South Devon Railway

Don’t forget our cafe is back up and running after it’s refurbishment, our gift and model shop is also open. They are both open 10-4:30 everyday this week.

Good Morning Check out our timetable for today and this week.
Don’t forget our Refreshment Rooms and our Gift and Model shop at Buckfastleigh are open every day.
... Have a great day!
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Our three car Auto Train will be running Monday to Sunday this week.
Don’t worry if you can’t make it, we’ll be running it again over our 50th Anniversary Gala from the the 6th - 14th April.

As well as the SDR celebrating it’s 50th anniversary so is Colin, one of our dedicated volunteers. Colin started volunteering on our railway 50 years ago today and in this time has achieved so much including becoming a driver and fireman! A big thank you from everyone at the SDR!

Good morning and good luck to everyone taking part in the Beat the Train run this morning.
The special Jolly Running Express train is prepped and ready to go with a train full of spectators hoping to catch a glimpse of their family and friends’ running as the train makes its journey Jolly Running Please note this special train is sold out.

HURRAY schools out and the holidays have begun!
Remember that during Half Term we are running steam trains every day. (16-24 February) Tickets can be booked in advance or purchased on arrival from our Booking Offices. https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/timet able/

Check out our timetable for today and tomorrows services.
Remember our standard return tickets are hop on, hop off so you can make the most of your visit. Have a great day!
... https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/timet able/
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Coming soon for our 2019 season! 🤸‍♀️🧗‍♂️🌲🚂

9 DAYS OF STEAM TRAINS!
Join us for our special February Half Term services before opening for our 2019 season in March. (16-24 February)
Our Big Red Bus will also be offering rides from Buckfastleigh Station at the weekends.
... Please note our bus is free with a valid SDR train ticket. https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/timet able/
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#Throwback to Monday 31st May 1999.
Thank you to Gareth Harrison for these great photos of our very own 1369.

Still time to like our post to be in with the chance of winning a family day out on our railway this Half Term. The winner will be chosen on Friday.

Happy #Valentines Day. We hope you all have a lovely day.
Remember we still have availability on some of our Dining Trains. Perfect for those wishing to enjoy a traditional Sunday Lunch or Afternoon Tea while steaming through the beautiful Devonshire countryside. https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/dinin g-trains/

Good morning After a very quiet few weeks we can’t wait to start running steam trains again for Half Term and welcome all our lovely visitors back.

Preparations are underway making sure all our carriages and wagons are in the correct places ready for the Half Term.
During the holidays we will be running trains everyday (16-24 February) 🚂 https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/timet able/

Still time to get that last minute gift for #ValentinesDay2019
If you’re stuck trying to find a gift for someone look no further. Our Gift Vouchers are valid for our 2019 season and can be used towards standard train travel, Dining Trains and Drive a Train Experiences.
Confirmation vouchers can be printed at home and passed onto the special person or emailed directly to them in time for tomorrow.

We are looking forward to welcoming everyone who is taking part in the Beat the Train run this coming Sunday. A few tickets still remaining.

Congratulations Hollie Brown you are the lucky winner of a family ticket! We have sent you a message.
#WinItWednesday and only a few days until we are back up and running!
To celebrate we're giving you the chance to win a family ticket on any of our steam trains during the February Half Term.
... All you have to do is LIKE our steam train pic for a chance to win!
The ticket is for 2 adults and 2 children and is valid on any of our train services between the 16th and 24th February 2019. Before entering please make sure you have a day free in the holidays.
Don’t forget to share with your friends and family. Good Luck!
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#CharityTuesday Our 2019 season is fast approaching and we’re asking for more volunteers to come along and help run our amazing railway.
We have many volunteer roles to choose from including train crews (drivers, firemen, guards and travelling ticket inspectors) as well as a range of other tasks, from booking office clerks and station staff, to commercial staff, signalmen, guards, and buffet staff. You don’t need any special skills – but if you do, let us know as we can most ...probably put them to good use.
If you are interested in becoming part of our SDR team please follow the link or contact us for more information on our upcoming Induction Days. https://www.southdevonrailway.co.uk/join- us/induction/
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Good Morning
Less than a week until we’re back up and running!
We look forward to welcoming eveyone soon!
... #FebruaryHalfTerm #SchoolHolidays #Devon #SeeYouSoon
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What a lovely day out. Lots to do, so much fun for a Thomas mad 3 year old. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be visiting again. Thank you very much !!! �

