Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
4.5
Full view
About
Dartmouth, Devon, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2024
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingRevenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more.
Similar Experiences
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Booking unavailable on Tripadvisor
Want other options you can book now?
Show optionsTravellers talk about
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
We perform checks on reviews.
Tripadvisor’s approach to reviews
Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. If the system detects something that potentially contradicts our community guidelines, the review is not published.
When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site.
Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our community guidelines.
Learn more about our review moderation.
4.5
4,431 reviews
Excellent
3,233
Very good
926
Average
152
Poor
64
Terrible
56
Jessie
Manchester, UK
May 2021 • Couples
Travelled on here today from Paignton £19.95 per adult from Paignton to Kingswear (Dartmouth) really enjoyable trip about 25 minutes each way on the train and the ferry from Kingswear to Dartmouth about 5 minutes included. We travelled at 11.15 and returned at 4pm, we didnt book on the cruise part as we wanted to explore Dartmouth. Tickets easily purchased and we were given seat numbers so that they could evenly space travellers out so felt very safe. Not sure of the price for children guessing probably half the adult fare so this could work out costly if you had children with you. I have read reviews were people are unhappy about the amount of time they had in Dartmouth due to delays but we didn't experience any of this. Also staff do tell you to make sure you are on the ferry 1/2 before your train is due to make sure you get across in time, guessing this is for the more busy periods as only a certain amount of people can get on the ferry at once. All in all we had a good day out.
Written 24 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chelsea E
Wolverhampton, UK
Aug 2021
We booked the Round Robin tour for the price of £33 which we thought was decent because of the experience of the different types of transport.
We went on the open top bus first, maybe take a coat as even in warmer weather the wind can make it a bit chilly. Then when we got to totnes we went to the high street for a drink, this is something I would recommend if you have time as there are a good amount of places to get something to eat or drink and also some nice shops to wander round. We then went on the boat ride which was good as the scenery was beautiful. There were toilets on there which were in a good state and also a bar but bear in mind that this is cash only. They advised this was due to the spotty wifi signal they could not guarantee card payments would go through.
We spent most of our time in Dartmouth and struggled to find somewhere with space for us to have lunch. We did look at booking before and got side tracked, there was also the regatta which made it busier. From Dartmouth we got the foot ferry to Kingswear. The size of the queue was massive but went down very quickly so we were barely even waiting!
Then we got the steam train back to Paignton which was a nice experience and the train station itself was pretty cool.
We went on the open top bus first, maybe take a coat as even in warmer weather the wind can make it a bit chilly. Then when we got to totnes we went to the high street for a drink, this is something I would recommend if you have time as there are a good amount of places to get something to eat or drink and also some nice shops to wander round. We then went on the boat ride which was good as the scenery was beautiful. There were toilets on there which were in a good state and also a bar but bear in mind that this is cash only. They advised this was due to the spotty wifi signal they could not guarantee card payments would go through.
We spent most of our time in Dartmouth and struggled to find somewhere with space for us to have lunch. We did look at booking before and got side tracked, there was also the regatta which made it busier. From Dartmouth we got the foot ferry to Kingswear. The size of the queue was massive but went down very quickly so we were barely even waiting!
Then we got the steam train back to Paignton which was a nice experience and the train station itself was pretty cool.
Written 6 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mike
Colchester, UK
Sept 2020 • Couples
Wonderful old fashioned carriages and classic old steam trains. Tickets for the train are socially distanced and there are screens between each bench seats on the carriages. Views along the short around 20min trip are good although high banks do bloke alot of the site line. Definitely worth the trip rather than just driving.
Written 23 September 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
R2868
Birmingham, UK
Jul 2020
We booked the steam train, foot ferry and river cruise as a package online. The booking was very straight forward. We parked in Paignton train station as this is next to the steam railway. Cost was very reasonable and the ticket is valid until 23.59 on the day of purchase. The pay machine takes debit and credit cards so no need to search for change! There is a collection point for tickets booked online as soon as you walk into the Steam Railway station. We took the 11.10am train. There are notices confirming where you need to stand for the relevant carriage you have been allocated. It was a lovely journey, through nice scenery, on the way to Dartmouth. On arrival at Kingswear, you get off the train and head down the ramp, this takes you to the passenger ferry. After crossing the River Dart, the departure point for the paddle steamer is next to where you get off the ferry. As our paddle steamer was not booked until 1.30pm we had a lovely time exploring Dartmouth. There are plenty of places to eat in close proximity to the river.
