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Seaton Tramway
Seaton Tramway
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
Seaton Tramway operates narrow gauge heritage trams between Seaton, Colyford and Colyton in East Devon's glorious Axe Valley, travelling alongside the River Axe estuary through two nature reserves and giving an unrivalled view of the abundant wading bird life.The coastal resort of Seaton is now a gateway town to the Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst the historic town of Colyton is described as "Devon's Most Rebellious Town" for its part in the Monmouth Rebellion of 1685.The company originated at the Lancaster Electrical Company of Barnet, which manufactured battery electric vehicles. In 1949 its owner, Claude Lane, indulged his hobby by building a miniature 15” gauge tram, which he ran at garden fetes. This portable system enjoyed temporary homes at St Leonard’s and Rhyl before evolving onto the 2’ gauge Eastbourne Tramway.Many of the present trams were built at Eastbourne, but by the mid 1960’s the tramway’s success was outgrowing the mile line. Claude therefore began to look for alternative locations. In late 1969, Claude purchased the Seaton to Colyton section after the branchline had been closed by Dr Beeching in 1966 and, after a mammoth relocation from Eastbourne, the first section was opened in 1980. Since then the tramway has developed into one of Devon’s best loved attractions.New trams have been added to the fleet and the buildings have been much improved in order to meet the needs of the thousands of enthusiastic people who visit each year.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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  • Paul B
    134 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A trip on the tramway!
    I'm not sure what else Seaton is known for, but their tramway has to be up there as one of the top attractions. We stumbled on it by accident, but we're so glad we took the explorers ticket! £13 per ticket gets you unlimited access to the line between Seaton and colyton, with access to the several bird watching hides along the way. If you're a twitcher then the hides and wetlands are well worth a stop off, as over 68 species of birds were recently recorded in one day! The novelty of course is a ride on the authentic trams, either single or double decks, the scenery along the river and wetlands is stunning. Stops at colyford and end of the line colyton both have pubs, cafes, and facilities, but colyton us the larger of the two twins, with quaint houses and a stunning 15th century church. Whatever else you do in Seaton do take a ride on the tramway!
    Thank you so much for writing a review of Seaton Tramway, we really appreciate you taking the time. We hope you can join us again soon!
    Written 28 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 19 October 2023
  • ChloeVallis
    Basingstoke, United Kingdom40 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A must do whilst in Seaton
    We had a lovely time on the Tram! The staff were so friendly and very easy to get tickets and get on and off. We got a single ticket with the idea to walk back from Colyton, however wouldn’t recommend as some of the walk is along the road. The tram was great fun and goes through lovely Devon countryside and wetlands.
    Thank you for visiting Seaton Tramway and taking the time to write a review. We look forward to welcoming you again soon!
    Written 28 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 21 October 2023
  • David S
    Great Malvern, United Kingdom742 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    A great experience for all ages
    We were blessed by a sunny day and sat on top deck, open aired. What a wonderful way to travel through a wetland nature reserve and see the bird life. Just a really pleasant experience for all ages.
    Thank you for reviewing Seaton Tramway. We are pleased you enjoyed your visit and we hope to see you again soon.
    Written 28 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled as a couple
    Written 22 October 2023
  • Anita
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great half term trip, with monsters!
    We visited the Tramway with our visiting family with a 4 and 6 year old. We sat on the top deck on the way from Colyton to Seaton and then inside of the way back. The children loved the Halloween Hunt, they really enjoyed hunting for the monsters. They were really pleased to get a certificate with their name on at the end. It was a great trip and day out.
    Well done on completing the Halloween Hunt, great to read you had a fantastic day! We hope you can join us again soon - thank you for your review.
    Written 28 October 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited October 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 October 2023
  • Neil D
    8 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A huge thumbs up!
    I rode Seaton Tramways Polar Express event last night and had a fantastic time. The nervy of the actors is intoxicating and the professionalism of everyone involved is refreshing. I would highly recommend this event to families, couples or anyone who just wants to get into the Christmas spirit. Great work Seaton Tramway. A huge thumbs up from me.
