Seaton Tramway Joins Railway 200 Celebrations with New Year Whistle Event

19th December, 2024

Seaton Tramway is thrilled to announce its participation in the nationwide Railway 200 celebrations, marking the bicentenary of the modern railway. The Railway 200 initiative, is a year-long commemoration of the historic milestone achieved by George Stephenson’s Locomotion No.1 and the opening of the Stockton & Darlington Railway in 1825. As part of the opening festivities, Seaton Tramway will join heritage railways across the country for the New Year Whistle Up event on January 1st, 2025.

The New Year Whistle-Up event, led by the Heritage Railway Association will see heritage railways, museums, and enthusiasts across the UK come together to sound whistles, bells, and horns at 12:00 noon to officially launch the bicentennial year. Seaton Tramway’s trams will take part by ringing their distinctive bells and whistles, offering a unique twist to this national event. Visitors are invited to experience this historic moment firsthand, joining our team at Seaton to celebrate the enduring legacy of rail travel and its importance to communities past and present at Seaton and Colyton Stations.

Celebrating 200 Years of Railway Heritage

The Railway 200 programme is a collaborative effort designed to connect people to Britain’s incredible railway heritage. It will feature a series of events, exhibitions, and activities throughout 2025, celebrating both the engineering achievements of the past and the vibrant heritage railway movement today.

For Seaton Tramway, participating in Railway 200 aligns perfectly with its own mission to preserve and celebrate historic transport. The tramway has been a cornerstone of East Devon’s cultural landscape for decades, offering visitors a nostalgic and educational journey through the stunning Axe Valley.

Join Us 

Visitors are encouraged to join Seaton Tramway on New Year’s Day to witness the ringing of the bells and be part of this national celebration. The event is a perfect opportunity for families, railway enthusiasts, and locals to come together, reflect on the railway’s transformative impact, and look forward to an exciting year of Railway 200 activities.

What to Expect:

• 12:00 PM Bell Ringing: Our fleet of heritage trams will join the national whistle blow by sounding their bells at Seaton and Colyton Station, and up and down the line.

• Tram Rides: Celebrate the occasion with a ride along the beautiful Axe Valley.

About Railway 200

Railway 200 is a national campaign honouring 200 years of railways in Britain. With a focus on celebrating innovation, heritage, and community, the campaign will engage the public through a series of events across the country. The programme will highlight how railways shaped the modern world and continue to inspire future generations.

As part of Railway 200, Seaton Tramway looks forward to delivering further themed events and experiences throughout 2025, offering visitors even more opportunities to explore and celebrate this remarkable milestone.