South Devon Railway
South Devon Railway
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The South Devon Railway is one of the West Country’s best loved tourist attractions and is the longest established steam railway in the region. The former GWR branch line runs along the stunning valley of the Dart between Buckfastleigh and Totnes on a 14 mile round trip. The steam trains offer a wonderful all day, all weather attraction for families and people of all ages. The railway also has a fascinating museum, gardens, riverside walk, locomotive restoration workshops, a gift and model railway shop, refreshment rooms and more. Free car parking at Buckfastleigh, just off the A38, midway between Exeter and Plymouth; Totnes is a 500 yard walk from the main line station.
Duration: More than 3 hours
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- SolihullRichardDorridge, United Kingdom1,457 contributionsMost pleasant volunteers on any railwayOne of the friendliest heritage railways with lots to do and see at each station, with museum, model railway, bookshop and plenty of heritage material to see. Buffet car on board and seems to have a year round service which can be unusual - but please check I’m right before you set off - with the low season being all steam pulled. Nice run by the River Dart with Totnes Riverside adjacent to the main line station. In a quirk of history Dr Beeching closed the line (beyond Buckfastleigh to Ashburton) and then reopened the heritage railwayThanks for your great review!Written 18 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 5 October 2023
- Mike8 contributionsGreat staffThe staff in the Totnes booking office and those on the train made our day trip one to remember. It was my wife's birthday and Prosecco was available and the buffet attendant on realising our special day suggested a candle and a cake - the perfect touch! The Guard then noting the celebration added a special train announcement which was really sweet. Great trip, lovely views and engaging volunteers. We walked to Buckfast Abbey for an interesting visit and good lunch.Thanks for your great review. Buckfast Abbey is a must visit when in the area too!Written 18 January 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited October 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 25 October 2023
- Quest088628110752 contributionsAmazing and magicalAfter going on line and buying the wrong way around after speaking to the company this was sorted promptly and efficiently. My grandson who’s deaf, loved the train, he’s train mad, the conductor on the train made his day by giving him a ticket and punched it for him this made his day, The ombience of the whole experience was magical This will not be the last time I take my family on this train, Well done everyone it was just wonderful. The staff are wonderful and you can see it’s their passion Alison HackVisited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 October 2023
- Roam07914286682Ebbw Vale, United Kingdom2 contributionsPolar Express DevonThe entertaiment was second to none everyone was fully invested in the characters and very interactive with the children. However Santa the star of the show was a little rushed and walked away whilst the children were still talking to him. Probably less than a minute to talk to four children. Didn't really seem interested in what they had to say just wanted to dish out the bells and go. Total contrast to last years Santa who was amazing.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 9 December 2023
- Paul JPlymouth, United Kingdom125 contributionsReally chuffed with this day out :-)What a great day. We travelled on one of the steam trains from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. Views on the (stbd) right hand side along the river are lovely. Walked into Totnes for coffee and lunch, and then back from Totnes to Buckfastleigh on another steam engine. Staff are so enthusiastic and clearly love being there. Great to keep something like this running, so children and young people can get to experience the feeling and history of steam engines.Visited December 2023Travelled with familyWritten 30 December 2023
- CCBristol, United Kingdom13 contributionsFamily fun with steam trainsLovely way to spend wet and windy New Year’s Day. Train journey along river was great and staff really friendly. Shop and cafe had lots to offerThank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're so pleased you enjoyed your visit with us, and we hope you will come back and see us again soon.Written 22 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 2 January 2024
- David KUnited Kingdom603 contributionsSouth Devon RailwayI took the trip from Totnes to Buckfastleigh Abbey stn and paid £19 return (March 2024 prices) , I got the 10:30 and it took only 30 mins stopping at Staverton only.. At Buckfastleigh Abbey stn there is a otter sanctuary and a butterfly museum and there was a miniature railway for kids to sit on and go around , And when I was there at Easter there was a classic car show on, There is a cafe and toliets on site as well.. If you feel like I did adventurous I walked the Buckfastleigh Abbey and had a lovely few hrs there, takes 20 - 25 mins to walk there. The South Devon Railway is great with the volunteers so very welcoming..Thanks so much for leaving us a review. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us, and we'll be sure to share your comments with the team. We hope to see you again soon.Written 22 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited March 2024Travelled soloWritten 11 April 2024
