Extra Sunday trains for Christmas shoppers
Extra trains will run on Sundays between Exeter Central and Exmouth for Christmas, starting on 29 November and finishing on 20 December.
On these four Sundays, trains will run every half hour through the day, instead of the usual hourly service. All trains will call at Digby & Sowton, Newcourt, Topsham and Lympstone stations.
The additional trains are being run through a partnership between Great Western Railway (GWR) and Devon County Council.
GWR Regional Development Manager Dan Okey said: "Helping to support the local community and businesses we serve, I am delighted to announce that once again we will run these additional services during the busy Sundays before Christmas, and our fares are also good value when compared with the cost of driving and parking.”
The Exeter – Exmouth line, marketed as the Avocet Line, has a half hourly service Mondays to Fridays and Saturdays and GWR, the County Council and the Avocet Line Rail Users’ Group, which represents passengers on the line, all wish to see this extended to Sundays in due course.
To further encourage people to take the Avocet Line train, the Devon & Cornwall Rail Partnership is highlighting events in both Exeter and Exmouth.
Exeter’s Christmas Market started on 19 November and will run until Saturday 19 December. Cathedral Green, at the heart of the city centre and a short walk from Central station, has an array of stalls offering unique, handmade and unusual gifts, decorations and food items.
Exmouth's Christmas Cracker & Late Night Shopping is on Saturday 5 December from 11:00 and 19:00.
As well as seasonal stalls and sparkling delights at the illuminated market, the main stage will see entertainment from the Exmouth Town Concert Band, Exmouth Bell Ringers, AJ's Big Swing Band, Street Heat Samba Band and much more. The Lantern Parade and Tree Lights switch on is scheduled to take place at 16 30.
Celia Minoughan from the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership said: “We encourage families to leave the car at home and enjoy a great value day out by train. Christmas shoppers will find all they need at shops near stations in Exmouth, Topsham and Exeter. Under 5s go free and children aged 5-15 are half price.”
For information about train times contact National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50 or visit www.gwr.com