Went today with my husband and our Son for the Day Out With Thomas. The station and grounds were immaculate and the whole experience amazingly well organised. We spent nearly a whole day doing all the different activities and had so much fun. Our Son adores all trains. I would definitely recommend this event and the railway.Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a fantastic day. Many happy memories made. X

We had a wonderful time! We did have to wait for the train to arrive but we used that to build up the excitement! The staff and volunteers on the train fed us mince pies and mulled wine and kept us entertained beautifully. Santas grotto was great...loved the little window and the elves! Merry Christmas to everyone at South Devon Railway! ��

Thankyou!!! We had an absolutely fantastic time visiting today. My little boys face when he saw his favourite characters was just magical. All the staff were fantastic and friendly and genuinely made you feel welcomed. Very well organised. We cannot wait until next year to come back already!! Well done to you all. Your efforts and hard work on a very hot bank holiday were much appreciated!

Thank you sooo much for an amazing day of memories spent with my son at Thomas day out ..... it was really good. All i ask for next year would be some more hours in the day to spend more time at each activity..... very very pleased indeed

Just had a great day there and would recommend it to every one. The railway is good but it’s the staff that make it great.

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the day out with Thomas event. We came along today at 9.30 and left at 4.45 and loved every minute of it. There was so much to do to keep the children entertained. All staff were so friendly, welcoming and helpful. I really couldn’t fault it. We will definitely be back next year.

Had a fantastic day out with Thomas at South Devon Railway. Staff & volunteers should be very proud of themselves as they were friendly, cheerful and professional. Top day out, little one had the best day ever. Well done to all involved - highly recommended �

Fantastic day out with our 3 year old grand daughter. The staff were amazing ensuring her first experience of a steam train was really enjoyable. We will certainly be visiting again soon .

Fanastic day out! Absolutely stunning steam trains and stations are beautifully maintained. Staff are wonderful! Definitely coming back when I'm down again in Devon again!

Fabulous day out. Our 3 year old loved it and so did the adults. The attention to detail was brilliant. Such value for money, and we didn't manage to do it all in the nearly 8 hours we were there. Thank you to everyone who's hard work and enthusiasm made it a day to remember. See you soon.

Another fantastic day out at South Devon Railway. We got there at 9 and left at 4.30 and didn't manage then to fit in all the activities for the day out with Thomas. It is great value with entry to the different places and all the train rides you get. Staff are very welcoming and friendly, the guard who was stood at the door when we arrived was happy to chat while we waited as the staff briefing was still going on and then he was also taking photos for people with Thomas so everyone could be in the photo. We visit here anyway as our son loves trains and we are never disappointed!

An amazing Day Out With Thomas - all staff were really friendly and helpful. Ran out of time to do everything! My only niggle is that the website could do with more detailed information about the day and we were told that the 9.45am train was pulled by Thomas when it was the standard scheduled train ride. It wasn’t a problem as it was a really nice journey and overall a fantastic day, I just think staff need to be told the same info so that there’s no confusion or delay (did you see what I did there? � However, a huge thank you and well done to all involved.

We went to the Santa by steam on the 16th December and had a fabulous time. My 2 boys loved it (ages 3&4) there is always a worry they may get fussy when having to wait, but they didn’t they were kept entertained and given snacks (biscuits and juice) I liked that the biscuits were individually wrapped and a selection my son has a milk allergy so was able to check ingredients and select a pack suitable for him � I know it is hard to please everyone and I am surprised by some of the reviews about the experience I have done other Santa train experiences and they have been over so quickly and cost so much where this one was lovely the entertainment the ride even my baby sat happily looking at the view as the train travelled down the track. Oh and the mince pies were so yummy �

To be fair, £15 is a bit much to charge for what you get. I was amazed to see coaches with seets from a stage coach and signalman wearing Hawaiian shirts and trainers. Good thing the cafe and shop are well stocked.