- topdog273 contributionsOne of the best!!!It's one of the best heritage railway experiences we have had as a family.this is down to all the staff at the SDR. They were experienced, friendly and you could clearly see they loved what they do! Parked at Buckfastleigh and there you can start your journey.Great museum, shop with model railway,great restored station.there is also a small play are and minute railway but this wasn't running, probably due to the inclimate weather. Then a wonderful ride down the line following the River Dart down to Totnes. We got off here to have a wander round the town,about 10 minutes walk away.Then we took the train back along the line. We as a family had the best day out at the SDR, this in part down the fantastic job the staff do to make the experience the best it can be. We will definitely be returning and encourage others to visit!Thank you so much for taking the time to leave us a fabulous review. We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed your recent visit to us and we look forward to welcoming you again soon.Written 22 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 13 April 2024
- VBorwickLondon, United Kingdom239 contributionsFun trip pleasant way to experience steam travelWhat a fun trip. We were a small business group and thoroughly enjoyed seeing the museum and then traveling in the train. Cream teas available! Hundreds of volunteers keep the train running and it was a great dip into the past and history of steam and the railway network. Very happy to recommend as a great way of enjoying the countrysideThank you so much for taking the time to leave us a review. We're pleased to hear you enjoyed your recent visit to us. We hope you will come back and visit us again soon.Written 22 April 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled on businessWritten 19 April 2024
- Turnwood2011158 contributionsEnjoyable journeyThis was a very enjoyable journey. We picked up the train from Buckfastleigh station, got off at Totnes Riverside and walked in to the town. The steam train is beautiful, thoroughly recommend carriage A with the traditional booths and seats. All staff/volunteers were incredibly friendly and happy which is always lovely to see. In contrast I can’t recommend Totnes. Graffiti everywhere, lots of dogs off leads in the town, expensive coffees and ice creams and a stench of woke amongst the residents.Thanks so much for leaving us a review. We're pleased to hear that you enjoyed your experience with us, and we'll be sure to share your comments with the team. We hope to see you again soon.Written 5 May 2024This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.Visited April 2024Travelled with familyWritten 29 April 2024
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4.5
1,449 reviews
Excellent
988
Very good
334
Average
72
Poor
25
Terrible
30
Lindsey C
Solihull, UK19 contributions
Jul 2021
Sadly we were really disappointed with our day out. We decided to go to the Totnes end to start our journey only to find no directions and no parking. A lady at Totnes Rail Station eventually directed us. Parking was £7 and we then had to walk at least half a mile to the steam railway. No one was allowed on the platform which soon turned out to be a theme for the day. So we had no shelter and had to stand and wait getting soaked under trees until we were allowed to board. Strange considering I am able to stand on the platform of one of the major stations in central Birmingham but not here. Anyway trip itself was lovely, complete with group of skinny dippers in the Dart. Once at the other end, everyone had to get off and leave the station. Once again standing under trees to shelter and dont even think of wanting to use the loo on the platform. 2nd hand book shop was very good but I believe there were problems with the coffee shop. Heard quite a few people on the return trip planning to visit the centre of Totnes and they were disappointed to learn that it was at least a mile to the centre. All in all I would recommend going on the Dartmouth steam train instead where there is ample parking, coffee shops and you are allowed on the platforms.
Written 22 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.
Caravanista
West Molesey, UK63 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
To start with the positives, the station buildings are beautifully kept and the scenery along the line is stunning. However….
1. The signposting to the railway is non existent and even the satnav couldn’t seem to find it
2. Over zealous Covid precautions mean that the stations aren’t opened until after the passengers from the arriving train have left. We arrived 45 minutes early at Totnes and were grateful for the good weather - if we’d been queuing outside in the rain we’d have been tempted to give up.
