The A1 Steam Locomotive Trust is delighted to announce the return of 'The Devon Belle', taking in the legendary climb over Honiton Bank!
'The Devon Belle' recreates the golden age of steam travel and was one of the most famous luxury express trains of the late 1940's and early 1950's. Originally running from London Waterloo to Plymouth in Devon, 'The Devon Belle' was an effort by the Southern Railway to encourage the resumption of normal leisure activities following WWII. Before the time of personal motorcar ownership, such trains would transport holidaymakers to the West Country for annual holidays – long before the advent of the foreign package holiday.
On Bank Holiday Monday 25th August 2014, 'The Devon Belle' will depart from London Paddington at 07:50hrs and head to Slough (08:15hrs), Reading (08:50hrs) and then Newbury (09:20hrs) where passengers can join the train before heading westward along the Berks & Hants line as far as Castle Cary. The train then veers left on to the single track branch to Yeovil Pen Mill, taking the little used spur to Yeovil Junction and joining the West of England main line. Entering Devon near Axminster, Tornado will then work hard tackling the ascent of Honiton Bank! Briefly stopping at Exeter Central, The Devon Belle will then head to its final destination of Exeter St Davids for a 3 hour break allowing passengers to explore this historic and delightful city before returning to London.
We expect there to be much fast running at the permitted maximum of 75mph and with this being a summer tour we anticipate wonderful views of the West Country and stunning scenery as we ascend Honiton Bank with the long daylight hours.
Provisional Timings for 'The Devon Belle' on Monday 25th August 2014 are as follows:
Station Depart Return
London Paddington 07:50 21:55
Slough (for M25) 08:15 21:20
Reading 08:50 20:45
Newbury 09:20 20:15
Terms and conditions are available on request.
Tickets for 'The Devon Belle' are priced at standard class (adult £89.50, junior £79.50), first class dining (£225.00 per person). Guaranteed tables for two in first class dining are available for a supplement of £25.00 per seat.
Bookings by debit or credit card are via our ticket agents UK Railtours on 01438 715050 www.ukrailtours.com