We were part of a large corporate booking yesterday on the 3:30 train and felt that this group were 2nd class passengers, being told to wait to be escorted to our carriages after everyone else had been seated and just told to sit in the rear carriages. Running 50 minutes late due to 'not enough Steam' not sure if they meant train or staff, seems we only had 1/2 of the journey only going as far as Staverton, entertainment was poor from the beginning, Dr Foster telling passengers that he's had a long day and they 'don't pay you, you know', 2 staff members discussing picking up the rubbish in front of us before the children had even been to see Father Christmas, Children's presents were inconsistent in quality, some children had colouring to relieve the boredom others none, train ride was in darkness with our little group within the group paying £150 for this experience and feel let down. Our 1st time on the train will not be boarding again...... I know it's a charity but charging these prices and not delivering what was expected is not on.

We went on the santa train sat16th. Cabin c.1.45pm. In total we were there for 4 hours! Not by choice! It was a total shambles. So poorly organised & the children were so bored. Train or something was running late....stuck in a tent trying to be encouraged to sing etc wore very thin as time dragged on. Mad squeeze thro one section of tent to board the train. Once on all refreshments were rushed out and dumped rudely at your table. 1pack of biscuits per couple it appeared as the basket was rushed away after i selected my choice. once drinks and snacks had been delivered....there was nothing for the whole duration. Which believe me went on and on! Lack of entertainment was atrocious. We were a party of 4 adults and 4 kids (2 adults and 1kid paid but sickness meant couldn't attend) alot of money spent on this trip and we all left so dissapointed. We travelled over an hour for this. There was a magician which the kids loved just a shame there wasnt more of them as he visited just twice! The twins walked thro singing a christmas song..once! There was christmas carols playing in some carridges but could barely be heard in ours! Other then a bit a tinsel u would not think it was xmas at all. The whole thing was so dull, un magical and just plain boring. A total waste of money and 4 hours of our lives! After a very long time 1 colouring sheet of a xmas tree per child was delivered and 1 pencil! What an absolute joke! Oohh..and no green pensils left. One child was given a black! Why couldnt little packs of 4 pensils per child be given out? Maybe activitiey sheets and colouring competition? With the crazy long waiting time to see santa provissions really should be put in place! I would like to speak to someone with regards to a refund please. I would never recommend this trip to anyone. �

Such a shame that this event seems to have gone backwards rapidly from previous years. We absolutely loved Santa by Steam in the past, but we won't be returning. Our son, like many youngsters loves steam trains and after spending 30+ minutes being treated to very poor entertainment in a freezing cold tent we were bundled onto the train with no opportunity to see the locomotive. Once onboard, this year we only went as far as Staverton, before the loco ran around and started taking us back. Mulled wine/mince pies has now seemingly become hot ribena and a very cheap mince pie, not much for £20 per adult. I have been visiting the SDR for many years and this is the first time I've ever left feeling disappointed and ripped off. Once we reached Buckfastleigh on our return we were then bundled back off as it was the end of the day, again little opportunity to enjoy the train. Very little magic and festive spirit.

Not impressed with our experience with the santa steam train. We went on Monday 18/12 in carriage C at 1345. Had heard good things about this but sadly it seems to have changed from previous years? There was a bit of entertainment in the marquee before boarding which was fine, kids enjoyed it. After boarding there was little to no entertainment. 2 elves walked through singing once and a magician (we saw 1 card trick the whole journey) made a fleeting appearance. A lady rushed through with mince pies, gave us 2 (we were 2 adults and a child). I asked for another mince pie for child as he loved them but was told “no, adults get the pies and kids get biscuits!”. Obviously I gave my little boy the mince pie and we moved on. There was 1 but of tinsel going through the carriage, not at all Christmassy. Music played very very quietly so could barely hear it (it was louder in other carriages but still not great). Toy received from santa was not amazing, saw previous toys given out from earlier train and they were much more impressive!! Another lady came around with tubs of pencils to colour in a tree, was allowed to pick 3 unsharpened pencils.

Staff member came around with a big bowl of chocolates to pass out to the kids but when they got to table child was allowed to pick 1 tiny little ball (small marble size) and that was it!!! Think it was quite stingey given the price paid. Felt very disappointed with our experience. It really wouldn’t take much effort/money to make this much more magical .

