Diary of the Trains Holiday in Torbay at Blagdon Manor By Michael, Barry, James and Adrian
Saturday We arrived at Blagdon manor on Saturday afternoon. It was a very big manor house. We think it might have been used for a Hunting lodge as there are stags heads on the wall. The beams are very old and so is the light fitting in the main hall. There was a lovely fire going and tea and cake waited for us. Our bedrooms are lovely. We think it must have been a very important house Later on when we had unpacked we had a buffet dinner in the main hall. And a relaxing evening in the lounge. Sunday After breakfast most of us chose to go to church. When we got there we heard people playing keyboards and drums and guitars and it was very good. We went back to the house and had lunch. After lunch we went to Cockington for a cream tea. It was lovely, there was a man playing music on a piano. He played all sorts, like jazz and things. We went back to the house and had a super roast dinner and crumble and custard. It was James’ birthday so He had a cake and presents Monday After breakfast we set off for Totnes and caught the steam train to Buckfastleigh. We got off the train and went to see the engine. We went to the Otter and Butterfly sanctuary. The place where the butterflies lived was very hot. We saw all different coloured butterflies. We saw the Chrysalis and there were butterflies coming out of some. We had a picnic lunch in side as it was raining. We went back to the station and had a drink in the café then we looked round the model shop and exhibition and then we went to the train museum. We caught the train back to Totnes and then went back to the house for dinner. After dinner we played cards or pool and some people had a dip in the swimming pool. Tuesday Today we went to Plymouth and caught the train up the Tamar Valley to Gunislake . on the way we had a long hold up as a tree had fallen down and blocked the road. We went over a viaduct and the chimneys were the same height as the viaduct . It was really high and we saw the ships in Plymouth docks. When we got off the train we had lunch in the station café and we could watch the trains. We got back to the house in time for tea and cake before changing into our finest to go out for dinner. When we got into Torquay centre we found the Half Moon pub where we had booked for dinner. There was a buffet and carvery and it was very nice. Wednesday This morning we went by mini bus to Paignton and caught the train to Kingswere the train was pulled by an engine which was made in Swindon in 1929. It was called Kinlet Hall no 4936. It was a 460. The same class as the train used in Harry Potter. We saw an old turntable just outside Kingswere. It was a smashing trip along the coast in parts. When we got off the train we caught a ferry across to Dartmouth. We had lunch in the Crab and Bucket and then went for a walk along the front and we saw where they filmed the Onedin line. We went into the Bayard fort and looked out across the water. On the way back to Paignton the train went through a long tunnel which 469 yards. We returned to the house and some of us had a swim before a BBQ in the garden. It was our first fine evening and it was great to be able to enjoy the lovely garden and sit in the marquee. Thursday After pancakes for breakfast we set off to Seaton to try out the electric tramway running from Colyton to Seaton . We went through wonderful countryside and because of the rain we have experienced recently the area was fairly flooded so the bird life was abundant. We were particularly excited to see the number of Egrets there. Some of us climbed the winding stairs to ride on the top deck. The views were stunning. Friday The weather was great today so when we got back to Colyton we had our packed lunches by the station in the picnic area. After lunch we went to Pecorama. The variety of layouts was interesting and we had a great time controlling the model trains. Some of us bought bits for our home tracks and then we had tea in a luxury carriage on the station. After that we went for a trip around the wonderful gardens on a narrow gauge train. Then it was back to the house for our last dinner. A Greek meal which we all enjoyed. Some of us played pool in the minstrel’s gallery and others sat chatting by the fire. We will be sad to leave here tomorrow. We have all had a great time. Saturday Well we have to say our goodbyes today. Lots of “see you next year”. “Where is the trains holiday next year?” Well we hope it might be the Isle of Man. After sausage sandwiches we set off for our various homes, with good wishes all round.