Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
4.5
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Dartmouth, Devon, England
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2022
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Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
4,148 reviews
Excellent
3,032
Very good
872
Average
141
Poor
58
Terrible
45
Chelsea E
Wolverhampton, UK13 contributions
Aug 2021
We booked the Round Robin tour for the price of £33 which we thought was decent because of the experience of the different types of transport.
We went on the open top bus first, maybe take a coat as even in warmer weather the wind can make it a bit chilly. Then when we got to totnes we went to the high street for a drink, this is something I would recommend if you have time as there are a good amount of places to get something to eat or drink and also some nice shops to wander round. We then went on the boat ride which was good as the scenery was beautiful. There were toilets on there which were in a good state and also a bar but bear in mind that this is cash only. They advised this was due to the spotty wifi signal they could not guarantee card payments would go through.
We spent most of our time in Dartmouth and struggled to find somewhere with space for us to have lunch. We did look at booking before and got side tracked, there was also the regatta which made it busier. From Dartmouth we got the foot ferry to Kingswear. The size of the queue was massive but went down very quickly so we were barely even waiting!
Then we got the steam train back to Paignton which was a nice experience and the train station itself was pretty cool.
We went on the open top bus first, maybe take a coat as even in warmer weather the wind can make it a bit chilly. Then when we got to totnes we went to the high street for a drink, this is something I would recommend if you have time as there are a good amount of places to get something to eat or drink and also some nice shops to wander round. We then went on the boat ride which was good as the scenery was beautiful. There were toilets on there which were in a good state and also a bar but bear in mind that this is cash only. They advised this was due to the spotty wifi signal they could not guarantee card payments would go through.
We spent most of our time in Dartmouth and struggled to find somewhere with space for us to have lunch. We did look at booking before and got side tracked, there was also the regatta which made it busier. From Dartmouth we got the foot ferry to Kingswear. The size of the queue was massive but went down very quickly so we were barely even waiting!
Then we got the steam train back to Paignton which was a nice experience and the train station itself was pretty cool.
Written September 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
DavidBunyan
Isle of Skye, UK163 contributions
Sep 2021 • Couples
Prebooked tickets collected them @ Paignton Victoria Railway Station, wore face mask for whole of rail journey non stop to Kingswear as excursion trains only with Covid compliant carriages. Trains are loaded to 50% capacity hence pre booking is essential.
Very pleasant journey on 1000 service on Wednesday 15 September returned on 1525 service from Kingswear same day, rail fare included river crossing to Dartmouth. Looked around the shops had a light lunch and spent some time enjoying the view.
Very pleasant journey on 1000 service on Wednesday 15 September returned on 1525 service from Kingswear same day, rail fare included river crossing to Dartmouth. Looked around the shops had a light lunch and spent some time enjoying the view.
Written September 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Anne B
7 contributions
Oct 2022
Excellent trip from Paignton to Kingswear on steam train. Very lucky to have the Pulman observation car for which we paid an extra £3 pp per trip. It was luxury with wonderful views. We crossed from Kingswear to Dartmouth allowing an hour for lunch prior to going on the Dart cruise. Although the weather wasn't so great, it was well worth it for the commentary and wildlife. On return we had allowed some time for a look around Dartmouth before catching the ferry back to Kingswear and the steam train back to Paignton. It's well worth allowing the extra time in Dartmouth as your booking on the train and cruise are on timed schedules, and we would not have seen anything of the town. The whole trip went very smoothly.
Only thing to be aware of in Paignton is it is very difficult to get parking close to the station. I had someone who is a blue badge holder, so needed to be close to the station. We just managed to get the last place in the main rail car park as it was too small an area for a transit van to get into, and so he waved me into the space. Please allow good time to for parking, especially if you have tickets for an allocated train. We went out of the main season, so must be difficult in the height of summer
Only thing to be aware of in Paignton is it is very difficult to get parking close to the station. I had someone who is a blue badge holder, so needed to be close to the station. We just managed to get the last place in the main rail car park as it was too small an area for a transit van to get into, and so he waved me into the space. Please allow good time to for parking, especially if you have tickets for an allocated train. We went out of the main season, so must be difficult in the height of summer
Written November 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
sje2404
Farnborough, UK23 contributions
Aug 2022
The steam train journey to Kingswear was quite pleasant but, with busy holiday periods, it is necessary to pre-book the return journey. We were travelling from Torquay and was was cheap and convenient to travel from Torre to Paignton by train to avoid worrying about car parking at Paignton, (You can also travel from Torquay Station). Crossing to Dartmouth was quick and easy from Kingswear. We then did the riverboat trip. The commentary was light-hearted but the trip itself was disappointing. Maybe, it would have been better to do the Round-Robin trip in order to sail from Totnes(?).