What a lovely day out. Lots to do, so much fun for a Thomas mad 3 year old. All the staff were so friendly and helpful. We all thoroughly enjoyed it and will definitely be visiting again. Thank you very much !!! �

Went today with my husband and our Son for the Day Out With Thomas. The station and grounds were immaculate and the whole experience amazingly well organised. We spent nearly a whole day doing all the different activities and had so much fun. Our Son adores all trains. I would definitely recommend this event and the railway.Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make it such a fantastic day. Many happy memories made. X

We had a wonderful time! We did have to wait for the train to arrive but we used that to build up the excitement! The staff and volunteers on the train fed us mince pies and mulled wine and kept us entertained beautifully. Santas grotto was great...loved the little window and the elves! Merry Christmas to everyone at South Devon Railway! ��

Thankyou!!! We had an absolutely fantastic time visiting today. My little boys face when he saw his favourite characters was just magical. All the staff were fantastic and friendly and genuinely made you feel welcomed. Very well organised. We cannot wait until next year to come back already!! Well done to you all. Your efforts and hard work on a very hot bank holiday were much appreciated!

Thank you sooo much for an amazing day of memories spent with my son at Thomas day out ..... it was really good. All i ask for next year would be some more hours in the day to spend more time at each activity..... very very pleased indeed

Just had a great day there and would recommend it to every one. The railway is good but it’s the staff that make it great.

I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved in the day out with Thomas event. We came along today at 9.30 and left at 4.45 and loved every minute of it. There was so much to do to keep the children entertained. All staff were so friendly, welcoming and helpful. I really couldn’t fault it. We will definitely be back next year.

Had a fantastic day out with Thomas at South Devon Railway. Staff & volunteers should be very proud of themselves as they were friendly, cheerful and professional. Top day out, little one had the best day ever. Well done to all involved - highly recommended �

Fantastic day out with our 3 year old grand daughter. The staff were amazing ensuring her first experience of a steam train was really enjoyable. We will certainly be visiting again soon .

Fanastic day out! Absolutely stunning steam trains and stations are beautifully maintained. Staff are wonderful! Definitely coming back when I'm down again in Devon again!

Fabulous day out. Our 3 year old loved it and so did the adults. The attention to detail was brilliant. Such value for money, and we didn't manage to do it all in the nearly 8 hours we were there. Thank you to everyone who's hard work and enthusiasm made it a day to remember. See you soon.

Another fantastic day out at South Devon Railway. We got there at 9 and left at 4.30 and didn't manage then to fit in all the activities for the day out with Thomas. It is great value with entry to the different places and all the train rides you get. Staff are very welcoming and friendly, the guard who was stood at the door when we arrived was happy to chat while we waited as the staff briefing was still going on and then he was also taking photos for people with Thomas so everyone could be in the photo. We visit here anyway as our son loves trains and we are never disappointed!

An amazing Day Out With Thomas - all staff were really friendly and helpful. Ran out of time to do everything! My only niggle is that the website could do with more detailed information about the day and we were told that the 9.45am train was pulled by Thomas when it was the standard scheduled train ride. It wasn’t a problem as it was a really nice journey and overall a fantastic day, I just think staff need to be told the same info so that there’s no confusion or delay (did you see what I did there? � However, a huge thank you and well done to all involved.

We went to the Santa by steam on the 16th December and had a fabulous time. My 2 boys loved it (ages 3&4) there is always a worry they may get fussy when having to wait, but they didn’t they were kept entertained and given snacks (biscuits and juice) I liked that the biscuits were individually wrapped and a selection my son has a milk allergy so was able to check ingredients and select a pack suitable for him � I know it is hard to please everyone and I am surprised by some of the reviews about the experience I have done other Santa train experiences and they have been over so quickly and cost so much where this one was lovely the entertainment the ride even my baby sat happily looking at the view as the train travelled down the track. Oh and the mince pies were so yummy �

To be fair, £15 is a bit much to charge for what you get. I was amazed to see coaches with seets from a stage coach and signalman wearing Hawaiian shirts and trainers. Good thing the cafe and shop are well stocked.