3. The toilets at Totnes station were locked - according to the only visible member of staff, because there was no one to open them. We were advised to wait until the train was underway and use the toilets on board.
4. In spite of the overzealous Covid precautions on the platform, the toilet on the train was very grubby and unpleasant to use.
5. The PA announcement on the train mentioned the refreshment rooms at Buckfastleigh when they were actually closed and no refreshments were available.
Altogether a very frustrating experience.
1. The signposting to the railway is non existent and even the satnav couldn’t seem to find it
2. Over zealous Covid precautions mean that the stations aren’t opened until after the passengers from the arriving train have left. We arrived 45 minutes early at Totnes and were grateful for the good weather - if we’d been queuing outside in the rain we’d have been tempted to give up.
3. The toilets at Totnes station were locked - according to the only visible member of staff, because there was no one to open them. We were advised to wait until the train was underway and use the toilets on board.
4. In spite of the overzealous Covid precautions on the platform, the toilet on the train was very grubby and unpleasant to use.
5. The PA announcement on the train mentioned the refreshment rooms at Buckfastleigh when they were actually closed and no refreshments were available.
Altogether a very frustrating experience.
Written 25 June 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.
Andykeithharris
Reading, UK268 contributions
May 2021
Visited immediately following reopening after Covid. The visit was pleasant but overall pretty uninspiring. The main restaurant was closed although the open air kiosk was open this was of little real benefit given how wet it was. Also it was not clear that the restaurant WAS closed until you tried to enter meaning that if you wanted refreshments you had to walk all the way back to the car park where the kiosk was sited. Staff were pleasant enough but didn't really engage. Covid arrangements were good with each seating area screened from those behind. Seats allocated to allow reasonable social distancing, but queuing arrangement to enter the platform less so. Visitors were not allowed to enter the station until the incoming train had entered it and discharged leading to a lot of hanging around if you arrive early. Better information on this on the website would have been appreciated. The train itself was clean and well kept and the journey pretty enough if a little bland. Overall we came away with a feeling that the visit could have been so much better than in was
Written 2 June 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.
LLC
12 contributions
Jul 2021 • Family
The train ride itself was good. The staff on the train were lovely. The staff at most intervals we found to be helpful enough. The lady making the balloon animals was great fun.
What I take issue with is being asked whether we want to pay an extra £30 on the website for a set of trains for our son. We traipse around all day, but no trains are forthcoming. We ask at the gift shop, and finally it is revealed that the trains will be sent out to us in a few days (still waiting).
If I took my son to Santa’s grotto, and Santa promised to mail the gift to us (and only after I brought it up), do you not think this could potentially cause disappointment? The same principle applies here. Not on at all.
Presumably you expect us to pay over £100 for a family, only to have to go and repurchase the gift element at the gift shop? No mention of it being sent on on the website and if there was, we wouldn’t have bought it. What’s the point? We can order mail order by ourselves. Extremely misleading.
Food was awful. 11.30am and all they had left was vegetable pasties, and black on one side at that.
The train ride was great. The otter sanctuary was excellent - staff wonderful. Would have liked to see the butterfly farm, but understandably it’s closed due to covid. The balloon animals were good, but very long queues (mostly because there was very little else to do). The other scheduled entertainment was not good. Poor value for money and I wouldn’t book again.
What I take issue with is being asked whether we want to pay an extra £30 on the website for a set of trains for our son. We traipse around all day, but no trains are forthcoming. We ask at the gift shop, and finally it is revealed that the trains will be sent out to us in a few days (still waiting).
If I took my son to Santa’s grotto, and Santa promised to mail the gift to us (and only after I brought it up), do you not think this could potentially cause disappointment? The same principle applies here. Not on at all.
Presumably you expect us to pay over £100 for a family, only to have to go and repurchase the gift element at the gift shop? No mention of it being sent on on the website and if there was, we wouldn’t have bought it. What’s the point? We can order mail order by ourselves. Extremely misleading.
Food was awful. 11.30am and all they had left was vegetable pasties, and black on one side at that.
