For the Love of a Railway

An extraordinary old railway bringing generations together

What began as a model railway in an empty Axminster shop window has grown into a charity connecting people of all ages. Through creative activities, shared memories and unforgettable events, we bring the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway’s story to life — building friendships, confidence and pride in our community.

What’s next?

Our hunt for a new home

What’s next?

Our hunt for a new home

Cannington Viaduct

Opened for a weekend

Cannington Viaduct

Opened for a weekend

Model Railway Exhibition

Going two days for 2027

Model Railway Exhibition

Going two days for 2027

Please support us

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.

Donate online

Find us

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.

Our address

Temporary home:

McNeil House

George Street

Axminster

EX13 5DP

Registered charity no: 1213097

Opening hours until end September 2026:

Thursdays & Saturdays 10am - 12.30pm

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Making memories matter

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. Through events, talks, social media and special sessions for memory cafés, we bring people together to share memories of the Axminster to Lyme Regis railway. These precious stories could disappear with the passing of generations. We are determined to preserve them — keeping our railway’s human story alive.

Memories