Special Events
~ 2020 ~
NOTICE
Our site at Buckfastleigh is now open every Saturday, Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday from 10am to 4pm.
Whilst we cannot run trains at the moment, there’s plenty to see so why not come for a walk around the station and get up close to our exhibits.
We’d love to see you!
Entry is free of charge, but we do ask for a donation (suggested £5 per person).
Unfortunately we have had to cancel the following events:
Summer Rails & Ales – 28th to 31st August
Models & Miniatures – 12th and 13th September
Day Out with Thomas – 25th to 27th September
Diesel Gala – 9th to 11th October
Driver for Armistice – 7th November
The events below are still planned to go ahead.
~ 27th, 28th and 29th November ~
and
~ 4th, 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th and 16th to 23rd December 2020 ~
This Christmas, for the first time ever, the South Devon Railway is thrilled to bring to you
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride; a truly magical experience for the whole family.
The most iconic feature of The Polar Express is its sleek black steam engine. It’s even inscribed with the ‘1225’ signage to identify it as Santa’s own train. Your children will gasp with amazement as the Polar Express train pulls into the station. Billowing steam all the way, your authentic steam train ride will last around an hour. This gives you plenty of time to appreciate the steam experience.
Even the tickets feature the beautiful train. Whether Grandad is a steam train fan, Dad wants to ride the footplate or the children love trains, there’s something for everyone.
Throughout your train ride you’ll be entertained, meeting the Conductor and his crew. All the while the train steams towards the North Pole. Here you’ll meet Santa and one of his friendly elves. He will climb on board the train to meet you all.
Although we have no plans for the train to cross over an ice plain, don’t be surprised if you have to stop for caribou. Make sure you know what noise one makes as you may have to help clear them. As in the film, it’s very important not to pass through carriages while the train is moving!
After the show, there’ll be a photo opportunity. The whole family can pose with the Polar Express train – especially if you have a selfie stick. With the steam covering the platform, it makes a magical Christmas photo.
~ 12th and 13th December 2019 ~
Enjoy a festive train trip, full of joyous carols, with a complimentary tea or coffee and a mince pie before departure.
~ 26th December 2020 ~
A post-Christmas steam train ride, where we stop off at Staverton for a warming drink.
You can buy your tickets in advance, online, by clicking on the button above. Alternatively, you can contact us.
To book a Day Out With Thomas ®, click here.
~ 27th December 2019 to 1st January 2020 ~
Enjoy a mince pie as you watch the winter countryside of the Dart valley gently glide past your window from the warmth and comfort of one of our steam trains.
February Half Term
~ 13th to 23rd February 2020 ~
This February Half Term (15th to 23rd), why not take a train ride on our heritage diesel unit, known as a ‘Bubblecar’, whose large windows allow for almost panoramic views of the beautiful valley of the river Dart on its journey from Buckfastleigh to Staverton and return?
The ‘Bubblecar’ is not used on our passenger trains regularly, so this is a fairly rare opportunity to take a ride on this lovely old vehicle.
Spring Steam Gala
~ 14th and 15th March 2020 ~
With many thanks to the Dartmouth Steam Railway and Riverboat Company, newly restored former Great Western Railway Prairie tank No.4555 will be returning to haul trains on the South Devon Railway for one weekend only over 14th and 15th March, recreating scenes that haven’t been seen for over 47 years on the line!
~ 7th to 10th May 2020 ~
CANCELLED
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, unfortunately the South Devon Railway has had to suspend ALL train services until further notice, including the Spring Rails & Ales event.
Please keep an eye on our website and our social media channels for more news. We very much hope that we will be able to run our Summer Rails & Ales over the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28th to 31st August.
~ 23rd to 25th May 2020 ~
CANCELLED
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the South Devon Railway has unfortunately had to suspend ALL train services until further notice, which means that Day Out With Thomas is, sadly, cancelled.
However, we are very hopeful indeed that Thomas, his friends and the Fat Controller will be visiting us later this year, on 25th to 27th September. Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels. We’ll publish updates and more news as soon as we possibly can.
Everybody’s favourite little blue engine is coming to visit the South Devon Railway and bringing his friends too. The Fat Controller will be in charge all day to make sure Thomas behaves and to look after all our visitors.
With lots of activities to keep everyone entertained, it’s a great family day out.
You can book your tickets in advance, online, by clicking the button below.
South Devon 1940s Festival
~ 4th and 5th July 2020 ~
CANCELLED
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, the South Devon Railway has unfortunately had to suspend ALL train services until further notice, which means that our South Devon 1940s Festival is, sadly, cancelled.
We are very sad to have to cancel this fabulous event but hope to make next years even better to make up for it.
Each year, on the first weekend in July, the South Devon Railway is transported back in time to the 1940s as it lays host to the fantastic South Devon 1940s Festival!
The festival has grown and developed greatly over many years and now boasts a large amount of displays, vehicles, trade stands, entertainment and atmosphere that you won’t find anywhere else!
Why not come and join us for a truly immersive and fantastic forties day out.
British Fireworks Championships
~ TBC August 2020 ~
CANCELLED
Experience the British Fireworks Championships with all the fun of the fair and music on Plymouth Hoe this summer with our Routemaster bus excursion from Ashburton, Buckfastleigh and Ivybridge. This excursion was very popular last year so please book early!
~ 28th to 31st August 2020 ~
CANCELLED
A great bank holiday treat.
Ride behind steam and heritage diesel trains along the valley of the River Dart, or sit down and relax whilst enjoying a drink or two at the beer festival at Staverton Station. Real ales, craft beers, ciders, wine and Prosecco, as well as soft drinks, are all available. There is plenty of seating in the station yard so you can spend the day watching the trains go by!
Models & Miniatures
~ 12th and 13th September 2020 ~
CANCELLED
Models & Miniatures is a celebration of all things model and miniature – including trains, road vehicles and ships.
It is a delight for all ages and a fantastic opportunity to see everything from fine scale engineering to much loved toys and models.
~ 25th to 27th September 2020 ~
Everybody’s favourite little blue engine is coming to visit us with lots of his friends too. The Fat Controller will be in charge all day to make sure Thomas behaves and to look after all our visitors.
You can book your tickets in advance, online, by clicking the button below.
Diesel Gala
~ 9th to 11th October 2020 ~
CANCELLED
A selection of first-generation British Railways diesels from the sixties running an intensive service.
More details will follow as soon as they are confirmed.
Driver for Armistice
~ 7th November 2020 ~
CANCELLED
Your chance to drive a steam locomotive on the South Devon Railway – in aid of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
