Seaton Tramway launches appeal to help build the future with depot extension project

24th July, 2026

Seaton Tramway is asking supporters, visitors and the local community to help secure the future of one of Devon's best-loved attractions by backing a major depot extension project.

The heritage tramway has launched a fundraising appeal to raise the final £37,000 needed towards a £92,000 extension to its Riverside Depot. A project that will create space for at least three additional trams and provide room for the tramway to grow in the years ahead.

The project has already received significant backing, with £25,000 from the Swire Foundation and a further £30,000 investment from Seaton Tramway, demonstrating a shared commitment to preserving this unique heritage attraction.

Now Seaton Tramway is inviting the public to become part of its next chapter.

For more than 55 years, Seaton Tramway has been carrying visitors through the beautiful Axe Valley, preserving railway and tramway heritage while welcoming over 90 thousand passengers every year. As the tramway has become more and more popular, so has the need to increase its capacity of trams, especially to include accessible covered trams.

The depot extension will provide capacity for at least three future trams, ensuring the Tramway can continue restoring, maintaining and protecting its historic fleet while preparing for future expansion.

Jenny Nunn, Chief Executive of Seaton Tramway, said:

"This project is about much more than extending a building. It's about protecting Seaton Tramway for future generations. The additional depot space will allow us to continue preserving our historic fleet while creating opportunities to introduce new trams in the future, ensuring the Tramway remains one of Devon's leading visitor attractions for many years to come.

"We're incredibly grateful to the Swire Foundation for its generous support and for Seaton Tramway's own investment in the project. Now we're asking our supporters and visitors to help us complete the journey."

The depot extension represents the first stage of Seaton Tramway's long-term plans to expand its fleet. Before any new trams can be introduced, additional storage and maintenance facilities are essential to protect both the existing fleet and future vehicles.

As part of the project, the Tramway's current welding bay will be converted into storage space for the new trams. The depot extension will then create a purpose-built replacement welding bay at the end of the depot, ensuring maintenance and restoration work can continue while increasing the overall capacity of the site.

The long-term ambition is to build three new fully accessible saloon trams, providing more opportunities for wheelchair users and passengers who benefit from level, low-floor boarding. These would complement the three accessible trams already operating on the line, which were built in the 2000s as open-top double-deck trams with dedicated accessible bays on the lower deck.

The tramway has continued to improve accessibility across its fleet. In 2024, Tram No. 9 was upgraded when its open-sided accessible bay was enclosed, providing passengers with greater comfort and protection during poor weather. The proposed new saloon trams would build on this commitment, offering fully enclosed, all-weather accessible travel for even more visitors.

Every donation, large or small, will help move the project closer to reality. UK taxpayers can also increase the value of their donation by adding Gift Aid at no extra cost.

Supporters wishing to contribute can visit https://www.tram.co.uk/donate.