The trip on the paddle steamer lasted an hour and was excellent. There was a clear, informative and humourous commentary throughout. We were booked on the 17.10pm return train and enjoyed a walk along the river before catching the passenger ferry and the train back. Once back at the train station there is a nice shop, full of things to buy so that you can remember your day.
We had a lovely day and would thoroughly recommend a visit. We felt the cost was really good value for all that the ticket included.
The trip on the paddle steamer lasted an hour and was excellent. There was a clear, informative and humourous commentary throughout. We were booked on the 17.10pm return train and enjoyed a walk along the river before catching the passenger ferry and the train back. Once back at the train station there is a nice shop, full of things to buy so that you can remember your day.
We had a lovely day and would thoroughly recommend a visit. We felt the cost was really good value for all that the ticket included.
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DavidBunyan
Isle of Skye, UK
Sept 2021 • Couples
Prebooked tickets collected them @ Paignton Victoria Railway Station, wore face mask for whole of rail journey non stop to Kingswear as excursion trains only with Covid compliant carriages. Trains are loaded to 50% capacity hence pre booking is essential.
Very pleasant journey on 1000 service on Wednesday 15 September returned on 1525 service from Kingswear same day, rail fare included river crossing to Dartmouth. Looked around the shops had a light lunch and spent some time enjoying the view.
Very pleasant journey on 1000 service on Wednesday 15 September returned on 1525 service from Kingswear same day, rail fare included river crossing to Dartmouth. Looked around the shops had a light lunch and spent some time enjoying the view.
Written 17 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Skiboy 20/20
Kent, UK
Sept 2020
We took a day trip on the Steam train from Paignton to Dartmouth. The train is excellent, passing coves and inlets on its journey down the Devon coastline. The price is very reasonable indeed and includes the ferry crossing from Kingswear to Dartmouth return. Once you arrive at the terminus station in Kingswear, Dartmouth is just across the river Dart and the ferry awaits you every 15 mnutes or so.
Don't forget to visit the small village of Kingwear. Most people just get off the train and get on the ferry. Such a shame as the small fishing village where the train terminates is a lovely colourful village built in tiers above the river bank. It's a nice place to look around and is much quieter than Dartmouth which is full of tourists.
The steam train is perfect for a day out from Paignton or Torquay and there are reduced fares for seniors and family group tickets. We visited during the Covid19 pandemic and they were very clear on regulations and you must wear a mask on board. Of course you'll always get the one or two that won't follow 'rules' but they're one of lifes little niggles, and as far as we were aware, everyone enjoyed their trip. A great day out Covid or not!
Highly recommended. Note: The train does not stop at any of the smaller stops en route. Whilst they are trying to manage the service during Covid, the route is direct only Paignton to Kingswear (for Dartmouth) only.
Dartmouth is a small bustling town with lots of tourists. Enjoyable but a little uncomfortable having to try and avoid one another when trying to Socially distance. Well worth a couple of hours visit. There doesn't seem to be a lot of places to shelter if the weather is bad, so be prepared.
Don't forget to visit the small village of Kingwear. Most people just get off the train and get on the ferry. Such a shame as the small fishing village where the train terminates is a lovely colourful village built in tiers above the river bank. It's a nice place to look around and is much quieter than Dartmouth which is full of tourists.
The steam train is perfect for a day out from Paignton or Torquay and there are reduced fares for seniors and family group tickets. We visited during the Covid19 pandemic and they were very clear on regulations and you must wear a mask on board. Of course you'll always get the one or two that won't follow 'rules' but they're one of lifes little niggles, and as far as we were aware, everyone enjoyed their trip. A great day out Covid or not!