The train ride was great. The otter sanctuary was excellent - staff wonderful. Would have liked to see the butterfly farm, but understandably it’s closed due to covid. The balloon animals were good, but very long queues (mostly because there was very little else to do). The other scheduled entertainment was not good. Poor value for money and I wouldn’t book again.
Written 6 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.
Sausage
North Wales, UK70 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Railway journey was enjoyable, did a round trip from Totnes, the reason I’ve gave only a average score as your refreshment room at Buckfastleigh was not good, the railway bigs it up as an ‘award winning refreshment room’ so I set my hopes high, the first thing that greeted me as I entered the refreshment room was pre-prepared over priced bacon/sausage baps stacked in the fridge, if you can’t even cook fresh bacon or sausage in a nice fresh Bap for a customer I just knew it wasn’t going to get any better.
No daily specials and just your standard deep fat fried sort of lunch time foods on offer! Who exactly awarded this place an award? Gordon Ramsay would rip it to bits!
Servers seemed more interested in the tips in each other’s Tip cups then preparing me a hot latte!
I can recommend the railway just don’t bother with the refreshment room.
The Station model shop at Buckfastleigh is excellent if you’re a rail model enthusiast, worth a walk around and browse and reasonably priced too.
No daily specials and just your standard deep fat fried sort of lunch time foods on offer! Who exactly awarded this place an award? Gordon Ramsay would rip it to bits!
Servers seemed more interested in the tips in each other’s Tip cups then preparing me a hot latte!
I can recommend the railway just don’t bother with the refreshment room.
The Station model shop at Buckfastleigh is excellent if you’re a rail model enthusiast, worth a walk around and browse and reasonably priced too.
Written 17 May 2022
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.
Hi,
Thank you for taking the time to leave us a review.
We're really pleased you enjoyed our railway.
It's disappointing to hear that the Refreshment Rooms at Buckfastleigh did not meet the standards that you, or indeed ourselves, would expect. The premises are now run under a franchise so we will pass on your feedback to the operators to hopefully rectify these issues.
We hope to welcome you again soon.
Written 8 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Graham S
Tonbridge, UK53 contributions
Jun 2022
I am a railway enthusiast so a bit bisas.
The musuem looked really good but did not really get time look (as it was not my partners thing)
Loved the model displays a Tottnes
I understand the cost as I friends that work on other preseved railways but still think £17 a head return for what in my view was a unremarkable journey.
Personally what I would of liked was a guided tour for say £10.
This could include a brief history of the line, highlights of the museum and walk around the enginge shed and perhaps even to stand on a footplate of a stationary loco.
I would still visit again.
The musuem looked really good but did not really get time look (as it was not my partners thing)
Loved the model displays a Tottnes
I understand the cost as I friends that work on other preseved railways but still think £17 a head return for what in my view was a unremarkable journey.
Personally what I would of liked was a guided tour for say £10.
This could include a brief history of the line, highlights of the museum and walk around the enginge shed and perhaps even to stand on a footplate of a stationary loco.
I would still visit again.
Written 17 June 2022
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.
dixonpj000
Bournemouth, UK34 contributions
Oct 2021
Went back this year now the trains were running and had a great time again. Some great views of the river along side the railway most of the way to Totnes. Obviously an advantage to side that side but everyone was being seated that side is not a problem. Can choose which train to return on so you can spend as little or as long as you want at each station. Attractions at both ends of the line to make a day of it. Would recommend a weekend visit as was told the miniature railway only runs then but still a good shop and cafe was open during the week.
Written 15 October 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.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience of the South Devon Railway. The miniature railway is always a popular attraction at Buckfastleigh. It currently operates most Saturdays (weather permitting) that the "big trains" are running, but we're hoping to increase that next year. I'm glad to hear you had a great day out, and hope that when you next visit, you'll be able to enjoy the miniature railway as well!
