South Devon Miniature Railway

What it’s like

A ride on a half-mile miniature railway near Buckfastleigh, diesel-hauled most weekends and steam-hauled on special gala days.

A little train, a half-mile of track, and a fare that still costs less than a bag of sweets: that's the pitch here. The 7 1/4 inch gauge line runs diesel-hauled services most weekends through the season, with steam brought out for the galas that pop up through the year, which is the one to time your visit around if you've got a child who knows the difference between an engine and a "big train".

It's open weekend afternoons from April to October, 12 till 4, and at £1.50 a head for adults and children alike it's one of the cheaper rides you'll find anywhere. Under-3s go free. It won't fill a whole day on its own, more of a half-hour diversion, but at that price you could easily do two or three laps without feeling like you've been fleeced.

Worth knowing before you set off: it's card only, so don't rely on having change in your pocket. The site is upfront that services depend on which loco is available and what the weather's doing, and that opening hours can shift, so it's not one to build a tight schedule around. Think of it as the sort of stop you fold into a day out in the area rather than the main event.

Facilities

Plan your visit

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