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Steam Train at South Devon Railway

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Historical Transport

Whether you are looking to enjoy a ride on a steam train or take a trip on a historic passenger ferry, historical transport in South Devon is a great way to explore the area or learn more about the vehicles and locomotives of a bygone era.

Did you know that South Devon was the birthplace of the steam engine? Thomas Newcomen, the inventor of the steam engine was born in the coastal town of Dartmouth, and you can even view the world’s oldest, preserved, working steam engine at Dartmouth Visitor Centre.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel also has strong links to South Devon having designed and built the railway line that runs along the coastline, part of which is now called the Riviera Line, a popular attraction with visitors due to its magnificent views and tunnels that cut into the cliff faces.

Across the region of South Devon there are plenty of unusual transport attractions including a cliff railway, tramway and horse and carriage company, all of which offer visitors the chance to experience a ride. For nautical themed historical transport, South Devon is home to a replica of a historic ship and a museum in Plymouth about the Mayflower. The region boasts two fantastic steam railways also that are always a popular attraction for visitors of all ages.

Meandering over the South Devon landscape are a number of historical transport routes too. Some of these include the Templer Way, Stover Canal and Grand Western Canal, where people visiting can enjoy long walks and learn more about the history of these once very important waterways and rail routes.

Throughout the year South Devon is home to plenty of events that cover historical transport. Whether it’s a vintage car show or steam fair, the area boasts numerous road and rail events, check out our historical events page here to see what’s on.

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Devon’s Top Attractions

Address

Devon Wide

Telephone
01392 201227

marketing@lotstodo.co.uk

Come rain or shine, whether you’re looking for a relaxing time or a full-on action packed day, it is all here with Devon’s Top Attractions www.devonstopattractions.co.uk
Devon' Top Attraction events mean there is always something going on in…

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
1246 reviews
South Devon Railway

Address

The Station, Dartbridge Road, Buckfastleigh, Devon, TQ11 0DZ

Telephone
01364 644370

trains@southdevonrailway.org

Buckfastleigh

The South Devon Railway is a seven mile steam railway running between Buckfastleigh and Totnes.
At Buckfastleigh, there is a play area, gardens, museum, workshop and cafe.

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The Avocet Line

Address

Exeter - Exmouth, Devon

Telephone
03457 484950

Named after the bird that overwinters on the famous Exe estuary, the Avocet Line is a busy railway connecting Exeter Central and Exmouth stations.

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The Newcomen Engine

Address

The Engine House, Mayors Avenue, Dartmouth, Devon, TQ6 9YY

Telephone
01803 834224

Dartmouth

The Newcomen Engine House, attached to Dartmouth Visitor Centre , houses one of the few surviving 'Atmospheric Engines'. Built in 1720 to Thomas Newcomen's original design, this is the oldest preserved steam engine in the …

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Exeter Quayside

Address

The Quay, Exeter, Devon, EX2 4AN

Telephone
01392 271611

Exeter

Exeter's Historic Quayside is the most attractive area in the city, popular with locals & visitors for its fascinating history, pubs & restaurants.

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Berrybrook Motors

Address

Dawlish Road, Exminster, Exeter, Devon, EX6 8DN

Telephone
01392 833301

info@berrybrook.co.uk

Exeter

Morgan car hire and dealers for Morgan cars and Compacts including Aixam, Reliant, Ligier and Micro Car. We are also the largest supplier of Steam engines in the south west.

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Grand Western Canal Cycle Route

Address

The Moorings, Canal Hill, Tiverton, Devon, EX16 4HX

Telephone
01884 254072

gwcanal@devon.gov.uk

Tiverton

This is a lovely peaceful cycle route, often along the towpath, beside this tranquil stretch of water way through the heart of Devon between Tiverton and the Somerset border.

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TripAdvisor Traveller Rating
738 reviews
Stuart Line Cruises

Address

Exmouth Marina, Exmouth Docks, Exmouth, Devon, EX8 1DU

Telephone
01395 222144

info@stuartlinecruises.co.uk

Exmouth

Sail with Stuart Line Cruises on a River Exe cruise or a Coastal Cruise. Breath-taking scenery & fascinating history throughout the year.

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The Stover Canal

Address

Newton Abbot - Teigngrace, Devon

The Stover Canal runs for nearly two miles north from the Jetty Marsh Local Nature Reserve, Newton Abbot to Ventiford Basin, Ley Green, Teigngrace. It is an important part of the local heritage and was significant to the industrial growth of the…

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The Riviera Line

Address

From Exeter Central to Paignton, Various, Devon

Various

With regular trains seven days a week, the Riviera Line is great for all kinds of trips, whether its arriving at your holiday destination, shopping, exploring the countryside or connecting to different parts of the county.

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Seaton Tramway

Address

Harbour Road, Seaton, Devon, EX12 2NQ

Telephone
01297 20375

info@tram.co.uk

Seaton

For a great day out in Devon, visit Seaton Tramway a attraction featuring a narrow gauge electric tramway running 3 miles from Seaton to Colyton via Colyford.

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The Tarka Line

Address

Devon

Telephone
01752 233094

The Tarka Line runs for 39 miles (60 minutes) between the city of Exeter and the ancient market town of Barnstaple.

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The European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development: Europe investing in rural areas has supported Visit South Devon CIC to develop online destination marketing