Weekend of celebration at Chelfham Viaduct and new community hub

A weekend of celebrations are set for this weekend (Saturday and Sunday, May 17-18) as the historic Chelfham Viaduct is opened to the public for only the second time in its history and the Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub featuring The Growforward Project will be officially opened.

Tomorrow (Saturday) the hub will be formally opened by the Mayor of Barnstaple, Councillor Janet Coates at 11.45am.

The Growforward Project on the suite of the old Chelfham Mill School below the 130-year-old viaduct gained planning permission in February and will comprise a residential wellbeing retreat centre, a café and bistro, a heritage visitor centre and accommodation for staff and volunteers.

The not-for-profit community interest company aims to offer a retreat for mental wellbeing, together with training courses to degree level and seeks to create a community hub that also celebrates the rail heritage of the site below the former Lynton to Barnstaple Railway line.

The Mayor will be opening The Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub, which will double as both the main reception for the whole of The Growforward Project, as well as a focal point for education and engagement, allowing visitors to see what The Growforward Project is all about.

It will also serve as a heritage and conservation learning centre, focussing on and showcasing Chelfham Valley’s history and architecture, the viaduct and the Chelfham watermill.

Above: The former Chelfham Mill Station. Credit: Simon Ellery

Visitors will also have the rare opportunity to enjoy spectacular views from the bridge deck of Chelfham Viaduct itself and enjoy a walk along the 400-foot track bed of the historic structure – believed to be only the second time this has been possible since it opened in 1896 as part of the L&B narrow gauge railway.

Free tickets to walk the viaduct can be booked via the link below.

The Historical Railways Estate (HRE), which is responsible for the maintaining the structure, is hosting the two-day event alongside the L&B Railway plus the new Chelfham Valley Heritage Hub.

The line itself closed in 1935, but the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway owns a great deal of the old route and is working towards eventually reopening the line between the two towns. The viaduct is managed by National Highways’ Historical Railways Estate team manage and maintain the viaduct on behalf of the Government.

Above: An overview of the Chelfham Viaduct. Credit: Simon Ellery

An opening ceremony will be carried out on the viaduct at 12noon on Saturday, May 17 and the viaduct will close at 5pm. On the Sunday it will be open 10am to 4pm.

On the ground, there will be food and entertainment, a pop-up pub plus live music by Rossana Ball and on the spot portraits by artist John Crushy.

The new centre will be open from this weekend and remain open. Visitors can look forward to interactive exhibits, informative displays, and various activities throughout the year.

The Growforward Project’s team, which aims to promote wellbeing and social engagement, both locally and further afield, consists of ex-pupils of Chelfham Mill School, former school staff, neighbours and the wider community.

The planning permission will enable the team to achieve their vision of a not-for-profit and develop the former Chelfham Mill site to include a community wellbeing hub, retreat centre, and a riverside bistro, as well as the Heritage Centre itself.

Theer is parking at The Growforward Hub site but it is limited and people are asked to car share if possible, use the bus service which stops outside or try and attend at less busy times such as later in the day or Sunday.

For more information and to book tickets, go to https://nationalhighways.co.uk/our-work/historical-railways-estate/latest-updates/chelfham-viaduct-and-railway-railway-200-open-day

Ticket sales end today.