Photograph ©J.M.L.
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Babbacombe Cliff Railway - History - Renovation - Recollections - Information - ( Babbacombe & St Marychurch ) etc.
Information please ? see: Recollections page
If you wish to submit any anecdotes, pictures, holiday snaps, postcards, photos, memories and/or articles on Babbacombe Cliff Railway for inclusion on this independant website contact the webmaster: webmaster@friendsofbabbacombecliffrailway.org.uk jml@friendsofbabbacombecliffrailway.org.uk or jml@cliffrailwaytimes@hotmail.co.uk
Torbay Council allocated the money generated from the sale of St Marychurch Town Hall for the major reburbishment and renovation programme of works on the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. The programme of works commenced in November 2005 and was completed in 2007 at a cost of over half a million pounds. See: St Marychurch Town Hall article lower down this page also Railway Renovation page.
St Marychurch & Babbacombe local attractions see: Local Information.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway open for the 2008 season.
Considerable misunderstandings have arisen through frequent misguided or misinterpretation of information circulating concerning the operation and management of the Babbacombe Cliff Railway.
Therefore in order to clarify and alleviate any further confusion. Please take note of the following important correct information below:
Babbacombe Cliff Railway is owned, operated and managed by:
Torbay Council - Cultural Services Department.
Torbay Council Official Babbacombe Cliff Railway website: http://www.torbay.gov.uk/index/leisure/beaches/cliffrailway.htm
Contact for all Babbacombe Cliff Railway enquiries should be directed to:
Torbay Council, Cultural Services,
Tor Hill House,
Union Street,
Torquay.
TQ2 5QW
Telephone: 01803-207960
or
Babbacombe Cliff Railway Station Manager Telephone: 01803-328750
The Cliff Railway opening times are 9.30a.m. to 5.00p.m.
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Last up journey is signaled by the ringing of 'Talca' an old ships bell 30 and 15 minutes before the railway closes.
Do you know the history of the Talca ship bell ? Please contact webmaster:
Open during school summer holidays 9.30 a.m. - 6.00p.m.
Last journey up 5.55.p.m.
Blind persons and guide dogs, invalid chairs, passengers prams and pushchairs free.
Dogs carried at operators discression.
Note: Small children must be with an adult. Children under 4 with adult/s travel free.
Regular safety test are carried out to ensure the safety and comfort of passengers.
Babbacombe Cliff Railway is closed during the Winter months
Marriage Act
Since 1st April 1995 following its Royal Assent in 1994 the Marriage Act allows suitable approved premises licenses for marriage ceremonies.
Contact Torbay Registrars Office e-mail registrar@torbay.gov.uk
Babbacombe Cliff Railway one of sixteen licensed premises in Torbay.
List of approved premises licensed for marriage ceremonies in Torbay see: Links & Information etc. Railway Weddings see: Local Events.
Down to the beaches
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Babbacombe Cliff Railway one of only sixteen funicular railways still functioning in the United Kingdom.
Believed to be one of only two, both unique in design and operational.
A easy way to and from Oddicombe and Babbacombe is via the cliff railway.
Most suitable for those who are unable to manage the walk down the steep beach road ( 1 in 3 gradients ) or the pathways. Oddicombe is the only beach within Torbay to have its own cliff railway.
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The cliff railway has carried countless numbers of passengers to and from the two beaches.
Numbers have declined mainly due to the expansion of package holidays abroad.
At its peak the cliff railway was transporting up to 250,000 people a year.
Nostalgia
Although we are in the twenty first century nostalgia is an important part in the lives of many encompassing both young and old.
Too much now and in the past has been destroyed, relegated into the annals of history through a lack of vision and understanding of our rich heritage.
Preservation and conservation is of paramount importance not just for today, a legacy to be passed on to future generations.
Previous and present tides of alleged progression have swept away segments of our past leaving in its wake regret, anger, doubt and fond memories of day's gone bye.
Thankfully there are more and more who are prepared to ask why is this indiscriminate destruction allowed to continue?
All too frequently answers either unforthcoming or non-committal!
Heritage
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Torbay Council ( once a borough council ) has operated the railway since the mid nineteen thirties.
Its last major overhaul over fifty years ago. Left: Railway 1927
In June 2003 after a breakdown a consultant recommend major works to satisfy Health & Safety Executive concerns.
Statutory responsibility for overseeing cableways including funicular railways transferred from the Railway Inspectorate to Health Safety Executive Mines & Quarries Unit as of 1st April 2006.
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A few organisations and companies at first expressed interest, later all for various reasons declined to become involved.
A refurbishment programme of work was required to allow the railway to continue operating. Left: Oddicombe & railway 1960's
Cost of the work, over half a million pounds, a prohibitive amount for a cash strapped council, as are many councils across the UK.
With no council funds available the future of the cliff railway, one of the areas major tourist attractions a local heritage was uncertain which aroused concern and a public meeting was arranged. see: FBCR article.