Dartmouth Steam Railway
Journey through stunning Devon coastlines on vintage steam trains and explore charming harbour towns via river cruise.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Magical Train of Lights experience
Dartmouth Steam Railway
Best Time
Magical Train of Lights experience
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Journey through stunning Devon coastlines on vintage steam trains and explore charming harbour towns via river cruise.
"A fantastic day out, a perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning scenery, and great organisation."
🎯 Book Combined Tickets
Save money and time by booking the steam train, ferry, and river cruise together. Great value!
💺 Arrive Early for Seats
For special carriages like the Pullman observation, arrive 30 mins before departure. First come, first served!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Christmas Train of Lights
Paignton to Kingswear
A magical festive journey with dazzling lights inside and out, creating a truly enchanting Christmas spectacle.
Coastal Steam Train Journey
Paignton to Kingswear
Ride vintage steam trains along the stunning South Devon coastline, offering breathtaking sea and countryside views.
River Dart Cruise
Dartmouth
A scenic cruise along the River Dart, exploring charming villages and historical landmarks with informative commentary.
Goliath Steam Engine
Various stations
See the powerful and iconic 'Goliath' steam engine in action, a favorite among railway enthusiasts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Tickets in Advance
Embrace the Full Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Combined Tickets
Save money and time by booking the steam train, ferry, and river cruise together. Great value!
💺 Arrive Early for Seats
For special carriages like the Pullman observation, arrive 30 mins before departure. First come, first served!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Travel
Pooch-friendly! Your furry friends are welcome on the train and river cruise, making it a great day out for all.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal route offers incredible photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Combined Tickets
Save money and time by booking the steam train, ferry, and river cruise together. Great value!
💺 Arrive Early for Seats
For special carriages like the Pullman observation, arrive 30 mins before departure. First come, first served!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Travel
Pooch-friendly! Your furry friends are welcome on the train and river cruise, making it a great day out for all.
📸 Capture the Scenery
The coastal route offers incredible photo opportunities. Keep your camera ready!
💡 Informative Commentary
Enjoy the lively and informative commentary on the river cruise, highlighting local landmarks.
♿ Accessibility Options
Areas for pushchairs and wheelchair carriages are available, making it accessible for families.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Dartmouth Steam Railway for its nostalgic charm, breathtaking coastal and river scenery, and excellent organization. The combined steam train and river cruise experience is highly recommended for its value and comprehensive exploration of the area. While the train journey can feel short due to its beauty, the overall experience is described as fantastic and memorable.
"My husband & I really enjoyed this day out. We even took our pooch along with us who also seemed to enjoy the day.
We felt the price for this day out was very reasonable for everything that we experienced - steam train ride, ferry ride & river cruise with tour guide educating passengers of the history of Dartmouth."
Toni Collins
"Amazing! Train ride flys by way too quick. Scenery is breathtaking. Cruise was also a nice way to break up the day. Some good options for food and gifts at Dartmouth once you get off the ferry. Staff were all friendly and helpful. Train was clean a comfortable with assigned seats which was nice. There are areas to leave pushchairs (which I didn’t notice on the way 🤦🏼♀️) which was really handy, so no need to unload or put down the pushchair. Lots of space inc seats in a wheelchair carriage."
Clare Raynsford
"Had an excellent day out with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company while on holiday in Torquay. We did the Steam and Cruise trip, which included a nostalgic half-hour journey by steam train from Paignton to Kingswear, a short ferry crossing to Dartmouth, and a scenic cruise along the River Dart which lasted about an hour. An adult ticket costs £35, it's £24 for a child, and you can buy a family ticket for £110. I came with a coach party, and we were given our own carriage and our own seat numbers. From the ticket office, you walk across a level crossing, and the entrance to the heritage railway station is on your right. There's a gift shop, toilets, and a little café where you can get drinks, cakes and ice-cream. The 11.30 train departure was right on time, the carriage was clean and comfortable, the ticket collector was very helpful, and we enjoyed lovely coastal and woodland scenery all the way to Kingswear. No commentary or refreshments, but there were toilets on board. We walked straight off the train on to the passenger ferry. Our cruise boat was moored right next to the ferry landing in Dartmouth, and embarkation could not have been easier. The skipper, Mark, and his crew were both knowledgeable and friendly. We could get drinks and snacks in the downstairs cabin, and there were also toilets on the boat. Plenty of seating (and the best views!) on the outside upper deck, and it was dog friendly too. We enjoyed a lovely sail up the River Dart as far as Greenway - the former home of Agatha Christie - and the village of Dittisham, before heading back towards the estuary and Dartmouth Castle, passing the Royal Naval College and Bayard's Cove on the way. Spotted herons and other waterbirds. Lively and informative commentary from Jo, who made sure we didn't miss any of the landmarks. This was a great experience from start to finish. Would definitely recommend!"
