Winter Steam Gala

The South Devon Railway Winter Steam Gala will be taking place on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th January 2026, and is the perfect opportunity to enjoy some steam action before the railway reopens again for the 2026 season at February half term. Trains will operate to an intensive timetable, giving plenty of opportunity to travel behind these heritage locomotives. There will be four trains from the SDR home fleet as well as visitors.

We are pleased to confirm that Hunslet Works No.1589 ‘Newstead’ will be appearing at the South Devon Railway Winter Steam Gala, courtesy of owner Alex Alder. Newstead was built in 1929 and spent most of its life at a colliery in South Kirkby, before ending up in a garden of a convent until 2016, after many thought the missing locomotive had been scrapped.

Joining Newstead for this steam spectacular will be Bagnall 2572 ‘Judy’, courtesy of the Bodmin Railway. This diminutive locomotive was built for moving China Clay wagons at Par docks, meaning it had to be very short to allow for passage under the low bridges there.

Alongside these two visiting engines will be our GWR winter resident 2-8-0 No.2807, as well as home fleet locomotives 5526 and 1369.

Midwinter is a great time to take a ride on our GWR branch line, as the lack of greenery on the trees allows for some stunning views of the river and hills whilst the train meanders down the valley of the River Dart, travelling between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Our trains are also cosy and warm, being heated by steam from the locomotive hauling your train.

Our buffet carriage will be serving hot and cold drinks, light refreshments and snacks on some services.

There is a large free car park at our Buckfastleigh station, and our station at Totnes Riverside is a 450-metre walk from Totnes National Rail station, which has paid parking and rail and bus links. See the How to Find Us page for more details.

All day Ranger tickets are available to purchase now.

Please note: timetables and locomotive allocation to follow. Only ranger tickets are available for this event, and there are no discounts (such as members, PRIV, shareholders, HRA passes etc).