Highly recommended. Note: The train does not stop at any of the smaller stops en route. Whilst they are trying to manage the service during Covid, the route is direct only Paignton to Kingswear (for Dartmouth) only.
Dartmouth is a small bustling town with lots of tourists. Enjoyable but a little uncomfortable having to try and avoid one another when trying to Socially distance. Well worth a couple of hours visit. There doesn't seem to be a lot of places to shelter if the weather is bad, so be prepared.
Written 6 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tripsie
Castleton, UK
Jun 2021 • Couples
Overall, the Round Robin was an interesting day out, but the boat trip, meant to be a highlight, was an unpleasant experience, in spite of the running commentary.
Outside, people are packed in, but at least there is fresh air and a light breeze.
If you are unfortunate enough to arrive too late to secure outside seats, you will be forced into the totally airless interior, where hardly any windows open. If you don’t get a place one of the bench seats running alongside the windows, you won’t be able to see much anyway. If you want to sit outside, it will be best to cut short your time in Totnes to make sure you are near the front of the queue.
The interior cabin would be unpleasant even without covid, but as it is, to have people in such close contact in an airless environment for an extended period when so few are wearing masks as downright scary, and irresponsible on the part of the boat company, who could enforce mask-wearing inside in the interests of passenger safety. Or, better still, don’t sell so many tickets that people are forced into the interior cabin.
If you get an outside seat n the boat, £33 for the day would be reasonable. If you are inside, it’s very expensive considering that you will not be able to see or breathe.
Outside, people are packed in, but at least there is fresh air and a light breeze.
If you are unfortunate enough to arrive too late to secure outside seats, you will be forced into the totally airless interior, where hardly any windows open. If you don’t get a place one of the bench seats running alongside the windows, you won’t be able to see much anyway. If you want to sit outside, it will be best to cut short your time in Totnes to make sure you are near the front of the queue.
The interior cabin would be unpleasant even without covid, but as it is, to have people in such close contact in an airless environment for an extended period when so few are wearing masks as downright scary, and irresponsible on the part of the boat company, who could enforce mask-wearing inside in the interests of passenger safety. Or, better still, don’t sell so many tickets that people are forced into the interior cabin.
If you get an outside seat n the boat, £33 for the day would be reasonable. If you are inside, it’s very expensive considering that you will not be able to see or breathe.
Written 23 July 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angela
Wolverhampton, UK
Sept 2020 • Family
Whilst in Paignton and having the steam train travel past the park we were staying at we decided to take a trip into the past. We booked our tickets online the day before including our time slot. We drive to Paignton train station and parked for £4.00 all day on the Sunday. We made our way round to the steam train station wearing our face masks we made our way to our allotted seats. Shame they had to ruin the carriages adding cheap wood and plastic dividers to keep people safe. It took approximately 20-30min to get to the river Dart station where we got off and queued for the ferry to cross the river. Loads of sanitiser stations around the place and also track and trace NHS scans. Once on the other side of the river we had to wait for our time slot for the river cruise so had a walk round the shops. We were lucky enough to get on the only surviving paddle steamer called Kingswear Castle in Britain for our cruise. Again there were sanitising stations on board. A small bar down in the galley. You could see down into the engine room and take photos the toilets were amazing as seen in pictures. You had to step up to sit on the throne lol! We travelled the river down to the mouth of the English Channel then back up in the other direction. This was where we got our first glimpse of Agatha Christie’s house. Well worth the money as the river has so many beautiful buildings along the river to see. We even saw a seal lazing on the jetty by the old boat builders yard.
Written 18 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fomzine
Woking, UK
Aug 2020
We found the Paignton to Dartmouth steam railway and river boat ride a delightful experience. The return rail and boat crossing to Dartmouth is good value.
Great views from the train across the countryside and beaches of Torbay. The trains and station gave a very authentic experience. Each carriage is individually decorated and upholstered, no two are the same. Screens had been put in to improve Covid-19 safety.
The connections with the ferry are very easy to find and follow.
THe gift shops are very good for souvenirs and refreshments. Much better that the gift shops of other attractions we visited in Torbay on our holiday.
Toilets at both stations are fine.
