| 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. |
