Dartmouth Steam Railway — Local services in South Hams

Dartmouth Steam Railway, where the echoes of bygone eras blend seamlessly with the scenic beauty of South Devon.

🚂 All Aboard! The Hogwarts Express of Reality 🚂

Platform Anticipation:

As you step onto the platform, the air crackles with excitement. The steam locomotive stands there, its polished brass winking in the sunlight. You half-expect Hagrid to appear, beckoning you toward a magical adventure.

The rhythmic chuffing of the engine evokes memories of Harry Potter’s Hogwarts Express. The whistle blows, and you’re transported back in time.

The Coastal Odyssey:

The steam train departs from Paignton, its wheels singing on the tracks. You settle into plush seats, gazing out at the South Devon coastline. Emerald cliffs plunge into the azure sea, and seagulls trail your journey.

The Dart Valley unfolds—a tapestry of wooded slopes, quaint villages, and glimpses of the River Dart. The train hugs the coast, revealing hidden coves and sandy beaches.

Churston Charm:

The station at Churston (currently non-stopping) whispers secrets of smugglers and shipwrecks. The scent of salt mingles with the tang of nostalgia. You imagine Victorian travelers alighting here, their trunks laden with adventure.

Kingswear’s Welcome:

The village of Kingswear beckons from across the water. Its pastel houses cling to the hillside, mirroring the pretty port of Dartmouth. The River Dart shimmers, inviting you to cross.

You disembark, and the paddle steamer awaits a floating time capsule.

River Rhapsody:

The Dartmouth River Cruise begins. The commentary weaves tales of pirates, explorers, and smugglers. The water laps against the boat’s hull, and you lean over the rail, lost in reverie.

The Lower Dart reveals its secrets—hidden coves, ancient castles, and wooded banks. You pass beneath the Dartmouth Higher Ferry, its chains clinking like ghostly whispers.

Totnes Tango:

The cruise glides toward Totnes, where the river narrows. Medieval buildings lean conspiratorially toward the water. You disembark, stepping onto cobbled streets.

Totnes, with its bohemian spirit, invites exploration. Cafés spill onto the pavement, and the aroma of freshly baked scones lures you in.

The Return Journey:

Back on the steam train, you watch the landscape shift the sun dipping toward the horizon. The whistle sounds, and you’re homeward bound.

As the train pulls into Paignton, you carry memories of steam, salt, and stories etched into your soul.

Dartmouth Steam Railway: Where reality and enchantment merge, and every whistle carries a promise of...

This is a spectacular and outstanding railway in the South West of England. The railway journey itself is one of the most picturesque and beautiful of any railway journey in the South West of England and the journey is very pleasant and relaxing where you take in spectacular views of Dartmouth Marina and Dartmouth itself at the start of the journey and then breathtaking views of the coastline, the sandstone cliffs and bays and inlets as you head towards Paignton. The line itself runs between Kingswear near Dartmouth and Paignton and visitors have the opportunity to purchase for a single journey and a return journey between the two destinations and there is plenty to do at both destinations. Visitors can also combine tickets for both travel on the trains and the boats and even get the round Robin bus from Totnes back to Dartmouth. Both the Kingswear and Paignton stations have a lovely contemporary yesteryear feel to them. Visitors can enjoy travel on a range of Steam Locomotive Trains and these are Goliath, Braveheart or Hercules and all of them true magnificent trains to see. The time of the journey between the two destinations is approx. 20 minutes each way. There are some great photographic opportunities at Goodrington Sands to catch the wonderful Steam Locomotives trains in motion on the tracks and any photos are very iconic and beautiful. Goodrington Sands is approx. 20 minutes walk away from Paignton Station. There are cafes at both stations offering refreshments at reasonable prices. There are gift shops at both stations offering a range of decent souvenirs at reasonable prices. Overall this is a thoroughly magnificent and an amazing place to visit which makes for a wonderful day out. Definitely well worth a visit whilst in...

Steam and cruise trip, totally made by the excellent cruise up the river Dart. Unfortunately our 1hr cruise was lengthened by a return to the landing due to a medical emergency but then continued. It was handled brilliantly and the cruise has loads to see, commentated by the witty, knowlegable and very clear host. Sadly I felt the train let this whole thing down. You are asked to select times of travel when booking and are allocated seats. Never had this before on a heritage railway. It made for a time conscious day with no flexibility and did not allow you to choose which engine you travelled behind: something often important to heritage train fans. Our well kept carriage was ruined by modern plastic and wood covid partitions, something that didn't appear to be done in most other carriages. The feel of a steam train ride is all part of the fun, the squashy seats etc but both journeys, by the same engine, were actually rather unpleasant and very lurchy - nit at all the usual heritage railway experience. Beautiful large cafe at Paignton that appears to serve very little other than drinks so again, disappointing as we usually like to support these things which often give excellent service and...