Dartmouth Steam Railway: the Round Robin trip

The Dartmouth Steam Railway is the southern half of the old Great Western branch line, running from Paignton along the coast to Kingswear, opposite Dartmouth. Heritage stock, working steam locomotives, proper green livery.

The trip everyone should take is the Round Robin: train from Paignton to Kingswear, ferry across the Dart to Dartmouth, river cruise up to Totnes, then bus back to Paignton. About 4.5 hours, ticketed as one journey. Roughly GBP35 for adults at peak.

What you see: the spectacular section between Goodrington and Churston where the line runs above the cliffs and you look down on Elberry Cove and Broadsands; the steep descent into Kingswear; the wooded estuary on the boat north to Totnes; the Saxon castle as you arrive.

Best seats: forward-facing on the right-hand side going south, for the sea views. On the boat, sit on the deck if it’s not raining.

The Paignton station is a 5-minute walk from the seafront. Free car park nearby.

Watch a tour:

https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=dartmouth+steam+railway