Rails and Ales 2014 - South Devon Railway

The South Devon Railway’s next big event is the Rails & Ales Gala over four days of the August Bank Holiday weekend. It promises to be a great family day out with steam and diesel trains all day and into the evening with an ale and cider festival at Staverton station.

There will be many extra trains running, with the first leaving Buckfastleigh at 10.00am each day, and from Totnes Littlehempston station at 10.42am. On Friday, Saturday and Sunday the last train leaves Buckfastleigh at 8.30pm and Totnes at 10.45pm, both calling at Staverton. The last trains are considerably earlier on Monday.

As part of the festivities at Staverton there will be barbecues on both Saturday and Sunday evenings, with Jon Morton’s ever-popular quiz on Sunday evening. Just turn up and enjoy the fun! We strongly recommend taking the train to the beer festival, as parking is very limited at Staverton station.

The South Devon Railway Trust Museum will be open at Buckfastleigh from 9.30am in the morning until about 4.45pm in the afternoon. Currently on show is an extensive display of photographs and ephemera marking the centenary of the outbreak of the Great Wat in 1914. You can also come and see our collection of Great Western Railway tableware, as used in their hotels and restaurant cars, and – of course – Tiny, the only surviving locomotive from Brunel’s broad gauge. There is plenty to do for children of all ages, and much for anyone with an interest in nostalgia.

Travel on the South Devon Railway is at the normal fares all over the weekend, and you can join or leave our trains at Totnes Littlehempston, Staverton or Buckfastleigh stations. We look forward to seeing you then.