Place Lapford Station code LAP DfT category F2 Opened 1854 | Grid reference SS726079 Managed by Great Western Railway 2011/12 2,062 Number of platforms 1 Original company North Devon Railway | |
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Address Lapford, Crediton EX17 6AE, United Kingdom Similar Newton St Cyres railway st, King's Nympton railway st, Yeoford railway station, Morchard Road railway st, Eggesford railway station | ||
Lapford railway station is a rural station on the Tarka Line in Devon, England, serving the village of Lapford. It is served by trains between Barnstaple and Exeter.
Contents
History
The station was opened by the North Devon Railway on 1 August 1854. In its outset, it only had the one platform, and goods sidings including the Ambrosia factory. After a time, a second (northbound) platform was added, but due to space constraints was sited on the other side of the A377 road bridge. A small booking office was located on the platform, but was only occupied during the few minutes prior to a train's arrival. In 1990 the goods yard was the destination of a weekly fertilizer train. Although this platform has been removed, the loop was still in place but disused. By June 2012 the loop had been removed and the track "plain lined".
A bridge over a river to the south of the station shows that many structures were built for dual lines, but between Copplestone and Umberleigh the line has always been single track and these structures have never been used.
Services
Four trains a day in each direction stop at Lapford, five on Fridays northbound and four on Sundays on the Barnstaple to Exmouth. However it is a request stop – meaning that passengers alighting here must tell the conductor that they wish to do so, and those waiting to join must signal clearly to the driver as the train approaches. Trains connect with main line services at Exeter St Davids.
Community railway
The railway between Exeter and Barnstaple is designated as a community railway and is supported by marketing provided by the Devon and Cornwall Rail Partnership. The line is promoted under the "Tarka Line" name.
A pub at Lapford has been included in the Tarka Line rail ale trail.