Steam trains in the West Country give an important glance into the past and a look at how the countryside operated. Once one of the main methods of transport, now one of their favourite uses is to mark special occasions and the West Country has found many reasons to celebrate this Spring.
South Devon Railway holds two Winter Steam gala weekends, the 15th-16th and the 22nd-23rd February. Billed as a great way to ‘Shake off the winter blues and enjoy two weekends of traditional branch line style trains’, they will be popular with steam train enthusiasts new and old, as well as those wanting to try this traditional method of galloping through the rolling hills.
To find out departure times and for tickets information, go to The South Devon Railway website.
Snowdrop Valley is part of a hidden private estate on Exmoor. Giving the vision of this carpet of spring flowers a little more magic, West Somerset Railway hosts a Snowdrops and Steam eventdeparting from Bishops Lydeard station, from the 15th-23rd February. It also holds a Spring Steam Gala. For information of locomotives to feature in this event and other highlights, keep an eye on the events page.
Lynton and Barnstaple Railway is looking ahead to Mother’s Day on 30th March, when all accompanied mums will travel free, while on South Devon Railway, tickets are being sold for a Mother’s Day cream tea in the special dining train, leaving Buckfastleigh at 4.15pm. (Booking essential).
Find your perfect holiday cottage on the Helpful Holidays website or call 01647 433593.