Beyond the Boat: Tracing the Lost Railway from Exmouth to Sidmouth

If you have ever taken a trip along the East Devon coast, you will know just how breathtaking the scenery is. The sweeping views, the rolling green hills, and those striking red Jurassic cliffs make every journey special.

Today, if you want to travel between Exmouth and Sidmouth, you can take a scenic drive, catch a local bus, or – our personal favourite – hop aboard one of our boats to take in the views from the water! But did you know that over a century ago, passengers used to make this exact journey by steam train?

In our latest Beyond the Boat feature, we are looking back at the story of the lost railway line that once linked Exmouth and Sidmouth, and how the coast is best explored today.

The Golden Age of Coastal Rail

Towards the end of the 19th century, holidaymakers were flocking to the South West coast to enjoy the sea air and stunning views. To meet the demand, local railway companies built a branch line connecting Exmouth to Sidmouth.

Opening fully at the turn of the century, the route ran from Exmouth up through Littleham, out to Budleigh Salterton, and inland through East Budleigh and Newton Poppleford before curving back down towards Sidmouth. It was part of a charming local network operated by the London and South Western Railway.

For decades, steam trains chugged quietly through the countryside, carrying locals, day-trippers, and summer holidaymakers between these beloved coastal towns.

A Look Back: The Story of the Sidmouth and Budleigh Salterton Railway

The story of the rail link between Exmouth and Sidmouth is a fascinating tale of Victorian ambition.

• The Original Connection (1874): Sidmouth got its first railway connection in July 1874. The line ran down from Sidmouth Junction (near Feniton) on the main London to Exeter route, terminating about a mile inland from Sidmouth seafront.
• Connecting the Coast (1897 – 1903): To bring holidaymakers closer to the coast, the Budleigh Salterton Railway opened in May 1897. A few years later, in June 1903, the final link was completed, connecting Budleigh Salterton to Exmouth via Littleham.
• The “Atlantic Coast Express”: In its heyday during the 1920s and 30s, the line was hugely popular. Passengers could board carriage portion services like the famous Atlantic Coast Express at London Waterloo and travel straight through to Sidmouth or Budleigh Salterton without changing seats.
• The Beeching Closures (1967): Following the famous Beeching reports into British Railways in the 1960s, passenger numbers on rural branch lines were deemed too low to sustain. Despite strong opposition from local residents, the final passenger trains ran along the line on 6th March 1967.

Today, while train carriages no longer rumble over the old 23-arch viaduct at Dalditch or through Littleham station, taking the boat allows us to recreate that same joyous feeling of a Victorian day trip to the seaside.

What Happened to the Line?

Like many picturesque rural branch lines across the country, the route fell victim to the widespread railway closures of the 1960s. As motorcars became more popular and road transport took over, passenger numbers on the branch line declined. The line finally closed its doors to passengers in March 1967.

While much of the old trackbed has since been converted into fantastic walking and cycling trails or built on with new homes, train travel directly between the two towns became a thing of the past.

The video below contains some fantastic clips of days gone, showing the line.

A New Way to Make the Journey

While the old steam engines no longer run between Exmouth and Sidmouth, the desire to travel between these two historic coastal gems hasn’t changed.

Taking a day trip to Sidmouth with Stuart Line Cruises offers a whole new perspective on the journey. Instead of peering out of a carriage window at the countryside, sailing along the coast allows you to admire the sheer scale of the red UNESCO Jurassic cliffs, spot local seabirds along the shoreline, and arrive at Sidmouth in style, just as visitors have done for generations!

Plan Your Day Trip to Sidmouth

Our day trips to Sidmouth are designed to give you plenty of time to explore. We set sail from Exmouth, taking in the spectacular geology of the coastline before dropping you off right at Sidmouth beach. You will have hours to wander through the town’s independent shops, stroll along the Esplanade, enjoy a classic Devon cream tea, or relax in the stunning public gardens before we make the comfortable voyage back.

• Friendly local crew: We are always on hand to answer questions about the coastline and share a bit of local history along the way.
• Great value day out: A complete round trip that combines a coastal cruise with a full afternoon in one of Devon’s favorite seaside towns.

Whether you are a local history enthusiast or simply looking for a relaxing day out on the water, taking the boat to Sidmouth is a fantastic way to keep the tradition of coastal day trips alive.

Check our upcoming timetable and book your day trip to Sidmouth here.