Festive dining on the South Devon Railway

Step back in time and experience the golden age of rail travel aboard Lydia, the beautifully restored 1920s carriage now running at South Devon Railway.

Built in 1924 by the Midland Railway Carriage & Wagon Company, Lydia first served on the glamorous Orient Express routes between Milan, Nice and Cannes. Returning to Britain in 1929, she became a favourite of Winston Churchill, who used the carriage during World War II - including the lead-up to D-Day - and for his state funeral in 1965.

After decades abroad, Lydia has now been lovingly restored and is once again carrying passengers, offering a truly elegant taste of history.

Pullman Festive Afternoon Tea

25th November - 17th December

If a Festive Afternoon Tea is your, well cup of tea, then take your seat aboard Pullman Car Lydia. You will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of Prosecco or Elderflower Presse and then presented with a delicious selection of sandwiches, savories and cakes made using fresh local ingredients. The Experience lasts for one and a half hours and is the ideal way to indulge in traditional West Country delicacies whilst enjoying the beautiful Devon scenery. 

A Festive Afternoon Tea will be served at your seat on the 16.00 train from Buckfastleigh. The train will make two return journeys to Staverton and will return back at 18.00.

A traditional Afternoon Tea offering is also available, with the option of boarding the classic Pullman Car Lydia or the wonderful 1950s Restaurant Car. The Experience lasts for one and a half hours, departing on the 15.45 train from Buckfastleigh and returning at 17.00.

Restaurant Car Festive Ploughman's

Enjoy a wonderfully festive dining experience aboard South Devon Railway’s beautiful Restaurant Car this festive season. Climb aboard the 12:00 train from Buckfastleighfor a leisurely journey through stunning Devon countryside, complete with return trip to Staverton.

Sit back and savour a Festive Ploughman's Lunch, freshly prepared using the finest local ingredients, with both standard and vegetarian options available. For a tailored dining experience, simply select your menu choice when booking. Tickets include train fare, first-class upgrade, a welcome drink and all courses. The perfect way to savour West Country flavours this Christmas.

Polar Express

28th November to 23rd December

After several enchanting seasons, The Polar Express Train Ride™ returns to South Devon Railway this Christmas, promising festive magic for the whole family.

Bringing the much-loved film to life right here in the heart of Devon, this immersive experience transports you into a world of music, lights, storytelling, and festive cheer. Meet your favourite characters, enjoy hot chocolate and cookies served by singing chefs, and receive a special gift from Santa himself - a silver sleigh bell, as the first gift of Christmas.

Perfect for families and Christmas lovers alike, The Polar Express Train Ride™ is more than a journey - it’s an unforgettable festive adventure. With tickets selling fast every year, make sure to secure your golden ticket early and be part of this truly magical Devon tradition.

Festive Steam

If you're looking to let off some steam with family and friends post-Christmas then South Devon Railways also operates Special Festive Steam services between Boxing Day and New Year’s Day.  Don’t miss the train as there's three a day departing from Buckfastleigh Station at 10.30am, 12.30pm, and 2.30pm and heading to Totnes Riverside.