Join North Devon towns' rail milestone celebrations

This year marks anniversaries of the railway first reaching two North Devon towns.

Ilfracombe is celebrating its 150th anniversary on 20th July in the Ilfracombe Landmark Pavilion.

Thanks to the efforts of Combe Rail, there will be model railway layouts, trade stands and displays by other local heritage railway groups.

Ilfracombe Museum will be opening a new display of its extensive railway collection, on the same day.

The day will conclude at 19:00 with an illustrated talk in the museum by Combe Rail Chair John Burch.

The railway may no longer reach the coastal town of Ilfracombe however, there are regular buses that can take you there from Barnstaple or why not take the time to walk/cycle on the old track bed that was remade into the Tarka trail.

On the trail, you will see new railway heritage installations as you approach Slade.

Barnstaple Junction was the name of what was the town’s busiest station.

Nowadays you call it “Barnstaple station” and it is being used now more than any point in its entire history mainly because it is now the only railway station that has buses that connect to the towns that lost their railways in North Devon and Torridge.

The North Devon line runs from Exeter and terminates at Barnstaple, the line is so well used that the users are filling the carriages and that brings capacity challenges as the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership figures show that the North Devon line is closing in on 1 million users per annum!

These staggering usage figures show that the North Devon line is here to stay and will one day be upgraded with the need for a further extension to serve Bideford.

Barnstaple Town Council (in conjunction with partners), is celebrating the 170th anniversary of Barnstaple railway station and has a lot planned from the 1st - 5th August.

The town will have its first-ever rail trail!

Firstly, start at the station that is still drawing in hundreds of thousands of users per year and boasts 2 consecutive Southwest in Bloom awards (2022-2023), plus was shortlisted for a national Community Rail silver award 2024.

The Stationmasters cafe is accessible from the ticket office, car park and platform 1.

The cafe is a delight and has won awards plus has a wonderful garden by the platform.

While looking around the station, take some time to view the award-winning displays of sustainable planting that is maintained on a weekly basis by volunteers from Tarka Rail Association and Barnstaple in Bloom.

For the next stop, go and visit the Barnstaple museum railway room that has an original Barnstaple West County class nameplate with various locally historical information.

One town area that is pedestrianised is the Strand.

Along here you can walk and you will be surprised to find a new Barnstaple Town sign near the location of the original Quay Station.

This new bespoke sign by Idam signs was made in partnership with North Devon Council and is the first ‘Way finding’ sign to improve the town this year.

There is a plan to have various activities and information boards by the sign.

The Guildhall will be alive with historical displays and have amazing railway exhibitions.

Finally, visit the Pannier Market and discover stalls from various railway organisations and personal railway model displays.

The market will also feature children’s crafts and a possible screening of “The Railway Children”.

This 170th anniversary is a historical moment and you should find something for all kids and big kids.

Oh, and one more thing, at each location you visit, make sure you get your railway trail stamp!