Station, Station Hill, Great Torrington, Torrington EX38 8JD
Tarka Valley Railway
The Tarka Valley Railway in Devon, England, is a proposed heritage railway based on plans to rebuild the Barnstaple to Halwill Junction railway line. So far only a short demonstration line has been set up, and planning permission was granted for 300 ft of track in the direction of Bideford.
Location
About
Tarka Valley Railway Museum is a must-visit destination for any tourist interested in railways and the history of transportation in England. Located in the picturesque town of Barnstaple in Devon, the museum offers an incredible insight into the history of railways in the area and their impact on the local community.
The museum is housed in the former railway station at Pilton, a short distance from the center of Barnstaple. The station was part of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, which operated from 1898 to 1935, and the museum is dedicated to preserving the history of this fascinating railway and its role in the development of the local area.
One of the highlights of the museum is its collection of steam locomotives and rolling stock. Visitors can see a range of locomotives and carriages, from the small narrow-gauge engines used on the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway to larger locomotives that were once used on mainline services in the area. The museum also has an impressive collection of railway artifacts, including signaling equipment, station furniture, and a range of other items that give visitors a glimpse into the world of railway travel in the early 20th century.
For those looking to learn more about the history of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway, the museum has a number of informative displays and exhibits that detail the development of the railway, its impact on the local area, and the challenges faced by those who built and operated it. Visitors can also explore the museum's model railway, which features a detailed recreation of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and allows visitors to see the railway in action.
The museum is staffed by knowledgeable volunteers who are happy to share their expertise and answer any questions visitors may have. For those who are interested in getting hands-on experience, the museum also offers a range of workshops and events throughout the year, including steam locomotive driving experiences and railway maintenance workshops.
Overall, the Tarka Valley Railway Museum is a fascinating destination for any tourist interested in the history of transportation in England. Its collection of locomotives, rolling stock, and railway artifacts offers a unique insight into the world of railway travel in the early 20th century, while its informative displays and exhibits provide a wealth of information on the history of the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway and its impact on the local area. With knowledgeable staff and a range of hands-on experiences on offer, the museum is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in railways and their role in shaping the world we live in today.
Gallery
Opening Hours
| Monday | Closed |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | Closed |
| Wednesday | Closed |
| Thursday | 9:30 am–4:30 pm |
| Friday | Closed |
| Saturday | Closed |
| Sunday | Closed |