CANNINGTON VIADUCT REVISITED
Step onto the last surviving major structure of the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway – open to the public for the first time in over 60 years.
Saturday 19 & Sunday 20 September 2026
For one special weekend, Cannington Viaduct will open to the public for the first time since the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway closed in 1965. Courtesy of the National Highways Historical Railways Estate, visitors will have a rare opportunity to walk onto this remarkable structure and enjoy spectacular views across the valley.
Visitors will be able to enjoy a guided walk onto the viaduct itself or, if they prefer, spend time at our heritage hub in Uplyme Village Hall, where a large-screen presentation, exhibition, displays and refreshments will bring the railway’s remarkable story to life.
Admission is free, although advance booking is essential. Donations on the day will be appreciated to help cover the cost of the event.
Photo: Roger Joanes
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Two Ways to Experience the Viaduct
Both options need you to get to our event hub at Uplyme Village Hall which is a one-mile walk from the viaduct. Those who choose to do the walk will do so in timed guided groups leaving the hall at half-hourly intervals. Those preferring a more relaxed experience will stay at the hall to enjoy our film, other displays and refreshments. Walkers can return and join the hall event.
- Walk to the viaduct with volunteer guides
- Small groups for a relaxed experience
- Time to stand on the viaduct deck and enjoy spectacular views
- Refreshments available at the viaduct
- Return to the Village Hall heritage event
- Premiere showing of our new short film
- Heritage display
- Actors bring viaduct stories to life
- Share your own memories
- Refreshments - varying through the two days
- Live coverage from the viaduct during the weekend
This event has been made possible by a partnership between For the Love of a Railway, the National Highways Historical Railways Estate, Axminster Town Council, Devon County Council, Uplyme Parish Council and the South Western Railway. Access to the viaduct has been kindly made available by
Shapwick Grange Farm.
The story of Cannington Viaduct
Built for the Axminster to Lyme Regis Railway, Cannington Viaduct carried trains high above the valley between Uplyme and Combpyne from 1903 until the line closed in 1965. Constructed from reinforced concrete and stretching elegantly across the valley, it became one of the most distinctive engineering features on what many affectionately remember as one of Britain’s most beautiful branch lines.
Although trains have long disappeared, the viaduct remains the last surviving major structure on the route and stands as a powerful reminder of the steam railway that connected local communities and welcomed generations of holidaymakers.
For more than six decades the public has been unable to walk on the viaduct. This special event offers a unique chance to experience one of the area’s hidden heritage treasures.