Campaign underway to try to save Pecorama
One of the campaign's co-founders said: "We are Devon locals who don’t want to see the struggling tourist industry suffer anymore losses"
Last updated 21st Nov 2025
Hundreds of people have now joined an online group to find ways to save a Devon tourist attraction - with locals saying they want to ensure it remains for future generations.
Pecorama, in Beer, has blamed rising costs and tough trading conditions for its decision to close next year.
Steve James founded the online group and said: "Initially when I set the group up I as was expecting maybe 20 or 30 people but we're almost at 500 people now.
"It's not about forcing the business to reopen because of public pressure, it's about getting a group of people together to come up with ideas and try to find solutions.
"It shows that people care because not everybody that has responded and joined the group are actually from Beer, or from Devon at all. There's quite a lot of people that holiday in Devon on a regular basis and have been going for years and years and years.
"The obvious option would be for them to sell and for someone to come along and buy it. Just by setting up this group I'm not saying that we're putting ourselves in a position to buy it - these are all options that will have to be explored moving forwards.
"Maybe we could see someone taking stewardship and taking the financial burden off of Peco for 2026 and maybe moving forward - could be another option as well.
Mr James says the group is also about fighting for the industry as a whole after Paignton Zoo was put up for sale and Flambards reduced its offer in Cornwall, adding: "Places like this are dying off all around the county and for that little corner of East Devon I think it's really important for the tourist trade."
The public Facebook group is called 'Save Pecorama' can be found here and member Steve James first posted: "We are the excited young child riding the miniature railway. We are the parents who beam with joy that our train loving children are having an experience they’ll never forget and we are the closet train fans who can’t get enough of everthing train related. We are Devon locals who don’t want to see the struggling tourist industry suffer anymore losses."
On the 14th of November, Pecorama said: "It is with great sadness and after much soul-searching we have decided to close Pecorama, our well-loved family attraction, for the 2026 season. With the challenging economic climate and costs continuing to rise, the PECO parent company cannot continue to support the financial losses of Pecorama.
"There is sincere hope that Pecorama can reopen in future in a new format which will continue to give lots of inspiration, fun and pleasure to our visitors. But, for the moment PECO will be focusing on growing the core businesses of manufacturing and publishing."
Following support online, the venue posted a few days later: "We would like to extend our sincere thanks to everyone who has shared such kind words and memories about their love for Pecorama. Making the decision was not easy, and it was only reached after careful thought and consideration. We are truly grateful for the ideas, concern, and support expressed by our community.
"While we look forward to potentially welcoming visitors through our gates at some point in the future, our on-site model shop remains open Monday to Friday, from 10:00am to 3:00pm. All stock has now been relocated from the BHLR Ticket Office, following requests from many of you to continue purchasing Pecorama goods.
"Our Tours, Courses, and Driver Experiences will continue as planned, and we are committed to ensuring that our Gardens, Track, and Locomotives are carefully maintained throughout 2026.
"Once again, thank you for your thoughtful messages and for sharing your cherished memories with us. Your support means a great deal."