A Tram travel through time

One of the highlights of any visit to Colyton is the fantastic model tram service which runs from the town to the nearest beaches at Seaton, the gateway to the Jurassic Coast.

Take a 30-minute journey on the Seaton Tramway and step back in time as you ride any one of 14 different trams based on originals from the heyday of this once ubiquitous mode of transport.

The trams travel along three miles of track through neighbouring Colyford and the beautiful Axe Valley, skirting alongside the River Axe and wetlands home to kingfishers, herons and egrets among many species of water wildlife.

Seaton Tramway has a fascinating history. The line itself was once part of British Railways, but closed by the Government under the now (in)famous Beeching rationalisation programme of the 1960s.

The tramway’s owners Modern Electric Tramways Ltd took over the line in 1970 following a public inquiry which prompted concern from some locals of potential noise pollution caused by the new trams. Town councillors argued it would be a major boost to the area and today that is a reality for the communities of Colyton and Seaton, with around 100,000 tourists using the trams annually.

Each of the trams has its own backstory. For example the body of Car 14 (London Transport 2455) was discovered abandoned by a group of enthusiasts more than 60 years ago at Waltham Cross. Originally built in 1904, it was adapted for the narrow gauge line by cutting it down the middle, removing a section and then rejoining the two halves. It’s been running along the line since 1984.

Car 8 has a roll call of distinguished honours, including being the first paying passenger-carrying tram car in 1970 and the first tram given a pink livery.

You can now catch a tram from Colyton Station in nearby Kingdon, which is about an 8-minute walk from The Old Bakehouse. A return ticket to Seaton costs £11.50, while £13 buys a wristband ticket, which enables you to hop on and off different trams all day. It’s a fun way to explore the area and learn more about the history of tram travel.

For more information about the Seaton Tramway visit https://www.tram.co.uk/