Heritage Open Days

Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September 2023

As part of the nationwide Heritage Open Days event, we will be opening up ‘Behind the Scenes’. This weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to see what goes on to keep our railway running; a fascinating day out for anyone with an interest in railways and engineering or those who just like to know how things work!

Take a tour of our established engineering workshops and hear about the heritage skills being kept alive. Step in to Buckfastleigh’s old Signal Box and learn what it was like to be a signalman. Enjoy the classic cars on display and relive the road transport from yesteryear.

Volunteer Wagon Restorers working on a wagon.
In the Loco Shed during our Behind the Scenes event
Volunteer Station Maintainers restoring spear fencing

What you can see

Below are some examples of what you can usually see at our Behind the Scenes events.

  • Our extensive and well-equipped workshops at Buckfastleigh where steam engine boilers are rebuilt and repaired. You can get up close and see our the huge machinery required to maintain railway vehicles including our boiler presses and wheel turning lathes.

Viewing of our engineering workshops is by organised tours; tour start times and booking information will be published at the Booking Office on the day.

  • Explore our engine shed where we prepare our locomotives for their day’s work and perform general maintenance. 
  • The original Buckfastleigh Signal box is open for you to have a go at pulling levers.
  • At Staverton, visit our Permanent Way (track and civils) maintenance yard, and see up close some of the machines and equipment we use to keep the track safe and give a comfortable ride.

 

(All subject to availability)

Time Table

You can download a copy of our Heritage Open Days Time Table by clicking on the picture above.

Event Updates

FREE Tours and Experiences

At Buckfastleigh:

Workshop Tours 10.00 – 16.00
Original Signal Box 10.00 – 16.00
Vintage Car Show 10.00 – 16.00
Goods Wagon Talk and Shunting Demonstration Various times during the day – see adverts at Buckfastleigh

At Staverton (frequent train service running from Buckfastleigh and Totnes):

Permanent Way yard tours 10.00 – 16.00

Heritage Train Services

We have an intensive service of steam, auto train (a unique type of Great Western Railway train where the driver is able to control the locomotive from the cab) and heritage diesel railcar operating throughout the day. For the best value purchase one of our ranger tickets which allows unlimited travel to experience all the train services on our line!