Autumn Gala 2026

Name: Autumn Gala 2026
Start: 2026-09-26T00:00:00+01:00
End: 2026-09-26T00:00:00+01:00
Location: Woody Bay Station - EX31 4RA

Telford Steam Railway

Our 2026 Autumn Gala takes place on the 26th and 27th September.

This year, we celebrate 75 years of narrow-gauge railway preservation, showcasing the remarkable breadth and diversity of the movement. Taking place over the final weekend of September, the gala also continues our traditional commemoration of the closure of the iconic Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.

This year we have two very special and unusual guest engines which, along with our home fleet, represents the wide spectrum that covers narrow gauge heritage.

The ’Thomas Telford’ steam tram, which was highly commended at this year’s Heritage Railway Association Awards makes a rare trip away from the Telford Steam Railway visiting the Southwest for the first time and, Lister Railtruck 11410, formerly a sewage works locomotive, joins us from a private collection in Devon.

Here’s What to expect over the weekend

Intense & varied timetable
Classic cars on display (to be confirmed)
Miniature traction engines at Woody Bay
16mm Garden Railway
Miniature Railway (To be confirmed closer to event day)
Live music from the Lynmouth Shanty Crew on Sunday
Marquee attractions and stands
Kids garden games

Great Food & Drinks

Real Ale & Cider Bar: Great selection of hand-picked Real ales and Ciders
Barbecue: Serving burgers, sausage and bacon baps.
Woody Bay Tearoom: Serving a selection of hot/cold drinks, hot pasties, sausage rolls, soup, cream teas and cakes.

Ticket Prices

We are offering a pre-booking discount to visitors who have per-booked online via our website!

Please see below a list of prices for this year both in advance and on the day!

Ticket Type	Pre-booked (Online)	On the Day
Adult	£15.50	£17.50
Young Person (14-21 years	£10.00	£10.50
Child (Under 14 years)	Free	Free
Disabled Person	£10.00	£10.00
Carer	Free	Free
Family (2 adults & up to 3 young people)	£37.50	£39.50

Please be aware since this is a special event discounts like National Trust members, 50% off returning customer etc, are not valid either of these days.

Travel in comfort in our first class compartment!

First class upgrades will be available on the day at Woody Bay Station from 11:30 onwards. For £3.50 per person take part in a return journey from Woody Bay to Killington lane.

Car Parking

Disabled parking will available on a first come first served basis at Woody Bay Station (EX31 4RA)

Free car parking will be available at Killington Lane (What3words: Cooking, Forklift, Solder).
If you are coming from the Lynton/Lynmouth area please make your way to Woody Bay Station and then follow the signs for Killington Lane.

Select dates throughout the year

Buy Tickets

Find us

Share with friends

Dates & Times

Saturday 26th September	Buy Tickets
Sunday 27th September	Buy Tickets

Gala Timetable

Stay tuned! Our gala timetable will be uploaded very soon.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media channels, as these will be among the first places we share further information and updates.

The first train is expected to run at around 10:00am on both days.

We’ll have more details coming soon. Watch this space!

Meet the Visiting Locomotives

Steam Tram ‘Thomas Telford: Courtesy of the Telford Steam Railway!

We are delighted to welcome Thomas Telford, the unique narrow-gauge steam tram from Telford Steam Railway, to the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Autumn Gala. Built in 1979 for the Telford Development Corporation, this distinctive tram has enjoyed a fascinating history and, following an extensive six-year restoration, returned to service in 2025. The quality of the restoration was recognised with Thomas Telford being nominated in the Steam Locomotive category of the Heritage Railway Association (HRA) Awards last year. Its visit to North Devon offers a rare opportunity to see this unusual and characterful steam tram operating away from its home railway, adding an extra touch of spectacle to our Autumn Gala.

A huge thank you to the Telford Steam Railway for all of their help!

