarkable Victorian funicular
Seaton Tramway
Since the 1970s Seaton Tramway has operated narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon’s glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life. They are a colourful sight as they beetle along the three miles of track. The attraction holds plenty of special events and you can even book up for a tram driving experience.
Lynton & Lynmouth cliff railway
The Lynton and Lynmouth funicular Cliff Railway opened in 1890 and is the highest and the steepest totally water powered railway in the world. You have to take your hat off to the Victorian engineers who created the 862ft of steep track linking the two towns and employing renewable and sustainable power (water) to operate it. Don;t miss the cafe at the top for meals with the most incredible views.
Woody Bay
Woody Bay Station near Parracombe in North Devon is the highest railway station in southern England at 964 feet above sea level.You can ride in the original Victorian coaches pulled by stesm locomotives along two miles of the narrow guage railway - once part of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway which opened 125 years ago - sadly closing in 1935. It's a great day out and children under 14 go free.
South Devon Railway
The SDR is a seven mile former Great Western Railway branch line, built in 1872, which runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. The railway runs steam trains with heritage rolling stock and offers a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages.Special events this summer inckude a 1940s weekend in July and a Summer Rails and Ales beer festival in August.
Pecorama
The Beer Heights Light Railway at Pecorama is one of the finest 7¼ inch gauge railways in Britain, with beautiful views from the hillside above Beer in East Devon across Lyme Bay and along the Jurassic coast. The line is a complex, convoluted circuit one mile in length, with passenger trains starting and finishing at the terminus of Much Natter Station. There are several charming yet powerful little steam engines - and if you go on a driver experience day you'll get a chance to drive one.
Okehampton
There are many places of interest in Devon that can be reached by train, and the most recent is Okehampton on Dartmoor following the reopening of the line from Exeter, which closed to regular passenger services in 1972. Grab a coffee or a bite to eat at Okehampton station's cafe The Bulleid Buffet before walking out onto the moor or hiring bikes to ride on the Granite Way, which crosses the impressive Meldon Reservoir.
