We’re delighted to be part of the Exmoor National Park Dark Skies Festival for 2026, in its 10th year, which celebrates and explores the wonders of Exmoor after dark. The festival invites visitors to discover and explore the wonders of Exmoor after dark.
The Exmoor Dark Sky Reserve is rightly proud of being the first dark sky reserve in Europe and has minimal light pollution. On a clear night, you may be lucky enough to see the Milky Way, thousands of stars and a host of astronomical wonders with the naked eye.
A Special Dark Skies Train – Sunday 1 November 2026
For the first time, we're offering a unique opportunity to experience the magic of steam travel across the darkness of Exmoor, just as passengers did in Victorian times.
On Sunday 1 November only, we'll be running a special 5:00pm steam train service, alongside our usual 4:00pm departure. As the clocks will have changed, this is your chance to experience the railway after dark and enjoy a truly atmospheric journey through the Exmoor countryside.
Why not arrive early, enjoy a journey in daylight, and then experience the contrast of travelling by steam as darkness falls?
Your ticket is valid for the whole day, so you may be able to enjoy more than one return journey.
Train Times
Departure Train Times From Woody Bay Station to Killington Lane:
10.45 – 11.30 – 12.15 – 13.30 – 14.15 – 15.00 – 16:00 – 17:00
2 mile return journey (approximately 20 minutes)
Please note that the 5:00pm Dark Skies service runs on Sunday 1 November only.
We recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before your chosen departure
Ticket Prices
Normal day fares apply to all services on Sunday 1 November, including the special 5:00pm Dark Skies train.
Standard Fare
- Adult: £11.50
- Child (under 14 years): FREE
- Young Adult - (aged 14 - 21)/ Student ( Student ID required) :£8.50
- Disabled Passenger: £8.50
- Carer: Free
- Family - (2 adults and up to 3 student/young adult): £32.00
Your ticket is valid all day, allowing you to take multiple journeys where services and capacity permit. The first train of the day is at 10:45am, and this is the departure time displayed on your ticket. You do not have to travel on the 10:45am train; you can choose a later service.
🌙 A Few Things to Remember
November evenings on Exmoor can be cold, so please come prepared!
- Wrap up warm with suitable layers.
- Bring waterproof coats in case of wet weather.
- Bring a torch to help you find your way around after dark.
Tearoom & Station Shop
The Tearoom will be open from 10:00 till 17:00, serving a range of light refreshments including hot & cold drinks, soup, warm pasties and sausage rolls, cakes and cream teas.
Takeaway refreshments are available, and food and drink may be taken on the train, except in the First Class compartments.
Our Station Shop will also be open, with a range of gifts and souvenirs to browse.
First Class Upgrade (Available On The Day)
Upgrade on the day and travel in style and comfort in one of our 1st class compartments. You can purchase your upgrade on the day from our Station shop. This will be available on a first come first serve basis and cannot be pre-booked.
£3.50 per person (valid for one return trip)
Accessibility
Our trains can accommodate standard (non motorized) transit wheelchairs and our staff are always on hand to provide assistance. We have a wheelchair accessible compartment which can accommodate one wheelchair per train. With this there is access via the guards van which has a ramp available for use. Please be aware there are some size restrictions with the ramp. Ramp size restrictions: Width 700 millimeters and weight 300 kilograms.
Please ensure to give us a call 01598 763487 or email us at [email protected] to reserve a wheelchair space. These places are available on a first come first served basis.
Enjoy 20% Off your food bill at the Old Station Inn
After your journey, why not round off your day with a hearty meal at the Old Station Inn?
This traditional, family-friendly pub is open seven days a week, from 12 noon to 10:00pm, with last food orders at 8:00pm. Whether you're after a drink, a light bite or a three-course meal, there's something to suit everyone, with both indoor and outdoor seating.
Located just 4 miles from Woody Bay Station, at the A39/A399 junction at Blackmoor Gate, it's the perfect place to relax after your Dark Skies adventure.
Show your valid Lynton & Barnstaple Railway ticket on Sunday 1 November to receive 20% off your food bill.
Click here to view the Old Station Inn menu.
Getting Here and Parking
You'll find us at:
Lynton & Barnstaple Railway
Woody Bay Station
Parracombe
Barnstaple
EX31 4RA
What3Words: nosedive.snoozing.aunts
We have a large free car park, including disabled parking spaces closer to the station. Please aim to arrive at least 10 minutes before your chosen train departure.
1st Nov 2026
