Bideford Railway Heritage Centre

30/05/2026

27/05/2026

First running of the Brake Van into the platform. See earlier post.

27/05/2026

The first movement of the Brake Van (see earlier post)

27/05/2026

Huge day today as after some 10 years of lying idle and 2 years of restoration our Brake Van finally moved!
We were all very nervous ahead of its first run under controlledconditions, but it performed really well as it made several trips up our running line and into the platform for a celebration photo!
Special thanks to the General Manager and Traction Manager of the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway for their help in making this happen.
Plenty of paperwork, training and practice ahead before we can announce passenger rides, but it is a huge step forward for the Group.
Elsewhere we added white paintwork to the windows of the station building. It was the welcome shady side of the building too!

24/05/2026

Half term running day today. Really good passenger numbers on a really hot day.
The station looked wonderful, being decorated with flags, our book stall, display boards, merchandise stall all bringing the station alive.
Toon station refreshments used the new picnic area with plenty of outdoor seating and shade too!
Interesting to chat to the tourists, including a family from Poland 🇵🇱 who loved the train ride!
Onwards and upwards! 🌞

24/05/2026

TODAY!!
Ride on Bideford's train.
11am till 3pm.
Museum and refreshments

22/05/2026

Railway cab rides in Bideford this Sunday!! Kids love it!

Come and visit the railway museum, the Signal Box and enjoy refreshments in our 1950s restored railway carriage.

20/05/2026

The sub base and drainage for the extended picnic area was completed on Monday. We are grateful to Torridge District Councillors in Bideford for offering part of their locality grant to assist with the cost. We will complete this area when funds permit.
Meanwhile work continued on the station building with funding from The Royal Hotel
Preparations continued for the first loco running on Sunday. All very excited and even the weather looks good! 🌞

16/05/2026

Train rides next Sunday!
Loco cab rides for half term.
Ride Bideford's railway 🚂

13/05/2026

Attention turned to the station building and its surroundings today.
The windows needs rubbing down, filling and undercoat so good progress today but a substantial job.
The building is owned by The Royal Hotel and although it will remain closed, we are working with the owners to ensure it looks good and matches the standard of the Heritage Centre.