Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station) - Paignton

Toni C.

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.

Clare R.

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.

Valerie H.

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!

Ranamukage D. D. P.

A fantastic day out. The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a real gem. It is a perfect mix of nostalgia, stunning scenery, and great organisation.

The steam train journey was smooth and scenic, with amazing views of the coastline and countryside. You really feel like you've stepped back in time.

We bought the combined ticket for the steam train, ferry, and river cruise, and I highly recommend doing the same. It made the whole experience seamless and really good value for money.

Each part of the trip offered something different. The ferry was quick and easy, and the river cruise was relaxing with beautiful views and interesting commentary.

Staff were friendly, and everything ran right on time. Whether you're visiting as a couple, family, or on your own, this is such a great way to explore the area.
Can’t wait to do it again.

Mark S.

Beautiful experience. The tickets were £23.50 and this included return train ride and ferry over to Dartmouth. The Pullman observation carriage is £3pp one way as is on a first come first serve basis. So do yourself a favour and arrive the 30 minutes before departure as requested. Wheelchairs catered for.

Lisa M. B.

A great day out. There is almost too much choice with the rail and boat trips but I did the train and the hours river cruise on the river Dart. Quite expensive but worth it. The carriage I was in was virtually empty which made for a very chilled out ride. The seats are a bit lumpy but all in all a fantastic experience.

David S.

Excellent steam railway, with magnificent views as it runs around the bay, and along the river Dart. The ticket includes the ferry across to Dartmouth from Kingswear, from where you can take a choice of boat trips and river cruises. The staff are really friendly and helpful, and the young lady in the tea room at Kingswear was so kind as I spilled my tea over the table and floor - she gave me another cup and cleared up the spill.

Matthew B.

Brilliant ride on a steam train 🚂 train always on time staff very kind and helpful nothing is to much. Toilets 🚻 on the station clean disabled accessible yes can get help getting on and off the train parking at the train station 🚉 paid but free for blue badge holders what a brilliant day