Special Events
~ 2020 ~
NOTICE
As a result of the coronavirus outbreak, unfortunately the South Devon Railway has had to suspend ALL train services and cancel all events until 11th July at the earliest, with all dates being kept under review in the light off government advice and instructions.
Due to the uncertainty surrounding the current government lockdown, it is almost impossible to know when we might be able to resume operations and what restrictions may still be in place when we can.
Whilst we remain hopeful that we can hold our planned events later in the year, we will need to follow any government advice at that time to make an assessment on whether they can go ahead. This means that we may, unfortunately, have to postpone or cancel further events.
~ 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 ~
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 ~
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!
(This event is scheduled to go ahead, but will be following the advice of the government and Public Health England in place at the time).
Models & Miniatures
~ 12th and 13th September 2020 ~
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 ~
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 ~
Your chance to drive a steam locomotive on the South Devon Railway – in aid of the Royal British Legion’s Poppy Appeal.
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.
~ 7th, 8th, 14th, 15th and 18th to 24th December 2019 ~
Come and join Father Christmas for an enchanting experience at the South Devon Railway this Christmas.
Admire our wonderfully traditionally decorated carriages and stations as you take a warm and cosy journey to Totnes behind one of our majestic steam locomotives. Enjoy festive refreshments in your seat as the beautiful Devon countryside passes by the window and visit Father Christmas in his Grotto carriage with a gift for every child.
For the ultimate magical experience why not travel on one of our evening trains and soak up the wonderful ambience of our beautifully lit carriages and stations.
~ 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.
~ 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.