    We all love delivering The Polar Express experience and it is wonderful to read that you enjoyed attending. I will pass your lovely comments to our actors - thank you & we hope to see you again soon!
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled solo
    Written 25 November 2023
  • Kirsty O
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Polar Express experience!
    Yesterday we visited Seaton for the Polar Express experience we loved every minute. Every little detail is so thought out and the characters are just amazing. We felt so Christmassy coming away from here. Kudos to all involved, especially Chefs Sugar and Cracker, the Hobo, and the Conductor! If you’re debating whether to visit, just do it. Your little (or big ones) will love it! We will definitely be back!
    I will pass on to Sugar, Cracker, Hobo & The Conductor your compliments - thank you! Thank you for coming on the Polar Express and for taking the time to post a review. From us all at Seaton Tramway Merry Christmas!
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 November 2023
  • thetillers
    3 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Amazing Polar Express experience
    Absolutely amazing trip on The Polar Express. Everyone worked hard as a team to give the whole family a magical experience. My normally quite shy grandaughter says her favourite moment was when the conductor gave her his radio and she totally transformed into a more confident little girl who had found her voice.
    Thank you for sharing your magic moment, for coming on the Polar Express & for taking the time to post a review. We hope you and your granddaughter can join us again soon x
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 25 November 2023
  • M S
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fantastic Festive Fun! 🌲⭐🎅
    A magical immersive experience! Big thanks to our chefs : Nutmeg, Petit Pois, Cracker and both conductors ! Their infectious enthusiasm ensured everyone onboard was quickly engaged and entertained throughout. They created a lovely spirit of teamwork, adventure and fun in our carriage. Children were naturally in awe..I also noticed a number of adults that also became captured by the story, it's message and contagious playfulness!. Many passengers were dressed in Christmas jumpers and wooly hats or pyjamas and dressing gowns, so it felt that the 'audience' really was a part of the shared story. The beautiful old trams instantly created such a dream-like atmosphere and the arrival at the North Pole beautiful! A great start to the festive season. Thank you to the whole team for such a professional memorable event, right here within East Devon.
    Thank you so much for taking the time to review your Polar Express experience with us, we really do appreciate it! I will pass on your wonderful comments to the team as this is exactly what we try to create. Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas from Nutmeg, Petit Pois, Cracker, The Conductors and all at Seaton Tramway!
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 November 2023
  • Katy C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Polar Express at Seaton Tramway
    Just got back from an amazing day going to the Polar Express at Seaton Tramway. Even better than I hoped it would be, the actors all did an outstanding job involving everyone and staying in character throughout. So much hard work and commitment is clear to see. I was slightly worried as my son, at nine, is getting older it wouldn't still be possible to get away with it but regardless of age we all loved it. Along with an immersive experience, a packed activity book and a bell each not just for "the child" it is incredibly good value. A truly magical experience that we'll treasure as a family for a long time. Thank you and hope we've made someone's Christmas wish coming true too.
    Wonderful to read the whole family enjoyed their Polar Express experience! Thank you for your review and feedback I will pass it on. We hope to be welcoming you and your son for many more years! Wishing you a Happy Christmas from all at Seaton Tramway x
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 November 2023
  • Chrissie
    Taunton, United Kingdom20 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Magical Christmas experience xx
    What a fantastic start to our Xmas season! The polar express trip is our favourite.. we go every year and love it! The attention to detail is incredible! All of the staff play their part perfectly and very entertaining. The atmosphere is magical! Well done to all the staff and see you next year xx
    Thank you for returning to the Polar Express, so glad you felt the magic! We really look forward to seeing you in 2024, in the meantime have and absolutely wonderful Christmas. Best wishes from us all at The Tramway x
    Written 15 December 2023
    This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
    Visited November 2023
    Travelled with family
    Written 26 November 2023
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4.5
4.5 of 5 bubbles2,777 reviews
Excellent
2,094
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538
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98
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17

