Eggesford railway station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Eggesford
The station viewed from northbound platform
Location	Chawleigh, Mid Devon England
Coordinates	50°53′16″N 3°52′31″W / 50.8878°N 3.87525°W / 50.8878; -3.87525
Platforms	2
Other information
Station code	EGG
Classification	DfT category F2
History
Original company	North Devon Railway
Pre-grouping	London and South Western Railway
Post-grouping	Southern Railway
Key dates
Opened	1854
Traffic
Passengers (2015/16)	29,920
Passengers (2016/17)	28,902
Passengers (2017/18)	31,628
Passengers (2018/19)	29,802
Passengers (2019/20)	32,228

Eggesford railway station is a small train station in Devon, England. It serves the village of Eggesford and nearby towns like Chulmleigh. Even though it's called Eggesford, the station is actually in a different area called Chawleigh. This station is an important stop on the Tarka Line, which is a single train track. It connects Exeter to Barnstaple. Eggesford station is about 21.25 miles (34.20 km) north-west of Exeter.

History of Eggesford Station

When Did Eggesford Station Open?

Eggesford station first opened on 1 August 1854. It was built by the North Devon Railway company.

Why Do All Trains Stop at Eggesford?

When the railway was being built, the company needed permission from the local landowner. This was the Earl of Portsmouth, whose large house was close to where the station would be. The story goes that the Earl agreed to the railway crossing his land. But he had one condition: all trains had to stop at Eggesford station. This made it easy for his guests to visit Eggesford House.

Even today, all trains still stop at Eggesford. This is also because the station is a special place where train drivers exchange "tokens." These tokens are like special permits that allow a train to be on a certain part of the single track. This system helps keep trains safe on the line.

How Has the Station Changed Over Time?

There used to be a signalbox at Eggesford until 1987. A signalbox is a building where people control train signals and points. Now, the train line is more modern. The passing loop, which lets trains go past each other, works automatically. Train drivers now pick up or drop off tokens in small huts on each platform. The train conductor or guard also controls the level crossing at the station. The main train signals are controlled from the Crediton signalbox.

In the late 1960s, a big flood caused by heavy rain washed away one of the platforms and its buildings. This was due to the nearby River Taw overflowing. However, a new platform and buildings were quickly built to replace them.

Train Services at Eggesford

A train to Exmouth at Eggesford station

All trains that run on the line between Barnstaple and Exmouth stop at Eggesford. These trains connect with bigger train services at Exeter St Davids.

Most days, from Monday to Saturday, there is a train every hour in both directions. Trains going north and south usually pass each other at Eggesford. On Sundays, trains run every two hours. On Sundays, these trains start or finish their journey at Exeter Central.

Preceding station	National Rail			Following station
Lapford		Great Western Railway Tarka Line		King's Nympton

Community Railway and the Tarka Line

What is a Community Railway?

The railway line between Exeter and Barnstaple is known as a "community railway." This means that local groups and partnerships work together to support and promote the line. They help with marketing and encourage people to use the trains.

The Tarka Line Name

This train line is promoted using the name "Tarka Line." This name comes from the famous book Tarka the Otter, which is set in the local area. The Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership helps to promote the line.

The Eggesford Country House Hotel is part of the Tarka Line's "rail ale trail." This trail encourages people to visit different places along the line.

Images for kids

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  The old entrance porch at Eggesford station.

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  Two trains passing each other at Eggesford station.