We were part of a large corporate booking yesterday on the 3:30 train and felt that this group were 2nd class passengers, being told to wait to be escorted to our carriages after everyone else had been seated and just told to sit in the rear carriages. Running 50 minutes late due to 'not enough Steam' not sure if they meant train or staff, seems we only had 1/2 of the journey only going as far as Staverton, entertainment was poor from the beginning, Dr Foster telling passengers that he's had a long day and they 'don't pay you, you know', 2 staff members discussing picking up the rubbish in front of us before the children had even been to see Father Christmas, Children's presents were inconsistent in quality, some children had colouring to relieve the boredom others none, train ride was in darkness with our little group within the group paying £150 for this experience and feel let down. Our 1st time on the train will not be boarding again...... I know it's a charity but charging these prices and not delivering what was expected is not on.

We went on the santa train sat16th. Cabin c.1.45pm. In total we were there for 4 hours! Not by choice! It was a total shambles. So poorly organised & the children were so bored. Train or something was running late....stuck in a tent trying to be encouraged to sing etc wore very thin as time dragged on. Mad squeeze thro one section of tent to board the train. Once on all refreshments were rushed out and dumped rudely at your table. 1pack of biscuits per couple it appeared as the basket was rushed away after i selected my choice. once drinks and snacks had been delivered....there was nothing for the whole duration. Which believe me went on and on! Lack of entertainment was atrocious. We were a party of 4 adults and 4 kids (2 adults and 1kid paid but sickness meant couldn't attend) alot of money spent on this trip and we all left so dissapointed. We travelled over an hour for this. There was a magician which the kids loved just a shame there wasnt more of them as he visited just twice! The twins walked thro singing a christmas song..once! There was christmas carols playing in some carridges but could barely be heard in ours! Other then a bit a tinsel u would not think it was xmas at all. The whole thing was so dull, un magical and just plain boring. A total waste of money and 4 hours of our lives! After a very long time 1 colouring sheet of a xmas tree per child was delivered and 1 pencil! What an absolute joke! Oohh..and no green pensils left. One child was given a black! Why couldnt little packs of 4 pensils per child be given out? Maybe activitiey sheets and colouring competition? With the crazy long waiting time to see santa provissions really should be put in place! I would like to speak to someone with regards to a refund please. I would never recommend this trip to anyone. �

Such a shame that this event seems to have gone backwards rapidly from previous years. We absolutely loved Santa by Steam in the past, but we won't be returning. Our son, like many youngsters loves steam trains and after spending 30+ minutes being treated to very poor entertainment in a freezing cold tent we were bundled onto the train with no opportunity to see the locomotive. Once onboard, this year we only went as far as Staverton, before the loco ran around and started taking us back. Mulled wine/mince pies has now seemingly become hot ribena and a very cheap mince pie, not much for £20 per adult. I have been visiting the SDR for many years and this is the first time I've ever left feeling disappointed and ripped off. Once we reached Buckfastleigh on our return we were then bundled back off as it was the end of the day, again little opportunity to enjoy the train. Very little magic and festive spirit.

Not impressed with our experience with the santa steam train. We went on Monday 18/12 in carriage C at 1345. Had heard good things about this but sadly it seems to have changed from previous years? There was a bit of entertainment in the marquee before boarding which was fine, kids enjoyed it. After boarding there was little to no entertainment. 2 elves walked through singing once and a magician (we saw 1 card trick the whole journey) made a fleeting appearance. A lady rushed through with mince pies, gave us 2 (we were 2 adults and a child). I asked for another mince pie for child as he loved them but was told “no, adults get the pies and kids get biscuits!”. Obviously I gave my little boy the mince pie and we moved on. There was 1 but of tinsel going through the carriage, not at all Christmassy. Music played very very quietly so could barely hear it (it was louder in other carriages but still not great). Toy received from santa was not amazing, saw previous toys given out from earlier train and they were much more impressive!! Another lady came around with tubs of pencils to colour in a tree, was allowed to pick 3 unsharpened pencils.

Staff member came around with a big bowl of chocolates to pass out to the kids but when they got to table child was allowed to pick 1 tiny little ball (small marble size) and that was it!!! Think it was quite stingey given the price paid. Felt very disappointed with our experience. It really wouldn’t take much effort/money to make this much more magical .