Written August 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jessie
Manchester, UK437 contributions
May 2021 • Couples
Travelled on here today from Paignton £19.95 per adult from Paignton to Kingswear (Dartmouth) really enjoyable trip about 25 minutes each way on the train and the ferry from Kingswear to Dartmouth about 5 minutes included. We travelled at 11.15 and returned at 4pm, we didnt book on the cruise part as we wanted to explore Dartmouth. Tickets easily purchased and we were given seat numbers so that they could evenly space travellers out so felt very safe. Not sure of the price for children guessing probably half the adult fare so this could work out costly if you had children with you. I have read reviews were people are unhappy about the amount of time they had in Dartmouth due to delays but we didn't experience any of this. Also staff do tell you to make sure you are on the ferry 1/2 before your train is due to make sure you get across in time, guessing this is for the more busy periods as only a certain amount of people can get on the ferry at once. All in all we had a good day out.
Written May 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tripsie
Castleton, UK133 contributions
Jun 2021 • Couples
Overall, the Round Robin was an interesting day out, but the boat trip, meant to be a highlight, was an unpleasant experience, in spite of the running commentary.
Outside, people are packed in, but at least there is fresh air and a light breeze.
If you are unfortunate enough to arrive too late to secure outside seats, you will be forced into the totally airless interior, where hardly any windows open. If you don’t get a place one of the bench seats running alongside the windows, you won’t be able to see much anyway. If you want to sit outside, it will be best to cut short your time in Totnes to make sure you are near the front of the queue.
The interior cabin would be unpleasant even without covid, but as it is, to have people in such close contact in an airless environment for an extended period when so few are wearing masks as downright scary, and irresponsible on the part of the boat company, who could enforce mask-wearing inside in the interests of passenger safety. Or, better still, don’t sell so many tickets that people are forced into the interior cabin.
If you get an outside seat n the boat, £33 for the day would be reasonable. If you are inside, it’s very expensive considering that you will not be able to see or breathe.
Outside, people are packed in, but at least there is fresh air and a light breeze.
If you are unfortunate enough to arrive too late to secure outside seats, you will be forced into the totally airless interior, where hardly any windows open. If you don’t get a place one of the bench seats running alongside the windows, you won’t be able to see much anyway. If you want to sit outside, it will be best to cut short your time in Totnes to make sure you are near the front of the queue.
The interior cabin would be unpleasant even without covid, but as it is, to have people in such close contact in an airless environment for an extended period when so few are wearing masks as downright scary, and irresponsible on the part of the boat company, who could enforce mask-wearing inside in the interests of passenger safety. Or, better still, don’t sell so many tickets that people are forced into the interior cabin.
If you get an outside seat n the boat, £33 for the day would be reasonable. If you are inside, it’s very expensive considering that you will not be able to see or breathe.
Written July 23, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Julie W
Horsham, United Kingdom10 contributions
Aug 2022 • Friends
Absolutely lived this trip, done the round Robin from Dartmouth up to Totnes on the boat, Totnes to Paignton on the bus and then Steam train back to Dartmouth and across on the ferry. Most of the staff were lovely but be warned the women that work in the kiosks selling the trips and giving out the tickets could not be more unhelpful if they tried. They were miserable, wouldn't know how to smile if they tried and when we asked about any other trips they done they didn't even try to help and dismissed us like dirt. They did not even try to sell us the trip up to Totnes, and one of the ladies said to go and ask her colleague as she was finishing soon. I would suggest booking everything online so that you do not have to interact with them anymore than you have to as they do not make you feel welcome to Dartmouth at all.
Written August 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
SteveM_8319
Barnstaple, UK428 contributions
Dec 2022
Disappointing, the engine and outside of the carriages looked great, but it was rapidly downhill from there.
Although issued with tickets which had seat numbers its was a free for all, our seats were already occupied by a family when we got to them, so we just choose others and judging by the scowls we got from a couple we 'stole' theirs.
