There will be the chance to get off a tram at five different locations on the Seaton Tramway from Monday 1st August when the two new halts officially open. Riverside and Seaton Wetlands have been in the planning since 2019 but their planned opened in time for the 50th anniversary of the tramway in 2020 was delayed but they are now ready to welcome their first passengers in time for the main summer holiday period.
Timetables at the Seaton Tramway were altered ahead of the 2021 season to allow for stopping at the two new halts but 1st August will be the first time that trams will officially stop at these locations (although for the halt at Riverside Depot this is not the first time its been possible to alight trams there of course). The official word on this is that gives the chance to see inside the depot at Riverside and to access the Seaton Wetlands nature reserve but for any tram enthusiast it also gives some new photographic locations to capture the trams in action!
The construction of Riverside Halt was started before the pandemic hit, and indeed was completed the day before the first national lockdown in March 2020. A new 400sqm deck has been constructed above the Axe Estuary with picnic tables also provided. This halt will allow a view inside the depot, with the chance to see trams shunting, as well as providing an excellent vantage point to view the varied wildlife on the estuary. A new telescope has also been fitted to get you ever closer to the wildlife.
There is also new interpretation at Riverside Halt which includes an interactive exhibit explaining how electricity is delivered to the line and the trams.
Meanwhile, Seaton Wetlands Halt – located at Swan’s Nest Loop – will allow visitors excellent access to the nature reserve, its 4km of trails and the wildlife that calls it their home. The stop links a new 250m boardwalk which takes you from the trams, onto the Wetlands and across to the Wetlands Discovery Hut and toilets. The halt has been sponsored by a generous donation from the Fine Family Foundation.
The project to built Seaton Wetlands Halt has been much delayed for a variety of reasons, none more so than what the loop used to be named after – swans! This was always known as Swan’s Nest Loop for obvious reasons as many swans use the area to nest each spring and unfortunately with them choosing to do so on the access path it was not possible to progress construction as much as it had been hoped. The pandemic and its lockdowns as well as poor weather conditions also contributed to the delays.
These two new halts are just part of the continued improvements at the Seaton Tramway through the “Travel’s Through the Axe Valley & Heritage” project which has been part funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund and the Tramway. This has seen new interpretation developed and designed across the tramway.
This interpretation has included:
- Giant LED screen at Seaton Station which plays a short video before departure showing visitors the history of the branch line and where it operates in East Devon and the Jurassic Coast
- At Colyton the old “Milk Churn” has been converted into a small interpretation room which includes a history of Gilbert Cowd, the former Station Master of Colyton Station, along with a video explaining the development of the branch line and Colyton’s history.
- Along Colyton’s platforms postcards now sit telling the real-life stories originally sent from Seaton
- Gilbert’s Trail is being introduced which is an interactive booklet for all the family. Filled with facts about the tramway, children can also collect all the stamps which are positioned along the route at the five stops.
Jenny Nunn, Seaton Tramway Chief Executive, said: “After many years in the planning, together with our partners at EDDC’s Countryside team, we have finally managed to complete the last piece of the jigsaw, by creating a circular link via the Tramway to Seaton and the amazing Seaton Wetlands for all to enjoy. This is a unique project which also opens up an area by the River Axe for the first time offering an innovative insight into the history of, not only the former railway branch line, but also the general history, tourism and wildlife of the area.”
All trams will call at the new halts from Monday 1st August. In the direction of Seaton-Colyton Riversde Halt is served four minutes after departure from Seaton with Wetlands a further eight minutes along the line.
9 at Seaton Wetlands Halt, a sight set to be a regular occurrence as from 1st Augist. (Photo courtesy of Seaton Tramway)