Frances K
16 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We travelled on the 11.30am tram from Seston to Colyton. Our driver gave us an interesting and amusing commentary before and during the journey. He was brilliant, his face was dead pan but his amusing commentary had us all laughing behind our masks. Yes it was during the pandemic of Covid 19 that our visit took place. The girl in the ticket office acctually came from the village where we first lived after our marriage, and our daughter lives there now. It's a small world. On the wetlands we saw an egret, a heron a snipe and many seagulls. Colyton was a very pretty place to walk around and the church was attractive both inside and out. We enjoyed an excellent snack lunch at the cafe at Colyton station before our return journey to Seaton. The weather was lovely and sunny and the views across the River Axe to Axmouth were super, it is another attractive East Devon village. We can thoroughly recommend this as a great way to spend a day if visiting this part of East Devon; Even with the Covid 19 rules regulations and guidelines: so seating on the trams took into consideration social distancing, as did the cafe and the shop at Colyton and the tram station at Seaton.
Written 15 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Rachel D
Bourne, UK28 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2021 • Family
We enjoyed our afternoon on the tramway. The children loved spotting the dinosaurs along the track.

The cafe at Colyton was great. Lovely cakes and fast service.

The children enjoyed the gift shop which had a good selection and was reasonably priced.

All the staff were very friendly and helpful.

It is a bit expensive for what it is but I didn’t mind paying because it goes towards the heritage.

The only thing I disliked was the queuing. We queued for about an hour to get on the outbound tram. I appreciate track capacity is limited but I would rather have sat on a tram at one the padding places for longer and learnt more about the area, the tramway etc than stood in the queue, particularly with young children to entertain. If you could book a specific time train in advance or be given a ticket when you joined the queue so you could leave the queue and come back at a set time for your tram that would make it more enjoyable.

I would definitely visit again as we enjoyed our ride.
Written 6 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for visiting, we're glad you enjoyed your ride! Unfortunately, our trams are only a certain capacity so at busier times, even with extra trams, we can sometimes experience queues as our lovely visitor like to experience our trams. Trams are every 20 minutes with extra trams in operation at least twice an hour. We currently experience slightly longer periods between tram arrival and reboarding as we have introduced rigorous covid procedures, spraying and wiping down our trams between every journey. We're sorry this slightly spoiled your day, but are happy to hear you'll visit again. Which we very much look forward to doing!
Written 29 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

WendyGuss
Canterbury, UK49 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
The tramway is back open for business but the social distancing measures they need to adopt are meaning that the waiting times are longer. They are working hard to ensure everyone’s safety with the trams all fully cleaned after each set of passengers disembark. They are also having to cope with a variety of group sizes, social distancing the seating and all their trams being slightly different sizes and configurations.
The full journey is about 25mins (from Seaton to Colyton) and the walk to the town from Colyton Station takes about 15mins. Allow plenty of time for a return journey. The wait at Seaton is under cover but the station at Colyton is not covered and all the trams are mostly open to the elements so rain gear is needed if there’s a chance of showers. The trams are quaint and good fun.
Written 5 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

James H
4 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
We decided to visit this attraction on recommendation of our holiday park and we wasnt disappointed.
We booked online (which was very quick and easy) for the following day to which we was greeted by a friendly host and then we were given a choice of trams to travel on.
We trundled up the track to colyton where the train terminates, on arrival you have opportunity to take photos of the trams.
At the station you will find a restaurant, toilets, shop and a play area and with plenty of hand sanitizer points.
The restaurant serves sandwiches, cream tea's, all day breakfast's and snacks at reasonable prices.
Trams depart every 15 mins back to seaton.
All the staff were very friendly and we would definitely recommend a visit hear.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kate V
21 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2020 • Family
The Tramway is a beautiful ride along a lake and past lots of greenery, ending up at a lovely little cafe with a park for children. My children loved spotting dinosaurs hidden in the bushes along the way - left over from an event from the weekend before.

We visited Seaton Tramway this month and due to the COVID pandemic were impressed with their social distancing measures and requirement to wear face masks to maintain safety for all.
Written 18 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Essex Reviewer
London, UK134 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020 • Couples
We all know that Covid is having a big impact on leisure activities so we were glad that the tramway was, at least, open. We checked on line and took the advice to book via the web. We chose the Rover ticket as we wanted to take time and stop at the various stations making more of a day of it. Starting from Colyton we had to queue as the passenger numbers have been reduced, we were pleased to see that keeping safe was a high priority however having finally boarded it became clear we could not get off half way. This is because the trams were all full with queues at both ends thus meaning if we got off we would never be able to re board, leaving us with a long walk or expensive taxi. I hope the tram staff can find a way to allow stops, if not don't bother with the Rover ticket as it's not worth the extra.
The history displays made good reading whilst queueing.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hello, Thank you for visiting us at Seaton Tramway, and taking your time to We are designed that we can drop off and pick up passengers at any stop. Drivers radio through to our inspector to hold seats for anyone waiting at our middle stops so that passengers are not waiting for any more than 20-30 minutes at Colyford. We hope we can welcome you again in the future, where we plan to open 2 new stops on our line in 2021
Written 18 December 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

Lincsman
N.E.Lincs318 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Mar 2020
We had an enjoyable trip on the tram and viewed the Wildlife Photography exhibition at Seaton station too (extra charge). The staff were helpful and gave information about the tram. There are toilets, cafes and small shops at both stations. The trip is really about the tram experience although they are developing the route and 'stations'. You need good weather to be outside or it can get rather chilly! We enjoyed seeing bird life en-route. From the end of the line, we walked in to the village which had shops, an interesting church and various eateries.
Written 29 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ade
Sutton, UK41 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2020
It's a few years since I took a trip on the Seaton Tramway and I was pleased to see that the main terminus / station in Seaton has had a major upgrade since I was last here and is now very impressive with an indoor hub for embarkation, booking office, gift shop and cafe. Previously it was little more than a kiosk so this is a very impressive development.
Booking in advance is recommended at the moment due to the pandemic and, obviously, the trams take a reduced number of passengers to maintain social distancing.
The route is along the old British Railways branch line along the side of the River Ax about three miles up to Colyton. The trip takes in stunning views of the Ax estuary and its extensive nature reserve and is a real treat for birdwatchers. Colyton itself is charming old town with a history as the most rebellious town in Devon - it was part of the Monmouth rebellion in the 17th Century and is proud of it. There isn't a huge amount to see here but the town has lovely old buildings, a distinctive church, a couple of shops and a couple of pubs / eateries.
Written 27 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Martin
20 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2020 • Couples
The tram tracks a journey along the course of the old railway line from Seaton towards Colyton. Plenty to see as you track alongside the River Axe, with birds everywhere.

Most of the trams are open to the elements, so on a wet day (like it was when we visited) you will get a bit damp. However this didn’t spoil the ambience and we warmed up over a hot chocolate and a *huge* slice of cake in the cafe at Colyton.

Trams are frequent, the staff are friendly, and there’s plenty of history to see, especially at Seaton.

Car parking at Seaton is in a council car park (£1 per hour) but I believe Colyton has free parking if you’re feeling frugal.

Journey time is half hour end to end, so expect your visit to be 2-3 hours.
Written 1 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Martyn
Bristol, UK256 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Sept 2021 • Family
Whilst this can be a little expensive for the time spent on the tram (approx 22 minutes a journey at £40 for 4 people) you do get an enjoyable time and journey. The staff are friendly and have a great sense of humour, the chap who gave us our safety briefing could have delivered stand up comedy and we loved him. Our driver was welcoming and friendly and we enjoyed both down and upstairs seating.

The tram is narrow and the stairs to get up top can be small and hard to navigate with a low beam which can be easily hit with your head so be ready for tight spaces. The trams are cleaned before taking new travellers and this apples to both ends of the travel. The seating up top can be a little uncomfortable due to lack of space and hard wood seats, I found that down below was much more comfortable. The tram we went on was all open for fresh air to pass and minimal Covid transmission.

It’s a nice journey out and back but there isn’t much to see you wouldn’t see from walking, there are plastic dinosaurs to look out for which is something for the kids as well as a pirate tram that you may pass on the other side. Most of what you will see is back of a housing development and some wetlands were you may see birds.

At the end there is a gift shop and cafe, you can stop off at the small village to look around but there isn’t much here. Once you are done you can get back on the tram with the same ticket and ride back. 1 loop took us an hour and 20 minutes including waiting for the next tram to take us back.

It’s a nice adventure for kids that could kill 1-3 hours depending on what you do at the end, personally I think £8 would have been more accurately priced.
Written 3 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're glad you enjoyed our entertaining staff! We are a heritage line, with most of our trams being anywhere from 50-110 years old! So they are as close to how they would have operated at their original routes. We are also narrow gauge and advertised as such, so our tram bodies are smaller than what you might experience at standard gauge tramways and railways. Our Explorer tickets get you all-day travel, so can use your tickets as much as you can throughout the day! Thanks for leaving your feedback, as all opinions are useful, We hope we can welcome you again in the future,
Written 29 October 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.

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SEATON TRAMWAY (2024) All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)

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