Seaton Tramway

The Seaton Tramway is a narrow-gauge electric tramway in East Devon. It runs for three miles alongside the Axe Estuary and the River Coly, linking Seaton, Colyford and Colyton. Much of the route passes between the estuary and the Seaton Wetlands nature reserves. The tramway uses part of the old Seaton Branch Line, closed in 1966. Fourteen tramcars operate here, all based on classic British designs and built in sizes from half-scale to two-thirds-scale. The tramway was founded in 1970 by Claude Lane, who had earlier run trams at Eastbourne. Fourteen tramcars serve over 100,000 visitors each year. After Lane’s death in 1971, his nephew Roger and engineer Allan Gardner kept the project alive with volunteer help. The line reached Colyton in 1980 after years of rebuilding and flood repairs. Special events such as the Polar Express now extend the season well beyond summer. Visitors board at Seaton tram station in the town centre. The modern station building hosts community events year-round. The first stretch runs north across Seaton Marshes, offering views of the wetlands. Riverside tram stop sits beside the depot where the trams are kept. Further on, the line passes Colyford before reaching Colyton, giving glimpses of the estuary and countryside along the way.