We had just one difficulty. It was not made clear on arrival at Paignton Station that we needed to collect our tickets. We had boarded the train without them and only thanks to other passengers did we find out we had to do this and only just got them in time to catch the train.
If you park at Paignton beside the station, please be aware that you must pay on the car park company app. You cannot pay with cash or card on a car park machine as you can in most other car parks.
Great views from the train across the countryside and beaches of Torbay. The trains and station gave a very authentic experience. Each carriage is individually decorated and upholstered, no two are the same. Screens had been put in to improve Covid-19 safety.
The connections with the ferry are very easy to find and follow.
THe gift shops are very good for souvenirs and refreshments. Much better that the gift shops of other attractions we visited in Torbay on our holiday.
Toilets at both stations are fine.
We had just one difficulty. It was not made clear on arrival at Paignton Station that we needed to collect our tickets. We had boarded the train without them and only thanks to other passengers did we find out we had to do this and only just got them in time to catch the train.
If you park at Paignton beside the station, please be aware that you must pay on the car park company app. You cannot pay with cash or card on a car park machine as you can in most other car parks.
Written 30 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marti J
Stratford-upon-Avon, UK
Sept 2019
Great day out. Go from Paignton and this gives the longest ride. You pass through the Countryside and past Agatha Cristie's Greenaway on the way the Kingswear. Upon arriving at Kingswear the ferry will take you over to Dartmouth. This is a lovely place with lots of small shops, boating and river Dart trips including up the Dart to Greenaway, should you wish to visit the house.
The ride on the train is worth doing as it is beautiful right along the Dart Valley. They cater for everyone including disabled and you can also take your well behaved dog. Obviously during the present "Covid" time it is advisable to book prior to your trip and all updates will be given. On line key in Dartford Steam Railway and all information such as timetables and prices and booking is available at the touch of a button.
I would highly recommend this excursion, we go every time that we are in Devon, it is not to be missed.
Hope you find this short review helpful? Marti.
The ride on the train is worth doing as it is beautiful right along the Dart Valley. They cater for everyone including disabled and you can also take your well behaved dog. Obviously during the present "Covid" time it is advisable to book prior to your trip and all updates will be given. On line key in Dartford Steam Railway and all information such as timetables and prices and booking is available at the touch of a button.
I would highly recommend this excursion, we go every time that we are in Devon, it is not to be missed.
Hope you find this short review helpful? Marti.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sue513
Yatton, United Kingdom
Hello do they accept rail cards for disabled please anyone know
Written 24 August 2024
Dirty_Mac
Whistler, Canada
How much does a ferry + train single cost? From Dartmouth to Paignton one way only. The website only sells all-day return tickets.
Written 5 June 2024
Gillian W
Cape Town, South Africa
Ah - i cannot remember how much but the single is probably 75% of the return fate.
Written 28 August 2024
mikelcookg
London, United Kingdom
Do I need to book in advance for the train and cruise this Sunday 16th July?
Written 12 July 2023
Dianne S
Hartshorne, United Kingdom
Does the train stop in Brixham for us to explore?
Written 4 July 2023
Carlaconsort
Falmouth, United Kingdom
Since the COVID shutdown the new business model means the service only runs from Paignton to Kingswear. Not stopping at intermediate stations means they don't have to employ staff at these and thus save money. For a commercial enterprise, not a stean preservation one, maximising how the money is brought in is important. Especially with the eye watering cost of coal these days ! To get to Brixham by train you will need a time machine.
Written 5 July 2023
AnnieOtherWay
Bamberg, Germany
There‘s supposed to be a way to start the Red Robin at Torquay instead of Paignton… but where an how? Thx.
Written 11 June 2022
CKD
Codsall, United Kingdom
Hi, you can't book via the website but if you call the Torquay kiosk on 01803 293797 they will book it for you. The bus departs at 10.00 on Tuesdays, Thursday's and Saturday's from Torquay Harbourside (Strand). Hope this helps?
Written 18 June 2022
88Jackie
Wolverhampton, United Kingdom
Are dogs allowed on the trains and ferry? Thanks
Written 19 October 2021
Showing results 1-10 of 17