The multi-award-winning South Devon Railway is one of the West Country’s best-loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the south west. The line is a quintessential former Great Western Railway branch line and, in 2019, is celebrating the 50thanniversary of its opening as a preserved railway.

The South Devon Railway runs along the stunning valley of the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside, stopping halfway at Staverton and passing through glorious scenery, rich in wildlife. The steam trains offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and visitors of all ages.

As well as the steam train ride, there is loads to see and do at Buckfastleigh, with beautiful gardens, a riverside picnic area, museum, workshop and refreshment rooms, plus a great gift shop with a superb selection of souvenirs and model railway items. On certain days, the miniature railway and garden railway at Buckfastleigh are also running.

Buckfastleigh station, which is just off the A38, midway between Exeter and Plymouth, has plenty of free car parking. The SDR station at Totnes Riverside is a short walk from Totnes town and the main line station is some 500 yards away on foot.

Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies is next to Buckfastleigh station. Here, you can see tropical butterflies in their specially-designed rainforest habitat and meet threespecies of otter. Next to Totnes Riverside lies the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm with its wonderful collection of friendly animals to meet. Super value 3 Great Attractions, 1 Amazing Day joint tickets for the railway, Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies and/or the Totnes Rare Breeds Farm are available from the railway’s booking offices.