South Devon Railway opens to Teignmouth

On July 31, 1847, the South Devon Railway inaugurated service between Exeter and Teignmouth, marking a key expansion of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's broad-gauge network in southwest England. The 15-mile coastal route featured challenging engineering including the impressive sea wall at Dawlish and was initially operated with atmospheric propulsion experiments alongside conventional locomotives. This opening connected growing seaside resorts to the national network, boosting tourism and trade while demonstrating Brunel's vision for integrated transport. The line later extended to Plymouth and Torquay, influencing regional development and surviving today as part of the scenic Exeter to Paignton route beloved by railfans for its dramatic seaside exposure.