Toby’s Garden Festival is thrilled to welcome Great Western Railway (GWR) back as the official travel partner for the 2026 festival at the spectacular Powderham Castle.
Travelling to the festival by train couldn’t be easier. With regular services stopping at Starcross Station, visitors can enjoy a relaxed and scenic journey before taking a beautiful walk along the Exe Estuary to Powderham Castle. The route offers stunning waterside views and is the perfect way to start a day celebrating gardens, food and the great outdoors.
GWR connects Starcross with destinations across Devon and beyond, making it simple to leave the car at home and arrive ready to explore everything the festival has to offer — from inspiring garden talks and expert advice to delicious local food, plants, shopping and family activities.
The partnership also reflects GWR’s commitment to the community it serves. GWR supported station adoption groups are flourishing across the South West, with new groups forming at stations including Yeoford, Exeter Central and Castle Cary. Volunteers help bring their station to life with activities such as community gardening, artwork projects and local events.
Toby’s Garden Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for these groups — as well as visitors from across the network — to come together, make new connections, spread the word about their work and share stories. It’s a celebration not only of gardening, but of the communities that make places thrive.
Arriving by train also means you can make the journey part of the experience. The walk from Starcross to Powderham Castle is a gentle and picturesque route that brings you straight to the gates of one of Devon’s most beautiful historic estates.
With sustainable travel options and easy rail links, visiting Toby’s Garden Festival has never been more convenient.
We look forward to welcoming you in 2026 for another unforgettable celebration of gardening and outdoor living at Powderham Castle.