Miniature tramway is one of Devon’s most unique attractions
The glorious Seaton Tramway is a heritage electric tramway running through one of Devon’s most scenic landscapes.
Operating between the coastal town of Seaton and the historic village of Colyton, this narrow-gauge tramway follows a former railway line along the Axe Estuary – passing through wetlands teeming with wildlife and quiet countryside.
Unlike traditional railways, Seaton Tramway uses open-top, vintage-style trams.
The three-mile journey is packed with scenery and nostalgia.
With carefully restored trams, vintage station stops and a route that feels both peaceful and scenic, the tramway is one of the best heritage transport attractions in the country!
The Journey Along the Axe Estuary
The Seaton Tramway stretches just three miles, but it’s packed with scenery that changes at every turn.
Departing from Seaton, the tram glides out of town and passes by water, salt marshes and wide-open skies.
The Axe Estuary is a haven for birdlife, with wading birds, kingfishers and even the occasional osprey spotted from the tram.
The route also passes through Seaton Wetlands Nature Reserve, an area of tidal lagoons and reedbeds teeming with wildlife. “You’ll never know what you’ll find here,” the tour guide remarked as the tram rolled past.
Continuing inland, the tramway follows the path of the former railway line, with glimpses of the River Axe alongside.
The Tram Experience
I thought the Seaton Tramway might be bus-sized, but actually found the tram to be surprisingly small – with just a single aisle running through the middle and ten individual seats lining the open top deck.
Up here, I had uninterrupted views of the estuary – although the lower deck was a little more sheltered!
The trams themselves have been carefully restored or built in the style of classic British and European trams.
Each one runs on electricity, meaning the journey is quiet except for the occasional hum of the wheels on the track.
The experience is deliberately unhurried.
The tram moves slowly, so you can take in the views, listen to the sounds of nature, and enjoy the travel!
It almost feels like stepping into another era, where train travel was an experience in itself.
Stops and Stations Along the Way
The Seaton Tramway is also charming thanks to its vintage-style stations, which feel like stepping into a preserved piece of railway history.
Each stop along the way has been carefully designed to match the character of classic tramways and heritage railways.
- Seaton Station – The starting point, with a visitor centre, café, and tram depot where you can see trams being prepared for service.
- Seaton Wetlands Halt – A request stop for those wanting to explore the nature reserve, home to wading birds, reedbeds, and tidal lagoons.
- Colyford Station – A charming stop with a level crossing where the tram briefly joins the road before continuing inland. The village of Colyford is home to The Wheelwright Inn and historic cottages.
- Colyton Station – The final stop, designed in the style of a period railway station. From here, it’s a short walk into the historic town of Colyton which is known for its medieval church and octagonal tower.
Practical Information
Seaton Tramway is a leisurely experience rather than a rushed form of transport – it’s ideal for those who want to enjoy the scenery and the unique charm of a heritage tram ride.
The journey from Seaton to Colyton takes around 25 minutes one way, and you can return straight away.
However, I’d recommend breaking up the trip by stopping at Colyford or Colyton for a wander.
Trams run regularly throughout the day, but the frequency varies by season.
In peak summer months, departures are as often as every 20 minutes, while in the quieter winter period, they may be reduced to once an hour. Check the official timetable in advance.
For the best views, grab a seat upstairs – but be aware that you’ll be fully exposed to the elements here!
Tickets can be purchased at Seaton Station or booked in advance online.
There are also special events, such as evening wildlife tours and festive tram rides at Christmas.
Families, railway enthusiasts, and those simply looking for a relaxing way to explore the countryside will all find something to enjoy at this East Devon attraction!
