Dartmouth Steam Railway

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Dartmouth Steam Railway

Train Reviews

Dartmouth Steam Railway

Dartmouth Steam Railway Reviews & Ratings: Is It the Right Train for You?

Hugging the breathtaking South Devon coastline, the Dartmouth Steam Railway offers a journey unlike any other heritage line in the UK. Running from the seaside resort of Paignton to the village of Kingswear, the tracks run right along the edges of Torbay and the River Dart, offering spectacular views of the English Riviera.

For travelers in 2026, this railway is deeply integrated into the local transport network. The company also operates the passenger ferries that connect the train at Kingswear to the historic naval town of Dartmouth, making it a seamless, multi-modal day out on the coast.

Dartmouth Steam Railway at a Glance

  • Operator: Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company
  • Major Routes: Paignton to Kingswear (with ferry connection to Dartmouth)
  • Duration: 30 minutes (train journey one way)
  • Best For: Coastal sightseeing, families, and exploring the English Riviera.
Dartmouth Steam Railway

Onboard Experience: What to Expect

The railway uses large, comfortable Great Western Railway-style heritage carriages pulled by classic steam locomotives.

Standard Seating

The carriages feature wide, upholstered seats arranged in bays around tables, with large windows perfect for looking out over the beaches and the sea. Because it is a short journey, the atmosphere is relaxed and bustling with holidaymakers.

The Observation Carriage (The Devon Belle)

On select departures, the railway attaches the historic Devon Belle Observation Carriage. Originally built in the 1940s, this car features vast, curved glass windows at the very end of the train, offering sweeping panoramic views of the coastal cliffs and the steam engine’s trail. Access to this carriage usually requires a small supplementary fee on the day.

Luggage Allowance & Policies (Updated 2026)

Major 2026 Warning: This is a short-hop tourist railway and ferry service. Only day-trip luggage is permitted.

Luggage Size / Type Policy Cost
Day Bags & Picnic Baskets Permitted. Must fit under seats. Free
Pushchairs Can be folded and stored in the guard’s van on the train, and taken onto the ferry. Free
Suitcases / Oversized Items Strictly prohibited. N/A

Tip: If you are booking the “Round Robin” ticket (which includes the train, a river cruise, and an open-top bus), pack exceptionally light, as you will be transferring between multiple modes of transport throughout the day.

Customer Service & Reliability

  • The Highs: The scenery is spectacular, transitioning from sandy beaches at Goodrington Sands to the wooded, steep-sided banks of the River Dart. The ticketing system linking the train and ferries is wonderfully efficient.
  • The Lows: The actual train journey is very short (only 30 minutes). During the height of the summer holidays, the carriages can be packed to capacity.

Pros & Cons of Traveling on the Dartmouth Steam Railway

Pros:

  • Unbeatable views of the South Devon coast and the River Dart.
  • Seamlessly connects to the Dartmouth passenger ferry.
  • The “Round Robin” ticket is one of the best value days out in the South West.

Cons:

  • A very short train ride for dedicated rail enthusiasts
  • Can be heavily crowded and noisy during school holidays.
  • Steam engines can occasionally cause soot to blow through open coastal-facing windows.

Have You Traveled on the Dartmouth Steam Railway?

Your experience helps other travelers make informed decisions! Did you ride in the Devon Belle, or did you love the ferry crossing?

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About the Dartmouth Steam Railway

Does the train actually go to Dartmouth?

No, the train tracks terminate at Kingswear, which is directly across the river from Dartmouth. Your train ticket usually includes the quick, 5-minute passenger ferry crossing from the Kingswear station platform straight into the heart of Dartmouth.

Which side of the train is best for views?

If you are traveling outbound from Paignton to Kingswear, sit on the left side of the train (facing forward). This will give you uninterrupted views over the sea at Torbay and the River Dart estuary.

Are dogs allowed?

Yes, dogs are very welcome on the trains, ferries, and buses for a small flat fee.

Disclaimer: All information, policies, and details presented on this page are gathered from publicly available resources and are subject to change. Please verify directly with the operator before booking.