Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.
With over 2000 members worldwide the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Trust (a Registered Educational Charity No.1082564) owns the railway and remains determined to reinstate a railway that was once (and will one day again become) the jewel in the crown of North Devon.
This initial section, one mile of track centred at WoodyBay Station, allows our visitors to experience a taste of what will one day become one of the ultimate narrow gauge treasures of the world as they once again travel by train along the original route above the delightful Heddon Valley near Parracombe in Exmoor's National Park on the longest closed section of railway line to have ever been reopened solely through volunteer effort.
A major fundraising effort: All Aboard! is currently underway, to raise at least £100,000 to allow us to obtain a "Transport and Works Act Order" (TWAO), a statutory instrument that will allow us to expand along the remaining 18 miles of the original railway.
Open every day during the Summer, and at selected periods during the rest of the year, visitors can enjoy the enchanting world of Woody Bay Station where you can board our narrow gauge train for a trip back in time on the Legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway. You might just see our resident buzzard flying overhead or perhaps a hare or sometimes even a deer as you experience the sights of heather- covered hills and wooded valleys of North Devon – on clear days you can see all the way across to Wales – not to be missed.
Time to spare? Outside, the tea gardens, lawns, picnic area and platforms are a perfect place to relax and enjoy the magnificent views of the rolling Devon countryside.
Savour a cream tea with home baked scones or a luscious hand-made sandwich or slice of cake. Visit us in the winter when you can cosy-up to our real coal fire whilst enjoying a bowl of warming home-made soup.