We didn't see much of the lights as we were on the wrong side of the train and the windows were so steamed up. The carriage got extremely chilly as those on the correct side of the train constantly opened & closed the windows for a better view.
While playing, the Christmas mood music was deafening, however once the journey started the narration was drowned out by the screaming of excited small children running up & down the carriage.
We booked the 18.45 in the hope that there wouldn't be so many small children on board, as we realised that any on board would be excitable. Maybe one of the carriages could be couples only?
We have used this line a couple of times during the summer and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, we just feel this event needs some tweaking.
Judging by the screams of the small children around us they thoroughly enjoyed it, however think carefully if you plan to take this ride unaccompanied.
Although issued with tickets which had seat numbers its was a free for all, our seats were already occupied by a family when we got to them, so we just choose others and judging by the scowls we got from a couple we 'stole' theirs.
We didn't see much of the lights as we were on the wrong side of the train and the windows were so steamed up. The carriage got extremely chilly as those on the correct side of the train constantly opened & closed the windows for a better view.
While playing, the Christmas mood music was deafening, however once the journey started the narration was drowned out by the screaming of excited small children running up & down the carriage.
We booked the 18.45 in the hope that there wouldn't be so many small children on board, as we realised that any on board would be excitable. Maybe one of the carriages could be couples only?
We have used this line a couple of times during the summer and thoroughly enjoyed the experience, we just feel this event needs some tweaking.
Judging by the screams of the small children around us they thoroughly enjoyed it, however think carefully if you plan to take this ride unaccompanied.
Written December 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JulianStevens
Bristol51 contributions
Jul 2021
We like this railway. Although it's unavoidably a short ride and we've never seen more than one locomotive running on any given day (except when a main line excursion visits), it includes several features that must be the envy of many longer lines. The coastal views are spectacular whilst those across the Dart estuary are fine too. There's a cutting with a fairly demanding gradient that requires the locomotive to work hard, a tunnel, not one but two viaducts and good stations at either end, not to mention Churston with a locomotive turntable that can accommodate just about any main line visitor. Don't bother with a look round Goodrington Sands, there's nothing much to see.
The fare for the foot ferry across to Dartmouth from Kingswear is included in the ticket price (so take advantage of it and enjoy an amble round the town for an hour or so) and even Paignton's not a bad little town, with some excellent fish'n'chip shops. From Kingswear, passengers can take the river ferry to Totnes, which is also a nice little town. Passengers can alight at Greenway Halt for a tour of Agatha Christie's Greenway Estate.
Tickets are rather pricey, but this reflects the fact that all the railway's staff are employed rather than any being volunteers, whilst the stations and carriage interiors are outstandingly well maintained. Car parking near to Paignton station is, undeniably, a bit of a challenge, but there's a quite reasonably priced pay and display car park only about 10 minutes walk away from Paignton station.
Recommended.
The fare for the foot ferry across to Dartmouth from Kingswear is included in the ticket price (so take advantage of it and enjoy an amble round the town for an hour or so) and even Paignton's not a bad little town, with some excellent fish'n'chip shops. From Kingswear, passengers can take the river ferry to Totnes, which is also a nice little town. Passengers can alight at Greenway Halt for a tour of Agatha Christie's Greenway Estate.
Tickets are rather pricey, but this reflects the fact that all the railway's staff are employed rather than any being volunteers, whilst the stations and carriage interiors are outstandingly well maintained. Car parking near to Paignton station is, undeniably, a bit of a challenge, but there's a quite reasonably priced pay and display car park only about 10 minutes walk away from Paignton station.
Recommended.
Written November 7, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
V C
8 contributions
Jul 2021 • Solo
We started our Round Robin in Torquay, bus to Paignton, train to Kingswear, ferry to Dartmouth, riverboat to Totnes then bus back to Torquay via Paignton!
If anyone else is doing this route just be aware that when you board the bus at Paignton for Torquay, the fare back to Torquay is not included in the £33. We assumed when we bought our tickets the £33 included the whole journey for our Round Robin but on presenting our boarding pass at Paignton this was not the case!!! The driver insisted we still had to pay £1.50 each before we could board for Torquay. Fair enough if we’d been advised when we booked that this segment would cost extra but we were not, so was a little annoying, also online booking system was hopeless, ended up we went in person and booked at the harbour office.
