Exeter West Signal Box

Exeter West Signal Box Welcome to the official page of the Exeter West Group. For opening times and details about how to find us, please visit: https://www.crewehc.co.uk/

Independently owned, but housed as an attraction at Crewe Heritage Centre, Exeter West Signal Box is unique in being the largest preserved mechanical signal box in full working order. Visitors are able to see what life was like in such a big, busy signal box during the last days of steam. Removed from Exeter when it closed in 1985, Exeter West has been restored so that visitors can see a full simu

lated operation of a 1960 summer weekday, summer holiday Saturday or summer Sunday. Volunteers undertake the simulations using either a manual simulator or one based on a 'laptop' computer. Signalmen are always happy to explain the complexities of what is going on and any other questions regarding railway signalling. As well as all of its original, working equipment, Exeter West also houses a series of displays explaining how various items of signalling equipment worked (by means of interactive displays,) and also tells something of the story of railways in the Devon city. The signal box is Open when the Crewe Heritage Centre is open, a visit is included in your admission ticket to the Center.

A classic view of Red Cow level crossing with signals abound.
30/07/2026

A classic view of Red Cow level crossing with signals abound.

As seen in 1980.
25/07/2026

As seen in 1980.

The Members of the Exeter West Group are what make Exeter West signal box special. The signal box couldn’t operate witho...
06/07/2026

The Members of the Exeter West Group are what make Exeter West signal box special. The signal box couldn’t operate without our volunteers and we are always in need of more help; from operating the signal box, to guiding visitors, carrying out maintenance, and making the teas.

If you've never operated a signal box before, don't worry, our signal box isn't in charge of Signalling actual trains, but works to a simulator designed to replicate a busy working day in the 1960s.
All Members wishing to operate the signal box will receive training from our training team (your training days will be arranged to your availability).

If you fancy lending volunteering please contact us via Facebook Messenger for more details.

Here we Cowley Bridge Jcn in it's early years.
12/06/2026

Here we Cowley Bridge Jcn in it's early years.

Don't forget to checkout the latest video on our YouTube Channel!
24/02/2026

Don't forget to checkout the latest video on our YouTube Channel!

Part 2 of a 4 part series of videos carries on from the previous video of the signalman working busily through the night, showing that even in the early morn...

A nice, classic view of Exeter Middle Signal Box.
30/01/2026

A nice, classic view of Exeter Middle Signal Box.

Here we have pair of class 33,s passing west box starting the climb up to Central.
21/12/2025

Here we have pair of class 33,s passing west box starting the climb up to Central.

19/12/2025

We would like to wish all our followers and visitors a very merry Christmas. Thankyou for a fantastic 2025!

Here we have the starting signals worked from Middle box with the distant signals for West box underneath.
16/12/2025

Here we have the starting signals worked from Middle box with the distant signals for West box underneath.

A busy day with the new trainees getting their first taste of the box and simulator.
13/12/2025

A busy day with the new trainees getting their first taste of the box and simulator.

Address

Crewe
CW12DB

Opening Hours

Saturday 10am - 4pm
Sunday 10am - 4pm

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