Devon County Council

Although regular passenger trains ceased in 1965 with the notorious 'Beaching Act', the line from Barnstaple - Torrington - Meeth remained open for milk and clay traffic until 1982.

The rails were lifted in 1985 and following a failed attempt to re-open the line as a heritage railway, attention was centred on the former station at Bideford.

In the late 1980's the entire line was purchased by Devon County Council and was converted into the 'Tarka Trail' footpath and cycleway.

It was in 1989 that the 'Bideford Railway Station Group', in conjuction with Devon County Council set about the restoration of the Station area.

During the next few years, the platforms were rebuilt, the signal box was rebuilt on its orignal site and rails re-laid.

Devon County Council then restored and occuped the former Station building as offices for the Tarka Trail. In 1992 a 1957 railway coach was purchased from the Mid-Hants Railway for use as a visitors centre and cafe. It was formally opened by the Chairman of Devon County Council in 1994.

In 1994 a former LMS box van was purchased from the Bristol Harbour Railway and the Signal Box opened as a museum, housed on 2 floors. It now attracts over 4,000 people annually.

Location:

Bideford Railway Museum is sited at the east end of Bideford's historic longbridge next to the Royal Hotel.

28 Stanbridge Park, Bideford, Devon, EX39 3RS
Tel: 01271 388879

Opening Times:

Easter - End of October
Sundays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Bank Holidays 2-5pm.

Nov-Easter
Sundays 2-5pm(weather permitting).

Note

Railway Carriage Visitors Centre / Refreshment is open throughout the Summer months. This is not operated by the group.