OUR TRAIN
Our train on our opening day on 15th August 2004. The train was seen off by the Mayor of Bideford, accompanied by a pipe band. Many passengers enjoyed the day, as they did over subsequent operating seasons.
Our train consists of two items, an 0-4-0 Planet diesel shunter and a BR brake van. After restoration to operational condition, and the acquisition of appropriate permissions to run a train service, we commenced running our train in 2004 over our short line southwards from the station.
The service ran on occasional weekends until it had to be withdrawn following a serious act of vandalism. The opportunity has been taken to subject the diesel shunter and brake van to extended maintenance so that they can be returned to the standard achieved on our opening day. We hope that the locomotive will be able to give footplate rides during 2020.
See historical details of the Planet and where we are currently with its restoration here.
LATEST NEWS
COVID-19
Because of difficulties in meeting Government advice relating to social distancing, the Bideford and Instow sites will be closed until further notice. We are sorry for any inconvenience caused.
BBC's JEREMY VINE SUPPORTS BRHC
Jeremy Vine has posted on Facebook: "Just want to give a big shout-out to all the unpaid enthusiasts who've refurbished the disused stations at Bideford and Instow in Devon with such love and care. Each has 100 yards of track, old carriages, a platform, repainted signal boxes, waiting rooms and ticket barriers. They are truly beautiful and a reminder of what we've lost. One upside: the Tarka Trail allows people to walk and cycle along the line of the old tracks. But I wish the trains were still running."
We think that by saying "waiting rooms and ticket barriers" he meant the replica ticket office in the PMV!
NEW WEBSITE SALES PAGE
We've developed a Sales Page on this website where you can buy BRHC booklets and other items, and all those railway books that you've been looking for. This will help our income stream during the pandemic.
PAYMENTS AND DONATIONS
Our main source of income - sales and donations at both Bideford and Instow - has effectively ceased for the whole of this year, which has a drastic impact on our activities. If you feel you can help us please consider buying a book from our Sales page and/or making a donation, using one of these three options:
1. a cheque made payable to the Bideford Railway Heritage Centre and sent to BRHC c/o Tree Tops, Northdown Road, Bideford, Devon EX39 3NA or
2. by bank transfer (BACS) to A/C Number 20370096 Sort Code 20-04-59, using your surname and DONATION or SALES as the Reference or
3. by PayPal, debit or credit card using your surname and DONATION or SALES in "Write a Note".
Many thanks for your support.
oPENING tIMES
We're open from 10.30 to 4pm every weekend from Easter to the end of October half-term, and daily during school holidays.
We are a small group so there may be rare occasions when we can't open. If this is the case there will be a message on the Tea on the Train facebook page (below). Please check.
When we are not open the site is still accessible from the Tarka Trail.
WANT TO VOLUNTEER WITH US? Working Parties are held on Wednesdays. Phone 07854590503.
BRHC on Facebook
Bideford Railway Heritage Centre, Instow Signal Box and Bideford Tea on the Train all have pages on Facebook - join us there!
Visit Us!
Interpretation Centre
Our historic railway parcels van at Bideford contains a fabulous interpretation display, with beautiful information panels, a model railway and a high-tech touchscreen interactive.
It's an in-depth historical experience of life on the north Devon railways - come and see us!
Tea on the Train
The Quirky Cafe in the Carriage! Join us for a selection of delicious food, homemade cakes, local ice creams and hot and cold drinks.
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