We are kicking off the start of our main daily running season with a bargain Spring ‘half fare’ weekend Saturday and Sunday 18th & 19th March.

Passengers will be able to cast off the recent cold and wet winter blues and step out to bask in a cut–price mixed traction fest redolent of the optomism of the early sixties; every third train will be diesel hauled.

There are no fewer than nine departures on both days from Buckfastleigh to Totnes ( and return ), so you’ll never have to wait too long for a train.

Countryside lovers will be able to see and enjoy some stunning spring scenery from the comfort of the trains as they meander their leisurely way down one of Devon’s most glorious valleys by the River Dart which is now carpeted with beautiful daffodils and primroses, and walkers can take advantage of some relaxing walks and see the flowers from stations too.

Fares for the weekend are a flat rate which is half the standard fare; there will be no other discounts.

The first train leaves from Buckfastleigh at 10.00am and from Totnes Riverside at 10.45am. Trains will leave both stations at about 45 minute intervals on both days.

Services should comprise two rakes of carriages made up of predominantly the 1950s style BR coaches; one rake will be in chocolate and cream and one in crimson and cream.
The late 1950s Chocolate and Cream rake will include a couple of Great Western era coaches.
All trains will be hauled by either GWR small Prairie NO 5542, GWR 0-6-0PT 1366 class NO 1369 or English Electric Type 3 diesel–electric NO6975.
 

The Heritage ‘Bus Service is running on Sunday ONLY

The SDR's LT Routemaster RM1872

Heritage Bus Service

The service will be Buckfastleigh Station, Buckfast Abbey, Ashburton and Buckfastleigh Station.
Buckfastleigh Station (Dep.)		11.35	1.10	2.10	3.10
Buckfast Abbey (Arr.)		11.40	1.15	2.15	3.15
Ashburton Peartree for Town Centre (Bull Ring)		11.50	1.25	2.25	3.25
Buckfastleigh (Valiant Soldier)		12. 0	1.35	2.35	3.35
Buckfastleigh Station (Arr.)		12. 5	1.40	2.40	3.40
Additional services may be run as required. Details of services are displayed on 'bus stops
Due to road works in Ashburton Town Centre we regret the closest we can get is Peartree, Dartmoor Lodge

To download a copy of the published timetable flyer click here.

Volunteer workers are always being sought to help with the running of the railway and the South Devon Railway Association is holding a start-of-season recruitment drive over the weekend too. So, if anyone is interested in getting their hands dirty and helping us to keep the railway’s wheels turning, then they can just turn up and talk to some of the volunteers already helping run the SDR who can happily explain all of the jobs on offer and what’s involved.

With ample car parking at Buckfastleigh on the A38 Devon Expressway, the South Devon Railway is just 25 minutes from Plymouth, Exeter and Torbay.

The South Devon Railway also features an extensive range of products in the Expressway model railway and gift shop, and quality food and drink in its ‘Refreshment Rooms’

The South Devon Railway will be running trains EVERY day from Saturday 18th March until Tuesday October 31st. The Expressway model railway shop has gifts for children of all ages and is open for business on most days along with the Refreshment Rooms.