Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station)
Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station) things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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A very enjoyable day out at a reasonable cost for the return fare. The line traverses some nice countryside running alongside the River Dart and crossing the Hookhills and Broadsands viaducts giving spectacular costal views over Torbay. The operation is run more as a tourist attraction rather than a museum standard heritage railway - as a bit of an enthusiast I find things like attaching names to small tank locomotives that would never have carried them slightly jarring - but this lack of authenticity will probably not bother the average seaside holidaymaker along for the ride. The railway recommend parking in Paignton where there are a greater number of car park options (mostly pay and display) and taking the journey in the direction of Kingswear (for Dartmouth), but if the Park and Ride facility is open in Dartmouth it may be worth considering starting out from Kingswear as I find the first and last trains are quieter in that direction. If starting from Dartmouth buy your ticket at one of the kiosks in town as this will then include the passenger ferry over to Kingswear, no doubt you could purchase a train ticket at Kingswear station but you would have to pay separately for the passenger ferry to get over the Dart. There are of course cafés, gift shops and toilet facilities at both termini but most visitors will probably plan their journey with time to spend a couple of hours in Dartmouth or Kingswear where there are ample visitor services. The operator also offers a number of circular tours including bus and river trips, their website will give details. Certainly worth setting aside a day for if in the Torbay or South Hams area.
Pete WallPete Wall
00
*UPDATE* Jun 2022 below... *UPDATE* Dec 2021 We travelled on the Christmas 'Train of Lights' from Paignton to Kingwswear and back, a fantastic seasonal experience for both Adults and children, reserved seats, cheerful staff, tremendous theatre on and off the train, a memorable trip! The mainline station is managed and operated by Great Western Railway, Paignton Station is the terminus for the Riviera Line from Newton Abbot. The station has a small car park and 8s opposite the main bus station with frequent local buses. It has a ticket office and good social distancing controls. All trains depart from platform 1 which has level access for mobility requirements. Paignton Queens Park Station for the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway is adjacent via the level crossing. *June 2022 visited for a Father's day treat, my Son did the Footplate Experience on the same train! We bought tickets online which prevents you having to queue up at the ticket office, the train was quiet, hauled by s small but powerful tank engine 'Goliath', the trip includes coastal scenery along Goodrington and Broadsands with a good chug up the bank, then a run through Churston and Greenway stations which remain closed then into the tunnel before skirting the river Dart on the way to Kingswear. My son thoroughly enjoyed the footplate ride but it was only one way ( about 25mins ) and was supposed to include a trip in the Devon Belle observation car which was not on the train? So we thought £100 for the experience was expensive. Staff at the stations and on board were cheery and polite, trains were clean and tidy but beware there are NO toilet facilities on board.
Glen AGlen A
10
My Son and I had a great time here. We took a return trip on the train from Paignton to Kingswear. Such a wonderfully evocative way to travel and this is such a scenic line! You can also do the trip part train, part paddle steamer too and if we'd had a bit more time I'd probably have taken that option, but nevertheless, the train journey was superb anyway. Paignton station is right next door to the mainline railway station but there is no car park as such for the steam railway, so you have to use the mainline station's car park and walk back round, only a two minute walk, but you have to pay for a day's parking. Given that, you should plan to make a day of it! Kingswear is a beautiful place to visit anyway! Tickets are best booked via their website to avoid disappointment during the busy season. We visited midweek in June and could easily have bought our tickets at Paignton, but if you are going to do that, get there a good twenty minutes before your train goes as this railway is VERY punctual! Train times are on their website and they stick to them!
Mitch PeekeMitch Peeke
00
We had a fantastic day as a family. Easy to get the steam train from Paignton, given seat numbers so no need to rush to get the best seats. Left on time, then a wonderful view all the way to Dartmouth, lots of the track on the sea front. My 3 year old loved it! The foot passenger ferry leaves from right next to the train station with lots of signs, and not long to wait even though it was quite busy. We had a lovely walk round Dartmouth (do walk to the castle, wonderful views and little coves to explore), before going on the river trip. The skipper was very entertaining and had lots of local knowledge. Again all easy to get back. The only problem some found is that they automatically book you on the return Train that is straight after your boat trip. I overheard some customers who had booked the first boat trip, which meant they then had to come straight back to paignton, which they weren't happy about. Luckily we had booked the latest boat, so could enjoy the day at Dartmouth before coming back.
Samantha GoldupSamantha Goldup
20
Fabulous adventure.. From Paignton to a Ferry then across to Olde world Dartmouth. The fabulous steam train Goliath with its beautiful carriages. The one we entered being called Sarah as is my partner made her smile. Going into the station and experiencing the smells and sounds of this magical machine Harry Potters station came to mind. We were whisked away with beautiful views of the coast and countryside. So near to the sea.. Well worth the trip and you can book your tickets on line. Dog friendly. The ferry service also excellent. Arriving in Dartmouth itself was a treat. Greeted by a beautiful building reminiscent of the Dutch House which had been destroyed in the blitz in Bristol. I recommend the Crepes in the lovely park from the street food outlet and their coffee both .which was more than excellent. Had a great day and then back to Paignton which is a little tired but still a good place to explore.
Brian HopkinsonBrian Hopkinson
30
We had a great time today on the Round Robin ticket. The boat ride on the Dart was our favourite bit. The spoken guide text was perfectly judged. Informative, friendly and sometimes amusing. It was delivered with great care and much appreciated. On the train, we were a little disappointed that our journey was with the diesel and not the steam engine but it was still a lovely trip and we enjoyed the vintage style that two of the stations had kept. We assumed that this is for film shoots. It all took about 4hrs. I wouldn’t bother to linger in Paignton for long. Totnes is nicer and good for lunch/tea. Sorry Paignton! Dartmouth is a lovely town to finish in for dinner. We had an excellent meal at Rosa on Victoria St. Tip: if you do start/finish in Dartmouth, and you’re driving, it’s best to use the Park & Ride service. The central car parks have a 4hr limit.
Michael RoulstonMichael Roulston
00
Nearby Attractions Of Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station)
Paignton Pier
Young's Park
Pirates Bay Adventure Golf
Fairy Cove
Victoria Park
Paignton Beach
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Roundham Head
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Nearby Restaurants Of Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station)
The Talk Of The Town - JD Wetherspoon
Inn On The Green
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Harbour Light, Paignton
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Cantina, Goodrington
Paignton Pier Chippy Co.
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Learn more insights from Wanderboat AIBasic Info
Address
Queen's Park Rd, Paignton TQ4 6AF, United Kingdom
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Phone
+44 1803 555872
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Website
dartmouthrailriver.co.uk
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Reviews
Overview
4.7
(1.9K reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
outdoor
family friendly
attractions: Paignton Pier, Young's Park, Pirates Bay Adventure Golf, Fairy Cove, Victoria Park, Paignton Beach, Geoplay Park, Paignton Sands, Roundham Head, Goodrington Boating Lakes, restaurants: The Talk Of The Town - JD Wetherspoon, Inn On The Green, Spinning Wheel Inn, Harbour Light, Paignton, Shoreline, Cantina, Goodrington, Paignton Pier Chippy Co., The Hyde Dendy, Crafty Isaac Merritt, Henry’s Bar
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