Rail activities

There are plenty of railway-themed activities in Plymouth and the surrounding area. 

The Box Active Archives

Head to The Box Plymouth and dive into aspects of local or family history with the Local Studies collection resources that are housed in this gallery. Use their extensive selection of local directories, reports and newsletters to help reveal the history of housing and local community. The collection is wide-ranging and covers many subjects of local Plymouth history, such as the expansion of the railway through to histories of individual parishes, buildings and people throughout the years.

Bridging the Tamar Centre

The Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre, was established to celebrate the engineering legacy of the Tamar Estuary’s historic bridges in 2019.

The Visitor and Learning Centre, which is free to enter, interprets the heritage of both the 20th century Tamar Bridge and Brunel’s iconic 19th century Royal Albert Bridge. The bridges connect Devon and Cornwall by road and by rail and are impressive structures above the River Tamar. Did you know? His Royal Highness Prince Albert officially opened the bridge on 2nd May 1859.

Plym Valley Railway

Just outside of Plymouth, find Plym Valley Railway, a volunteer-run heritage line running steam and diesel trains along a restored section of the old South Devon Railway route. It hosts regular events, steam days, and children’s activities, brilliant for family days out.

Tamar Valley line

Take a trip on the Tamar Valley line, one of the most scenic community rail routes in the country; with stops at Bere Alston, Calstock and Gunnislake – ideal for day trips, walking routes or pub lunches.

Further afield

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Take a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, one of the finest steam train trips in the country along the coast of Torbay, through stunning Devon countryside and overlooking the River Dart. Did you know?

The historic Devon Belle Observation Carriage, built in 1917 originally as an ambulance vehicle for the London & North Western Railway, has recently undergone a major refit in their workshop at Queen's Park Station, Paignton. She was "relaunched" in the 2018 season to celebrate her 100th year in service!

South Devon Railway

Celebrate Railway 200 with South Devon Railway, with plenty of activities running throughout the year.   

Heritage Weekend at South Devon Railway

On 13 and 14 September, the popular Heritage Weekend returns to South Devon Railway, celebrating heritage travel. The weekend offers a fantastic opportunity to see what goes on to keep our railway running, a fascinating day out for anyone with an interest in railways and engineering or those who just like to know how things work.

Dartmouth Railway 200

Join Dartmouth in celebrating Railway 200, marking 200 years of railway history –right from the birthplace of steam innovation. It all began here in Dartmouth, where the Newcomen Engine laid the foundation for the age of steam. Now, two centuries later, we’re bringing that history to life with a town-wide event filled with interactive exhibits, model railways, and family fun.

Devon Rural Archive: display celebrating 200 years of the modern railway

The Devon Rural Archive at Shilstone has a display board celebrating the 200th anniversary of the modern railway, featuring unique images (photographs, maps, postcards) from across Devon that we hold in our Image Bank. Come and have a look at the display and browse a selection of books on the history of railways in Devon.