Saturday 17 June 2023

Ever since Liz and Simon took over the running of UK Railtours from dad John, we’ve wanted to run this particular tour. We have many fond memories of summers spent with our grandparents who lived in Colyton, and our grandfather chose to spend his retirement helping install the electrical systems in the trams and infrastructure of Seaton Tramway. Thankfully our customers seem to agree, as this has always been a very popular itinerary!

Our tour will be hauled throughout by GB Railfreight’s class 73 electro-diesel locomotives, bringing a bit of Southern region haulage back home. Introduced in the 1960’s, the class 73 fleet have proven so useful that they are still in service more than 60 years later! Upgraded to 73/9 spec in 2013, these locomotives can run on either diesel or via the third rail, making them unique on the network until 2018 when the modern class 88 locos were introduced.

Picture courtesy of Dave Lodwick

As well as our exciting off-train options, this tour offers two contrasting destinations for those wanting to plan their own afternoons:

AXMINSTER gave its name to a type of carpet and an Axminster-type power loom is capable of weaving high quality carpets with many varying colours and patterns. While Axminster carpet is still made here by Axminster Carpets Ltd, it is now manufactured all over the world. Sitting on the River Axe, Axminster provides a wonderful break for anyone looking to get back to nature. Discover the history and heritage of this town at the local museum, explore the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, walk for miles in the stunning countryside and ancient woodlands, and explore the Axe Valley rivers – spotting otters and kingfishers along the way.

The modern city of EXETER only really came to prominence in Roman times. Today’s Exeter is a compact but thriving city with a huge variety of attractions. Particular highlights include the Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery, with 16 galleries of displays taking visitors on a voyage of discovery from pre-history to the present day and from Exeter all around the world, and Exeter Cathedral.  Founded in 1050 when the bishop’s seat was moved from nearby Crediton and completed in 1400 the cathedral has several notable features including an astronomical clock and the longest uninterrupted medieval stone vaulted ceiling in the world. Our tour will set down at Exeter St Davids, giving you just over three hours to explore.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – THE SEATON TRAMWAY

John Farrow, UK Railtours founder, in his other life as a volunteer driver at Seaton Tramway. Seen here driving No.4, his favourite tram.

This narrow gauge tramway links the quiet little seaside resort of Seaton with Colyton, a ‘must visit’ place with the babbling River Coly flowing through its heart, amid impossibly tiny streets, galleries, shops and pubs. Ride on the beautifully restored saloon trams, open-top double deckers, maybe a Manx ‘toast rack’ or even a Blackpool ‘boat’. The line runs along the former Seaton branch line with wonderful views of the Axe Estuary and wetlands, an area teeming with birds and other wildlife.

The Tramway will be running three trams an hour and a round trip takes just over an hour. Coaches will provide the transfer from Axminster station to Seaton, where we will have around 4 hours to ride the trams, explore Colyton or wander the promenade overlooking the pebble beach at Seaton.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – PECORAMA

Pecorama is one of Devon’s leading tourist attractions – set high on the hillside above the picturesque fishing village of Beer. Enjoy a vast permanent indoor model railway exhibition, award-winning gardens, stunning sea views, home-made food and a selection of refreshments and, of course, rides on Britain’s finest 7.25 inch railway, where a fleet of steam locomotives pull passenger-carrying trains on a mile long route through the grounds, over bridges, through steep-sided cuttings and a long, dark tunnel! There are also large outside play areas, a lovely wildway walk with stunning views, a wild pond, bug hotel and sea shell grotto. Coaches will take you from Axminster to Beer, where you will have almost 4 hours to enjoy the wonderful world of Peco.

First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner. A buffet car is available. 

Supplements for off train options include coach transfers and entry and must be booked in advance.

Class	Price	Availability
Standard Adult	£119	Good
Standard Junior	£109	Good
First Class Non Dining	£169	Good
First Class Dining	£279	Good
First Class Dining Party of Four	£1096	Good
Off Train Option - Pecorama	£22	Good
Off Train Option - Seaton Tramway	£22	Good

TIMINGS NOW CONFIRMED

Station	Depart	Arrive
London Waterloo	07.14	21.38
Woking	07.47	21.00
Basingstoke	08.25	20.19

 

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