Valerie Hinchliffe
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Dartmouth Steam Railway station is located in Paignton. You can reach it by walking across a level crossing from the ticket office. Many visitors arrive in Paignton by train or bus.
Yes, you can take the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to Kingswear, and then a short ferry ride across to Dartmouth. This is a popular way to experience 'dartmouth by train'.
The Dartmouth Steam Railway operates between Paignton and Kingswear. To reach Dartmouth from Totnes by train, you would typically take a National Rail service to Paignton and then connect to the steam railway.
Most visitors start their journey at Paignton station. If you're arriving by car, there is parking available in Paignton. The railway is well-connected by public transport.
Yes, Paignton is well-served by buses and National Rail services, making it easy to reach the Dartmouth Steam Railway.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices vary depending on the package. An adult ticket for the Steam and Cruise trip is around £35, with child and family tickets available. The Pullman observation carriage has an additional charge.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance, which is recommended, especially for popular events like the Christmas Train of Lights. You can also buy them at the station.
While specific discount codes are not always advertised, booking combined tickets for the steam train, ferry, and river cruise offers excellent value for money.
A standard ticket often includes a return steam train journey from Paignton to Kingswear and a ferry crossing to Dartmouth. Combined tickets add a river cruise.
Voucher codes are not consistently advertised, but booking in advance or looking for package deals is the best way to get value. Check their official website for any current offers.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs from Paignton to Kingswear, offering scenic views along the South Devon coast and through woodlands.
The steam train journey from Paignton to Kingswear is a nostalgic half-hour trip, though it can feel like it flies by due to the breathtaking scenery.
The Christmas Train of Lights is a special festive event where the train is adorned with dazzling lights, creating a magical experience for visitors during the holiday season.
Yes, the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company is dog-friendly, allowing your pets to join you on the train and cruise.
Yes, there are toilets available on the train carriages and on the river cruise boats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While there are no refreshments served on the train itself, you can purchase drinks, cakes, and ice cream at the small café at the Paignton station.
Dartmouth offers a good selection of cafes and restaurants. You'll find options for food and gifts once you disembark the ferry in Dartmouth.
Yes, you can purchase drinks and snacks in the downstairs cabin of the river cruise boat.
📸 📸 Photography
The coastal stretch between Paignton and Kingswear offers stunning photographic opportunities. Broad Sands is a particularly popular spot.
Absolutely! Enthusiasts often capture images of various locomotives like 'Goliath', 'Braveheart', and 'Lydham Manor' at different points along the line. +2
Yes, the railway provides beautiful scenic views of the coastline, woodlands, and charming harbour towns, making it ideal for photography.
The Christmas Train of Lights runs from Paignton to Kingswear. Churston Hill is mentioned as a good spot for capturing it.
While specific webcams aren't widely advertised, many enthusiasts share live footage and photos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
There are designated areas for pushchairs on the train, making it easier for parents to manage little ones. 💰 Budget Travelers
❤️ Couples & Romantic Getaways
Consider booking the Pullman observation carriage for a more intimate and elevated viewing experience. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Dartmouth Steam Railway Experience
Many visitors opt for the combined 'Steam and Cruise' ticket, which includes a return steam train journey, a ferry crossing to Dartmouth, and a scenic river cruise along the River Dart. This package provides a comprehensive way to explore the area, showcasing its natural beauty and historical significance. The river cruise, in particular, offers insights into local history and landmarks, often with engaging commentary from the skipper.
For those seeking a unique festive experience, the Christmas Train of Lights is a major draw. This special event transforms the train into a dazzling spectacle of lights, creating a magical atmosphere for all ages. It's highly recommended to book tickets well in advance for this popular seasonal attraction.
Locomotives and Heritage
+1These engines are meticulously maintained, offering enthusiasts and the public a chance to witness the power and beauty of steam locomotion. The railway is part of the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, highlighting its commitment to preserving and showcasing railway heritage.
The presence of locomotives like 'Omaha' (S160 class) further emphasizes the diverse range of engines that grace the tracks. Visitors can often learn about the specific locomotives and their operational history, adding an educational layer to the scenic journey. The sound and sight of these magnificent machines are a significant part of the appeal for many visitors, making the Dartmouth Steam Railway a true gem for railway enthusiasts.
The Dartmouth River Cruise
The cruise boats are equipped with comfortable seating, including an upper deck for the best views, and often have a downstairs cabin where refreshments and snacks can be purchased.
This relaxing part of the trip provides a wonderful contrast to the steam train journey, allowing passengers to soak in the tranquil waterside scenery and appreciate the unique character of the Dart estuary. It's a highly recommended addition to the steam railway adventure, offering a well-rounded exploration of the area.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit