Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
4.5
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About
Dartmouth, Devon, England
Awards
Travellers' Choice
2023
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Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
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4.5
4,354 reviews
Excellent
3,178
Very good
909
Average
150
Poor
63
Terrible
55
Anne H
Totton, UK16 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
An amazing trip on the Christmas train of lights, the atmosphere was great and lots of treats to see along the track.
Written 8 December 2023
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.
Kim E
1 contribution
Dec 2022 • Family
We went as a family group last December, thinking the children might enjoy it. The whole experience far outstripped anything we expected. It was fantastic. We adults were excited as the children.
It's a really exciting Christmas treat, and makes a wonderful family Christmas present.
This year I'm taking 2 more of my grandchildren. I can't wait to see their faces when they first see the train, as well as throughout the journey. ❤️
It's a really exciting Christmas treat, and makes a wonderful family Christmas present.
This year I'm taking 2 more of my grandchildren. I can't wait to see their faces when they first see the train, as well as throughout the journey. ❤️
Written 17 November 2023
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.
Judith G
Gloucester, UK40 contributions
Sep 2023 • Family
Have been on the train many times some times twice a year but this is the first time in 30years for my daughter as last time was on family holiday in Dartmouth when she was 5yrs old.
Excellent as always.
Excellent as always.
Written 28 October 2023
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.
rebecca k
20 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Beautiful scenery, comfy carriages and a peaceful indoor activity.
My 9 year old, train obsessed, son loved it. If you love trains it's definitely worth a visit
My 9 year old, train obsessed, son loved it. If you love trains it's definitely worth a visit
Written 27 October 2023
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.
RobfromTorquay
Torquay, UK37 contributions
Oct 2023 • Friends
We love the steam railway and use at least once a year. Family visitors and friends of all ages love it and so do we. Efficiently run and beautifully maintained, it is a major player at the heart of South Devon’s towns and attractions. But it’s sad to see that the management have taken advantage of Covid-imposed restrictions to withdraw all services from three of the line’s five stations, including the charming station at Churston, the midway crossover point, as well as Greenway Halt, which was opened in association with the National Trust specifically to encourage ‘green’ access to Agatha Christie’s nearby house. Enquiries of railway staff did not get any convincing explanation apart from a suggestion that the facilities weren’t used much. I do hope that this unfortunate decision can be reviewed before 2024 timetables are fixed and before the condition of the three stations deteriorates
Written 24 October 2023
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.
lentheman
Penyffordd, UK606 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We did the boat to Totnes from Dartmouth, bus to Paignton, then train to Kingswear and ferry across to Dartmouth. The ferry was excellent. Captain gave a running commentary and was very funny. Bus to Paignton was, well a bus to Paignton. Paignton itself is best described as Blackpool in Devon. The train back to Kingswear only takes about 15 minutes and for large parts of it your are in woods so cannot see anything. My advice would be get the boat to Totnes and public transport back to Dartmouth and don't bother with the train.
Written 23 October 2023
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.
David S
Helston, UK1 contribution
Oct 2023 • Family
I spent about an hour and a half attempting to purchace tickets for the Steam Railway before finaly succeeding. The booking software seemed to be hell bent on finding any number of excuses not to allow me to make a booking. Finally, the booking software faries descided to stop playing gamesand allowed me to make my purchace
Written 21 October 2023
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.
Chickenfoot86
Chorley, UK21 contributions
Apr 2023 • Family
An absolutely brilliant day trip taking in the sights.
Setting off from Dartmouth harbour, you travel via ferry across to Kingswear.
Once you disembark at Kingswear, just a short walk up the hill and you arrive at the Victorian era station where you will board a steam train for the next stage of your journey to Paignton.
We travelled aboard Hercules, a beautiful piece of British engineering. The sights along the way are breathtaking - you almost forget you're in the UK.
Once you arrive in Paignton you exit the station via the gift shop, which is fantastic. Next is a short walk across the road to Paignton open air bus station to await your next mode of transport - an open top bus to Totnes.
Although the scenery is still fantastic,it's not quite as thrilling as the steam train journey, or the final stage of your journey.
Upon arriving in Totnes next to the River Dart,you're just a short walk into the historic town centre. Here you will find a large selection of historic buildings, independent shops,pubs and cafés.
We chose to have lunch at King William IV on Fore Street. A lovely pub with a warm welcome, great food and selection of beers, local ales, wine and spirits.
For the final stage of the trip you will need to return to the River Dart where you disembarked your bus,except this time you will be cruising along the river aboard a boat.
Despite the chill of the April wind this was the best part of the tour overall. The vessel is large,with plenty of room, a fully stocked bar and toilets.
As you cruise down the River Dart back to Dartmouth you will be entertained by the commentary provided by the First Mate of the boat. Great knowledge of the area and points of interest are shown by him,and his wit and humour was fantastic.
Overall, this trip was great value for money, our 12 and 8 year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed the experience so I would highly recommend this trip for everyone!
Setting off from Dartmouth harbour, you travel via ferry across to Kingswear.
Once you disembark at Kingswear, just a short walk up the hill and you arrive at the Victorian era station where you will board a steam train for the next stage of your journey to Paignton.
We travelled aboard Hercules, a beautiful piece of British engineering. The sights along the way are breathtaking - you almost forget you're in the UK.
Once you arrive in Paignton you exit the station via the gift shop, which is fantastic. Next is a short walk across the road to Paignton open air bus station to await your next mode of transport - an open top bus to Totnes.
Although the scenery is still fantastic,it's not quite as thrilling as the steam train journey, or the final stage of your journey.
Upon arriving in Totnes next to the River Dart,you're just a short walk into the historic town centre. Here you will find a large selection of historic buildings, independent shops,pubs and cafés.
We chose to have lunch at King William IV on Fore Street. A lovely pub with a warm welcome, great food and selection of beers, local ales, wine and spirits.
For the final stage of the trip you will need to return to the River Dart where you disembarked your bus,except this time you will be cruising along the river aboard a boat.
Despite the chill of the April wind this was the best part of the tour overall. The vessel is large,with plenty of room, a fully stocked bar and toilets.
As you cruise down the River Dart back to Dartmouth you will be entertained by the commentary provided by the First Mate of the boat. Great knowledge of the area and points of interest are shown by him,and his wit and humour was fantastic.
Overall, this trip was great value for money, our 12 and 8 year old daughters thoroughly enjoyed the experience so I would highly recommend this trip for everyone!
Written 20 October 2023
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.
Rolo's Mum
10 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We were so lucky with the weather and enjoyed a trip on the river in warm October sunshine. Commentary was informative and the boat stopped for a photo opportunity when the steam train crossed the viaduct and when seals were spotted basking in the sun. A lovely hour on the river.
Written 20 October 2023
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.
Kevin F
Crowborough, UK82 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
Felt like doing something different whilst on holiday in South Devon & so glad we decided to go on the Steam Train & Ferry to Dartmouth
Really enjoyed the trip on both the train and ferry and Dartmouth was a very nice place to visit, very clean and a little oldy worldly
I think we are highly likely to do the same next year and perhaps go on a longer river tour
Really enjoyed the trip on both the train and ferry and Dartmouth was a very nice place to visit, very clean and a little oldy worldly
I think we are highly likely to do the same next year and perhaps go on a longer river tour
Written 19 October 2023
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.
mikelcookg
London, UK1 contribution
Do I need to book in advance for the train and cruise this Sunday 16th July?
stevewilliams7158
Worcester, UK53 contributions
If you want a specific train and cruise it's always better to book in advance
Dianne S
Hartshorne, UK
Does the train stop in Brixham for us to explore?
Carlaconsort
Oswestry, UK124 contributions
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.
lesnaeb1
Devon, UK15 contributions
Can I book at Paignton station?
reillyontheskatepark
10 contributions
yes
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.
CKD
Codsall, UK119 contributions
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?
88Jackie
Wolverhampton, UK8 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the trains and ferry? Thanks
Andrew28011958
Stowmarket, UK72 contributions
Yes with a small charge
Sandra D
Birmingham, UK
how much is the fare
Steve P
Southampton, UK783 contributions
if you read some recent reviews you will see the prices others paid. It varies depending on what you want (single, return, boat, train, Round Robin, family ticket, etc). I paid £85 for a family (two adults, two children) Round Robin - train, boat cruise, open topped bus, and I found that excellent value. A single man at our guest house paid £19 for a return steam train ticket from Paignton to Kingswear/Dartmouth, and he was pleased with that.
Best place to get exactly what you want for hard information is always going to be the attraction itself. For opinion and reviews, Trip Advisor is good. But for facts, always go to the website or phone the attraction itself. We are not allowed to put in links, but if you paste Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat into Google you will get the website, which has a page on prices and tickets. You can then select what you want from there.
Enjoy!
Louise3928
54 contributions
How long would you recommend in Dartmouth?
RegularTraveller1956
Wolverhampton, UK87 contributions
We spent a couple of hours there, that's probably enough for anyone.
There always seems to be something going on around the Bandstand, so If sitting and relaxing is your choice you could while away an afternoon.
VPM75
Rochester, UK1 contribution
Looking for advise please we are Staying in Torquay. Planning to take the boar trip 11:05 to Dartmount return is 15:30 so I wonder if we will have enough time to take the steam rail trip too ?
lucknowboy
Torquay, UK54 contributions
Not in this 2020 Covid year.
It could be done in any normal year by booking a Sea Train rather than a Dartmouth Day Cruise, but this year the Sea Train is not an option.
Day Cruises are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in August only and subject to weather conditions.