Our Line

The South Devon Railway recreates the golden days of travel between the 1930s and 1960s as it takes you on a trip back in time on a traditional Great Western Railway branch line running from Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside.

The branch was opened on 1st May 1872. Unfortunately the line never made a profit and had a quiet life, mainly being used for goods traffic, such as coal, wool, cider and agricultural goods, and serving the local population. In November 1958, the line closed to passengers, freight continuing until 1962.

A group of businessmen announced their intention to run the line, to be named the Dart Valley Railway, as a tourist line and in 1965 the first rolling stock arrived. Services between Buckfastleigh and Totnes started in 1969. In 1971, the line from Buckfastleigh to Ashburton was lost to the widening of the A38.

In 1991, the line was taken over by a registered charity, the South Devon Railway Trust and renamed the South Devon Railway.

Buckfastleigh

With the backdrop of Dartmoor and beautiful Devon hills, Buckfastleigh is our headquarters and, with ample free parking, is where most people start their journey on our line.

It is the home of our museum, historic steam and diesel locomotives and rolling stock, there is lots to see and do with a children’s play area, award winning gardens, riverside walks, a picnic area, as well as our Refreshment Rooms and Gift & Model Shop with its working model railway. Dartmoor Otters & Buckfast Butterflies are also at based Buckfastleigh station adjacent to our car park.

Staverton

The train pauses at Staverton, a delightful country station, which has remained largely unchanged for 100 years, taking you back to halcyon days when life was slower and quieter.

It is typical small wayside station that served the nearby village as well as the adjoining mill and local farms, some of which used to produce Devon cider. If you have time, stop off here and take a walk and enjoy this tranquil spot and its 15th century river bridge.

Totnes Riverside

Totnes is one of Devon’s most visited towns with a great choice of places to visit, interesting shops and historic buildings including the Guild Hall and Totnes Castle.

Totnes Riverside is our southern terminus, what you see today has been built up from buildings rescued from all over the West Country. Where our station is now was originally a green field, branch line trains used to run into the main line station during GWR and British Railways days.

A Virtual Journey on the South Devon Railway