11th March, 2026
Time flies! It's one month to go until the first Youth Volunteer session at the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway on Saturday 11th April open to 13 to 17 year-olds living in the North Devon area.
We’ll be meeting on the platform at Woody Bay (next to the booking office) at 9:45am, this being timed to be convenient for anyone coming by bus from Lynton (9:00am departure arrives 9:23) and Barnstaple (8:45 railway station, 8:49 bus station, arrives Woody Bay 9:31). The full bus timetable including PDF download here - https://www.stagecoachbus.com/routes/south-west/310/barnstaple-lynmouth/XDCO310.O
Please bring wear strong shoes / boots (not lose or open) and warm clothes that won’t mind get dirty and similarly bring a warm coat as the weather can be changeable at Woody Bay. At this first session we will familiarise ourselves with the railway and how it operates before getting stuck into our first task. Parents / guardians are welcome to stay as we always need volunteer help at the railway. The cafe will be open or feel free to bring your own packed lunch.
This brand new initiative will provide a stimulating and exciting environment for younger people designed to develop their skills, confidence and experience at Woody Bay station on glorious Exmoor.
The structured youth volunteer programme will help you:
Our youth volunteers will meet every second Saturday in the month from April to October.
Each session will cover a key part of the railway's activities and over the 2026 season our youth volunteers will be involved in the primary aspects of what keeps our world famous heritage railway in tip-top condition and how we deliver a first class customer experience.
Parents or guardians are welcome to attend sessions so that they can see the valuable contribution the youth team will make to the running of our railway.
Youth team members don't necessarily need have to have an interest in heritage steam railways. All that’s required is enthusiasm and an inquisitive mind to do something new and worthwhile as part of an enthusiastic group of young people. Plus, there’s a train ride included at the end of every session!