For
a wonderful nostalgic day out a visit must be made by boarding an
old steam train at Queens Park Station, Paignton (next to the National
Rail Station).
When
the guard blows the whistle it is off on a beautiful scenic experience,
once out of the town, with the sounds and the smells of trains of
yesteryear. For people who do not remember the era of Steam, please
be careful when looking out of carriage doors, as you can get black
smuts over you when looking at the engine puffing its way along the
track.
As
you leave the station and move on and upwards through Goodrington,
you have the vantage point of seeing the whole beach and what is going
on. As the train begins its steeply graded Cliffside ascent to Broadsands
past the Caravan Park and over the viaduct towards Churston you can
look out towards the sea and across the Bay for the most wonderful
Panoramic view. On a clear day it is possible to see right across
Lyme Bay to Portland Bill.
Further
on up the line and after levelling out the train chuffs on out into
the wooded countryside and under a tunnel on the “ Greenway
Estate”, former home of the famous writer Agatha Christie. I
bet Poirot would know this journey well.
Onwards
the train clickety clacks towards Kingswear where one can alight to
catch a ferry to Dartmouth on the far bank of the River Dart, or explore
the many beautiful walks along the banks of the Dart in Kingswear.
The
railway has been used in the Film Sets of the 1992 film “the
Mirror Crack’d”, also the 1981 film “ The French
Lieutenants Woman”. On arrival to Kingswear you may find that
certain views may seem familiar, as the towns of Kingswear and Dartmouth
have both Featured in the TV series “ The Onedin Line”.
There
are Santa Special Trains at Christmas time, where the children will
see Cartoon Characters seeing them onto the train, Father Christmas
comes on board, there are festive drinks for the Adults and mince
pies, and lollipops for the children. When you arrive at Kingswear,
there is a Santas Grotto and Live entertainment, and resents for all
the children. A good time can be had by all.
Tel:
01803 555872 There is no car park at the station. Other car Parks
in town.
The South Devon Railway
If
old steam railways are to your taste “ The South Devon Railway”
all 7 miles of it is for you. It originally ran from Ashburton to
Totnes, but nowadays runs from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back.
If
visiting this tranquil town of Buckfastleigh in the Winter, The South
Devon Railway offers a Santa Train for children, where there are presents
for all children, even the under 1’s and a mince pie and mulled
wine for the Mums and Dads. (from 6th Dec to 23rd)
The
train chugs through the beautiful rolling hills and wonderful countryside
with quaint olde worlde stations like Staverton on the way to Totnes.
If you look carefully out of the window on the down line you may even
catch a glimpse of the ‘ pixies’.
For
the Ultimate experience of a lifetime why not enjoy the thrill of
Driving a Steam Engine alongside trained footplate crew.
If
visiting Buckfastleigh in the summer season certain dates through
June to October can be booked for Dinner, or Luncheon on the themed
dining trains.
Tel:
0845 3451420 for details and dates.
A
Vintage Bus service runs to and from the Railway for that added Olde
Worlde experience.
Whilst
visiting Buckfastleigh one must be sure not to miss, the famous Buckfast
Abbey with its jewelled walls, and visit the Monks shop where you
can purchase a bottle or two of the wonderful Mead that the Monks
make.
Be
sure to see too the Pub where time stood still. “ The Valiant
Soldier” closed after being in use for 200 yrs in 1960, and
every part of the fixtures and fittings simply remained the same as
they were when the pub closed even down to the darts in the board,
and the money in the old wooden till. It is a time capsule of the
1940’s and ‘50’s.
The valiant Soldier does not serve alcohol anymore but is well
Worth a visit.
It
can be found at 79, Fore St, Buckfastleigh--- the bottom of the main
street.