We did enjoy the trip but feel more clarity is needed at time of booking
If anyone else is doing this route just be aware that when you board the bus at Paignton for Torquay, the fare back to Torquay is not included in the £33. We assumed when we bought our tickets the £33 included the whole journey for our Round Robin but on presenting our boarding pass at Paignton this was not the case!!! The driver insisted we still had to pay £1.50 each before we could board for Torquay. Fair enough if we’d been advised when we booked that this segment would cost extra but we were not, so was a little annoying, also online booking system was hopeless, ended up we went in person and booked at the harbour office.
We did enjoy the trip but feel more clarity is needed at time of booking
Written August 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dear V C
Thank you very much for your recent review – we are very glad that you enjoyed the Round Robin (a popular choice!).
With regard to the return bus where you mention having to pay a £1.50 fare. Our bus return to Torquay from Paignton is most certainly included in your ticket price. We can only imagine that you caught a Stagecoach bus in error from Paignton to Torquay which, unfortunately, is not part of our service. We can confirm that had you taken the same service/bus as your outward journey both trips would have been included in the price you paid for your ticket.
Again, we are very pleased you enjoyed the trip and we sincerely hope to welcome you back in the future.
Written August 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
lesnaeb1
Devon, UK15 contributions
Can I book at Paignton station?
reillyontheskatepark
10 contributions
yes
AnnieOtherWay
Bamberg, Germany
There‘s supposed to be a way to start the Red Robin at Torquay instead of Paignton… but where an how? Thx.
User
Wolverhampton, UK49 contributions
Hi, you can't book via the website but if you call the Torquay kiosk on 01803 293797 they will book it for you. The bus departs at 10.00 on Tuesdays, Thursday's and Saturday's from Torquay Harbourside (Strand). Hope this helps?
88Jackie
Wolverhampton, UK8 contributions
Are dogs allowed on the trains and ferry? Thanks
Andrew28011958
Stowmarket, UK70 contributions
Yes with a small charge
Sandra D
Birmingham, UK
how much is the fare
Steve P
Southampton, UK782 contributions
if you read some recent reviews you will see the prices others paid. It varies depending on what you want (single, return, boat, train, Round Robin, family ticket, etc). I paid £85 for a family (two adults, two children) Round Robin - train, boat cruise, open topped bus, and I found that excellent value. A single man at our guest house paid £19 for a return steam train ticket from Paignton to Kingswear/Dartmouth, and he was pleased with that.
Best place to get exactly what you want for hard information is always going to be the attraction itself. For opinion and reviews, Trip Advisor is good. But for facts, always go to the website or phone the attraction itself. We are not allowed to put in links, but if you paste Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat into Google you will get the website, which has a page on prices and tickets. You can then select what you want from there.
Enjoy!
Louise3928
53 contributions
How long would you recommend in Dartmouth?
RegularTraveller1956
Wolverhampton, UK87 contributions
We spent a couple of hours there, that's probably enough for anyone.
There always seems to be something going on around the Bandstand, so If sitting and relaxing is your choice you could while away an afternoon.
VPM75
Rochester, UK1 contribution
Looking for advise please we are Staying in Torquay. Planning to take the boar trip 11:05 to Dartmount return is 15:30 so I wonder if we will have enough time to take the steam rail trip too ?
lucknowboy
Torquay, UK54 contributions
Not in this 2020 Covid year.
It could be done in any normal year by booking a Sea Train rather than a Dartmouth Day Cruise, but this year the Sea Train is not an option.
Day Cruises are available on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in August only and subject to weather conditions.
is the round robin trip available all year round or is it seasonal
lesley h
Retford, UK674 contributions
According to their website it’s 24th March to 3rd November
900sheila
oxfordshire12 contributions
We have two granddaughters,10 years and 14 years old, who have been living in Australia for 12 years and who are coming to the UK in December 2016. We, their grandparents, visit Dartmouth very often (and love it so much) and would like to take them on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat, and anything else we can fit in. We shall not be getting to Dartmouth until Tuesday 20 Dec about 11.00 a.m. and leaving on Wednesday evening. Can you tell me if anything is running at this time of the year, together with the all in cost for a family - 2 senior citizens and 2 granddaughters. Many thanks for your help. Regards. Sheila Cox