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South Devon Railway

Buckfastleigh, United Kingdom•4.7(3.4k)•Heritage Site, Museum

Ride heritage steam trains through Devon's River Dart valley on a seven-mile journey combining nostalgic rail travel with museum experiences and dining adventures.

South Devon Railway is a multi-award-winning heritage railway attraction offering visitors a chance to step back in time aboard beautifully restored steam trains. Operating along a seven-mile stretch of the former Great Western Railway branch line (built in 1872), the railway meanders through breathtaking River Dart valley scenery between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. With over 50 years of railway heritage preservation, it stands as the longest-established steam railway in the southwest. Visitors can experience a variety of special services including authentic 1950s dining train experiences where guests savour exquisite local cuisine whilst journeying through glorious countryside, as well as unique offerings like drive-a-train experiences and freight train adventures. The on-site museum showcases locomotives, carriages, and railway heritage. A gift shop specialising in model railway items and unique gifts is located at Buckfastleigh Station. The venue welcomes families of all ages with all-day, all-weather activities. It's particularly suitable for school groups, Scouts and Guides, coach parties, and casual family visitors. The railway is dog-friendly and pushchair-friendly, with comprehensive accessibility information available. Its convenient location near Dartmoor attractions, Buckfast Abbey, and Totnes makes it an ideal base for exploring Devon's cultural and natural attractions.
OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Opening Hours

Monday: 10:00 – 16:00
Tuesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Wednesday: 10:00 – 16:00
Thursday: 10:00 – 16:00
Friday: 10:00 – 16:00
Saturday: 10:00 – 16:00
Sunday: 10:00 – 16:00

Venue Details

Venue Type

Indoor & Outdoor

Typical visit duration

All day

Booking

Walk-in

Recommended ages

0 months (newborn)+

What this place offers

ToiletsToilets
Public transportPublic transport nearby
Accessible toilets
Free WiFi
Baby changingBaby changing facilities
Food available
On-site parking
🐕Dog-friendly
Parking nearby
Pushchair friendlyPushchair friendly

☕ Food & Drink

Dining Trains

Restored 1950s restaurant car serving local culinary dishes while traveling through countryside on a heritage steam train

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Google Reviews

4.7(3.4k reviews)
S
Sandra Hardwidge

Sandra Hardwidge

a month ago

A great day out,even the bears enjoyed themselves (Henry Bear's adventures) A definate must for train enthusiasts.possibly buying tickets in advance on gala days..

P
Paul Gray

Paul Gray

a month ago

A lovely morning spent on the Pullman carriage, "Lydia". The breakfast was first class and the service was attentive. The scenery was ok. If you're going to book this (£64pp inc breakfast) make sure you sit on the platform side (it has the best views).

J
JBTEvans

JBTEvans

2 months ago

We had the Pullman Ploughman’s Lunch here which was very tasty and a was a filling meal, can recommend! Wonderful carriage and fantastic scenery along the river, on sunny days it can really be appreciated!

A
Andy Boult

Andy Boult

3 months ago

This is a great steam railway well run, i suggest if your going park at buckfastleigh, as it's free, and get your tickets there to travel on the trains, it's abit like travelling back in time the station has that old world feeling, there is a gift shop with a fantastic model railway, a cafe which sells all the normal stuff and a small museum on the station platform, the journey to Totnes, is just gourgous the train travels right beside the river dart and the scenery and views are fantastic you can see lots of wildlife, once at Totnes it's about a 10 minute walk into town, with lots if shops, of different descriptions. The journey is about half an hour to Totnes, you can either, stay on or get off there refreshments and snacks sold on board. Well worth the price and visit.

P
PiHe19

PiHe19

3 months ago

Came here as part of a coach trip and was very well catered for, our disabled passengers were very well treated and put in an accessible carriage. Ended up with a whole carriage reserved for our other passengers. All of the staff here were very friendly and helpful, it was a nice long scenic journey through the Devon countryside. Great scenery, great railway, great staff, great trains and great atmosphere with a nice shop on site and all very well presented

Reviews last updated: 6 October 2026

Events at South Devon Railway

No upcoming events scheduled

Check back soon for new events at this venue.

This venue was last updated on 6 October 2026

Frequently asked questions about South Devon Railway

Is South Devon Railway free to visit?

South Devon Railway is a paid attraction — see the official website for current ticket prices.

What ages is South Devon Railway suitable for?

South Devon Railway is suitable for visitors of all ages, from babies through to adults.

Is South Devon Railway dog-friendly?

Yes, dogs are welcome at South Devon Railway.

Is there parking at South Devon Railway?

Yes — South Devon Railway has on-site parking, plus additional parking nearby.

Is there food at South Devon Railway?

Yes — Dining Trains is on site at South Devon Railway. Restored 1950s restaurant car serving local culinary dishes while traveling through countryside on a heritage steam…

Is South Devon Railway pushchair-friendly?

Yes, South Devon Railway is pushchair, pram and buggy friendly — most areas are step-free so you can navigate easily with little ones in tow.

How long should we plan to spend at South Devon Railway?

South Devon Railway is a full-day experience — plan accordingly.

How do I get to South Devon Railway by public transport?

South Devon Railway is well-served by public transport.
Kiddy Compass