The Railway

Making a difference

Volunteers made all the difference!

Steam trains through rolling countryside, with views out to wild moorland and the rugged coastline.

Originally opened in 1898, and closed in 1935; what you can see today at Woody Bay is just the beginning of an exciting project to rebuild one of the world's most famous and picturesque narrow gauge railways; the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

This initial section allows our visitors to experience a taste of what will one day become one of the ultimate narrow gauge treasures of the world as they once again travel by train along the original route above the delightful Heddon Valley near Parracombe in Exmoor's National Park on the longest closed section of railway line to have ever been reopened solely through volunteer effort.

Click on the buttons above and links on the left and right to find out more about our railway, latest news, project progress and the future.

Also make sure you check out our news for the latest on what is happening, and before you go do not miss out on our well stocked online shop!

The Lynton & Barnstaple Railway is a "non-profit" organisation offering narrow gauge train rides at Woody Bay in Exmoor National Park, with one aim: to fully restore the legendary Lynton & Barnstaple Railway.

But the L&B is much more than a visitor attraction, we are an educational charity with a living classroom promoting an understanding of the transport systems of the past and their affect on the rural community living on the remotest and wildest parts of Exmoor - all some 20 miles from the next town.

What you see today was built from nothing.

Having closed in 1935 the L&B is the longest-abandoned section of railway anywhere in the world to be reopened. Today it is owned by the Members of the L&BR Trust and run almost entirely by volunteers.

The L&B Trust membership is made up of people who wish and do support us and our work. But not all our supporters are members for we also rely on the public for support and they do with 40,000 visitors a year using our facilities. If unable to visit, they make donations so we can then do more.

A recreated railway will make a real difference – but we do need the support of people like you to make it happen