Back to the 1940s

Step back in time and experience the elegance of the 1940s with a nostalgic journey on a heritage train. Feel the charm of vintage travel as you ride in beautifully restored carriages, evoking the golden age of railways. Admire a stunning collection of vintage cars, showcasing the sleek designs and craftsmanship of the era. Whether you’re a history enthusiast or simply love retro style, this event offers a unique glimpse into the past. Dress in your best 1940s attire, enjoy period music, and immerse yourself in a bygone world of elegance and adventure.

Intensive heritage train services

Visit Winston Churchill’s Pullman Carriage ‘Lydia’

Live Music Marquee

Bar serving ales, lager, cider and wine

Vintage civilian vehicles

Vintage military vehicles

Road steam vehicles

Staverton Station wartime display

Vintage Bus rides

Restaurant Car on certain trains providing an at-seat service of drinks, savouries and cream teas.

Attending for the event is Tri-Tandem Steam Roller No. 45655, Built 1930. This fascinating steam engine is known to have rolled the Hertfordshire section of the M1, Britain’s first motorway, and various by-passes and trunk roads in the East of England.

We are pleased to announce our entertainment line up for the weekend. On Saturday 5th July we will welcome the Carlton Big Band to the South Devon Railway for the first time, playing in the marquee at Buckfastleigh. On Sunday the Fine Whines make a welcome return, and also there will be appearances from solo-act Tamsin Ball and Plymouth City Brass Band.

Entertainment programme

Saturday – Buckfastleigh

10.45 – 11.30, Soundtrack to the 40s

11.30 – 12.00, Learn to Lindy Hop

12.00 – 12.45, Carlton Big Band

13.15 – 14.00, Soundtrack to the 40s

14.00 – 14.30, Learn to Lindy Hop

14.30 – 15.30, Carlton Big Band

Sunday – Buckfastleigh

10.45 – 11.30, Tamsin Ball

11.30 – 12.00, Learn to Lindy Hop

12.00 – 12.45, Fine Whines

13.15 – 14.00, Tamsin Ball

14.00 – 14.30, Learn to Lindy Hop

14.30 – 15.30, Plymouth City Brass Band

Sunday – Staverton

14.00 – 14.45, Fine Whines.

The South West Lindy Hoppers will again be teaching 1940s dancing between sets in the marquee at Buckfastleigh.

Fares information

To access the displays and entertainment, a valid train ticket is required. During this event our Ranger fares will be in force, meaning your train ticket will be valid for travel all day, which is perfect for exploring our stations and exhibits.

Adult – £25

Senior – £24

Child – £14

Bundle 1 (1 Adult + 2 Children) – £49

Bundle 2 (2 Adults + 2 Children) – £71

Dog – £2.50

Exhibitors and Re-enactors who have applied in advance will receive complimentary tickets.

Catering

During the event, refreshments will be available on some of our trains. Step in to our Restaurant Car, or even Winston Churchill’s Pullman Car ‘Lydia’, for a traditional treat. Spaces for this experience are on a first come-first served basis. A supplementary fare of £5 for a single journey will be payable to the Guard to travel in Pullman Car ‘Lydia’. We regret that dogs are not permitted.

At Buckfastleigh station the refreshment kiosk will be open for the sale of ice creams and hot pasties, and Birdies Kitchen will be open for hot meals. In the entertainment marquee there is a bar serving alcoholic, soft and hot drinks, as well as savories and cakes.