Lister Railtruck 11410 : Courtesy of the Westonzoyland Pumping Station Team

Joining Thomas Telford at the Lynton & Barnstaple Railway Autumn Gala will be Lister Railtruck 11410, an unassuming but important survivor from Britain’s industrial past. Saved from a Staffordshire sewage works, 11410 was once simply a piece of working industrial equipment. Its survival is a testament to the individuals and groups who rescued locomotives and rolling stock destined for scrap, restoring them with the conviction that these seemingly humble machines were worth preserving. Today, 11410 offers a fascinating reminder of the countless small industrial railways and the people who kept them working.

A huge thank you to the Westonzoyland Pumping Station Team for all of their help!

Meet the Home Fleet

Lyn

Baldwin 762 ‘Lyn’ our new build locomotive completed in 2017, a replica of the original which was ordered by the railway and built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works, Philadelphia. Lyn represents narrow-gauge heritage from the USA and passenger narrow-gauge here in North Devon.

Sir George Newnes

Bagnell 2819 ‘ Sir George Newnes’ built in 1942 for the Tongaat sugar company of South Africa and recently overhauled represents the role that narrow gauge engines played across the Commonwealth enabling food production.

Axe

Kerr Stuart 2451 ‘Axe’ which was built 1915 and saw service during WWI on the Western Front and represents the hundreds of locomotives and their dedicated crews that saw active service. Axe will be available to view over the weekend while she undergoes an overhaul, offering visitors a unique opportunity to see this historic locomotive.

Pilton

Drewry diesel locomotive D2393 ‘Pilton’ which was built 1952 and operated at Victoria sugar mill in Queensland Australia this being its first public outing since a repaint into a striking new livery.

Hunslet D6652 & Heddon Hall

Hunslet diesel locomotives D6652 and D6660 Heddon Hall‘ both built in 1965 and operated at Dean Hill Royal Navy Armaments Depot (RNAD) representing the railways that served the military here and abroad.

Hunslet Loco no. 001

Built by Hunslet Locomotive Hire Ltd in 1996, Hunslet 001 is an exact replica of a Jenbacher Type DH25, built under licence by the Hunslet Engine Co. at Leeds. After trials on the Abbey Light Railway and a period in private ownership in Devon, the locomotive was purchased by a group of L&B working volunteers for use at Woody Bay.

Hunslet 001 has recently received a fresh new paint job from the talented paint shop boys at Woody Bay Station, helping to keep this much-loved locomotive looking its best.

The Old Station Inn

Enjoy 20% off your food bill at The Old Station Inn pub, when displaying valid Autumn Gala tickets/wristbands!

The Old Station Inn is a traditional family friendly pub, serving traditional pub food with indoor and outdoor seating. Whether you’re looking for a drink, light snack or even a three course meal they’ve got you covered.

Click here to view the 2026 Menu!

Click here to pre-book a table or call 01598 763520 and speak to one of our friendly team.

Location: Situated in North Devon the Old Station Inn is located on the A39/A399 junction at Blackmoor Gate. With only being 4 miles away from Woody Bay Station it makes the perfect stop off after or before your visit.

Terms & Conditions

This offer cannot be used with any other discount or offer.

Only valid for the weekend of the 26^th and 27^th of September.
This offer is available for customers who have purchased tickets/wristbands for our 2026 Autumn Gala at the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway. Please ensure to display your tickets/wristbands when paying.

Chelfham

Chelfham Station, EX32 4RP, will be open both Saturday and Sunday of the Gala weekend 10.00-17.00.

All visitors can enjoy visiting the award winning Chelfham Station, seeing the restored station building, working signals, and now both platforms completely cleared of sheds and clutter finally giving the station its authentic Southern Railway appearance.

A signposted trackbed walk north towards Bratton Bridge is also possible. As usual a limited range of refreshments of teas, coffees, savouries, cakes and biscuits will be available for cash or card donations. The second-hand bookshop with some L and B souvenirs will be open which now also includes a range of donated model railway items.

All monies received over the weekend will go towards further restoration at Chelfham.

Autumn Gala 2026