Written 23 November 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
AlanandJulia
Manchester, UK77 contributions
Aug 2019
We found Buckfastleigh station easily from the A38 and parking plentiful. We arrived around lunchtime and enjoyed a picnic opposite the station on one of the many tables provided whilst watching the trains arriving and steam engines taking on water. We caught the next train leaving the station, and enjoyed a delightful journey back in time beside the picturesque River Dart. After returning, we looked around a small museum and the well stocked shop. The restaurant was large and staff friendly and helpful. We enjoyed an ice-cream from the restaurant watching the final train of the day returning to the station. In summary, a memorable day out for all the family.
Written 23 January 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.
Thank you for this great review, we are delighted to hear that you and your family enjoyed your visit. We hope to welcome you back again in 2020.
Written 31 January 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
st3w4rt
London41 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited the South Devon Railway on a hot and sunny day. There was ample free parking at Buckfastleigh, which I believe is the best place to start. We had pre-booked tickets, but realised when we got there that we had forgotten to print them off, which wasn't an issue as they were happy to see them on my phone instead. We arrived about 15 minutes before the train was due to depart, and were let onto the platform to board just before it left. The social distancing in place was good (this was before 19th July, so not sure what is currently in place), we had a table to ourselves and there weren't many other people in our carriage. The views along the route are spectacular, beautiful scenery and lovely to see the River Dart running alongside us, with people swimming in it and waving. Once we arrived at Totnes, we could spend some time on the platform seeing the steam engine and the carriages, and walked the length of the platform. There were toilets available there as well. It's a short walk to Totnes main station through some more beautiful countryside, then you can either walk along the river or up the hill into the town centre. Totnes itself is a lovely, quirky town. We spent an hour or so exploring, before heading back to the station. There is a marquee set up with seating where you can wait before the platform opens. The return journey was good, and when we got back to Buckfastleigh, we had some time on the platform again to see the train and the station. There is a cafe and shop at Buckfastleigh, as well as the otter sanctuary, which we had a look round. It was a very enjoyable experience, and great value.
Written 25 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.
Karyn L
15 contributions
Jul 2022
We took children for an experience on the steam train which they enjoyed but overall we felt it was very over priced - cost me just under £100 for 4 adults and 2 children to travel from Buckfastleigh to Totnes and back again. The children enjoyed watching the steam train from the bridge and in hindsight for toddlers I think it wasn't such a great idea to take them on a train journey. I am glad our money went towards the upkeep of the steam train which is clearly very beautiful and well maintained. We also got coffees on the train which were awful and tasted horrible. It is beautiful but I didnt think value for money with little ones.
Written 14 August 2022
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.
Thanks for your review.
We're sorry to hear that our steam railway didn't provide you with the great value day out that we aim for.
We set our fares at competitive prices compared with other heritage railways and local visitor attractions. As such, your group of six passengers should have cost just under £84. As you mention, all money goes back in to keeping the railway running and we thank for for your contribution with this.
Written 8 October 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are puschairs welcome on the train? I read they aren't in special events?
Written 3 September 2023
yes you can they can be but in the Guards van
Written 4 December 2023
Hi, could anyone tell me if there are toilets on the train, thankyou.
Written 28 July 2023
most of the trains do have toilets on them
Written 4 December 2023
Can you take your own picnic on the journey?
Written 9 May 2023
no there is not you have to walk from the main line railway station witch will take you about 10 to 20 mins
Written 4 December 2023
It's a short step up to the carriages from the platform and there's a small gap from the platform edge to the train so no real problem. I think they have a ramp for people who are not so good on their feet
Written 21 September 2019
Yes, if they stay off the seats. Enjoy your trip!
Written 3 September 2019
Could anyone tell me how far away the attractions are from the train line please?
I am limited in the distance I can walk so I'm looking for something that keeps long walks to a minimum.
Thank you
Written 31 July 2019
As above really. I too cannot walk distance at the moment but other than the footbridge at Buckfastleigh which you can avoid by walking just a short distance along their road everything is level and short walking distance. At Totnes end if you get off the train on arrival at the rear then its only a few hundred yards to the crossing, Cafe and rare breeds farm.
Written 31 July 2019
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