Celebrating the legend of the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway
Celebrating the legend of the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway
Celebrating the legend of the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway
It all started as a novel idea to temporarily fill an empty Axminster restaurant window with a live model of the famous old Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway line. From that came a group of volunteers with a wider mission to create a long term visitor centre to attract people to our town - and have some fun while doing it.
Cannington Viaduct Revisited
Welcome to Revisit the Viaduct – a unique opportunity to experience Cannington Viaduct, the last surviving major structure of the magical Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway. Closed to the public since the railway’s final trains ran in 1965, the viaduct will reopen for one special heritage weekend. Whether you choose the guided walk to the viaduct itself or enjoy the films, displays and refreshments at Uplyme Village Hall, you’ll discover the remarkable story of a railway that shaped our communities. Entry is free, but advance booking is essential. We look forward to welcoming you in September.
Our much-loved Depot has now closed following the loss of our premises, but this is far from the end of the story. For the Love of a Railway is actively exploring a range of exciting options for a new home. We are talking to potential partners and are very open to sharing space with other charities and community organisations as part of a vibrant community hub where people can learn, create, volunteer and meet. While we search for the right long-term base, our work continues. Our exhibitions, talks, films, outreach visits, heritage projects and special events remain at the heart of what we do, and we are determined to build something even better than before. We are enormously grateful for the support we have received from the community. It has strengthened our belief that our story is only just beginning. We will be back!
Meet Lyme Billy 2
We are very proud to present to you the latest version of our ever evolving Lyme Billy 2 layout. Many of you will remember Lyme Billy 1, which brought delight to Axminster when we introduced it to the otherwise empty windows of the former River Cottage just before Christmas 2023. When we moved from there to our new home in Chard Street we decided to substantially rebuild using little more than the original baseboard. In doing so, we have added a lot of new features (including Combpyne Station) and some delightful little cameo scenes.
Axminster Model Railway Exhibition 2027
After an outstandingly successful show in May 2026, we are already planning the event for 2027. A big thank you to the many who so enthusiastically turned out to make the decision to move to a bigger venue at Axminster Guildhall absolutely the right one. Thank you also to the layout owners and traders who helped make it all work. Special congratulations to James Thick who is pictured receiving his Best In Show award from the Mayor of Axminster Cllr Jill Farrow for his layout ‘Buckleigh’. We will announce the date and other key details for 2027 as soon as we are able to do so.
Terry’s Railway Crew
sign up for our great new children’s hobby project
Terry’s Railway Crew
sign up for our great new children’s hobby project
Sentimental Journey
ride the line in our stunning new film - click for more
Sentimental Journey
ride the line in our stunning new film - click for more
Bird’s Eye View
an exhibition of stunning photos by a driver from the 1930s-40s
Bird’s Eye View
an exhibition of stunning photos by a driver from the 1930s-40s
The legend of Lyme Billy
The story of the famous old Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway Line is one of the most romantic of its era. It is built around three Victorian locos, known collectively as Lyme Billy, that were for many years the only ones that could cope with the steep gradients and sharp curves of a line that existed for just 62 years. The legend also includes the incredible Cannington Viaduct, which started to slip before the line ever opened, necessitating a 10mph speed limit and a watchman to check for further issues. Add in the isolated Combpyne Station, which had no power or running water plus a camping carriage where you could take holidays, and you have a rare tale that we tell via our Depot and via a growing fund of information that you will be able to access here and on our social media.
Our initiative is one that is fuelled by volunteers and by kindness. Its survival is, however, by no means guaranteed and depends upon our being able to continue raising the funds that are essential to pay for our operating costs and materials.
We will be doing all we can to help ourselves by seeking grants and sponsorship, and running events. But we also need YOU to help us please. If you feel able to give to our cause please donate at the Depot or via any of our other collecting boxes around Axminster. Alternatively, you can use this link to donate online.
We are right opposite the entrance to the George Hotel car park in the centre of Axminster. For those coming from further afield, Axminster is close to both the A35 and A303 main routes to the west and also has the benefit of a mainline railway station with direct trains to Waterloo and Exeter.
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