Report by Duncan Williams for Pulman's Weekly News
Steam trainspotting, real ale and live entertainment will take centre stage over the August Bank Holiday as the South Devon Railway teams up once again with the Staverton Beer Festival for its popular Summer Rails & Ales event.
The four-day event, running from Friday, 28th August to Monday, 31st August, offers visitors the chance to travel by heritage steam railway through the Dart Valley before enjoying one of Devon’s best-known village beer festivals.
Special train services will operate between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside throughout the weekend, stopping at Staverton, where festival-goers can enjoy a wide selection of real ales, craft beers and ciders served by the Devon Diesel Society’s award-winning bar.
Alongside the drinks, the festival will feature hot and cold food, teas, coffees and soft drinks, as well as live music across the weekend and additional entertainment on the Sunday evening.
Organisers are encouraging people to leave the car at home, with free parking available at Buckfastleigh, a bus stop next to Totnes Riverside station and Totnes mainline railway station within walking distance of the heritage line.
The South Devon Railway, which follows the River Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes, is one of the county’s best-known heritage attractions, offering visitors a journey through ancient woodland, rolling countryside and riverside scenery.
Ernest Elsworth-Wilson, General Manager of the South Devon Railway, said: “Summer Rails & Ales has become one of the highlights of our events calendar because it combines two great British traditions – heritage railways and real ale.
“It gives people the opportunity to leave the car behind, relax and enjoy a wonderful day out travelling by steam train through the Dart Valley before spending time at the Staverton Beer Festival.
“Whether you’re a real ale enthusiast, a railway fan or simply looking for a memorable way to spend the Bank Holiday weekend with family and friends, it offers a fantastic experience in one of the most beautiful parts of Devon.”
As well as the festival, visitors will be able to explore the railway’s restored stations, heritage locomotives and historic carriages while enjoying one of the country’s best-loved riverside railway journeys.
The event is expected to attract visitors from across the South West, with advance booking recommended for train travel.
For timetables, tickets and more information, visit www.southdevonrailway.co.uk
( Photos courtesy of South Devon Railway 📸 )