No visit to Dartmouth is complete without a trip on a steam train, a paddle steamer or river boat – all run by the Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company. It’s the only attraction in Devon that lets you enjoy the delights of Torquay, Paignton, Brixham, Dartmouth and the River Dart, Kingswear and Totnes on your day out!
Our steam trains travel seven miles along the South Devon coast back and forth from Paignton and Kingswear through the Dart Valley. The original railway line to Kingswear was completed in 1864. The Platform One Champagne Bar & Restaurant on Dartmouth’s embankment was the original station for passengers in Dartmouth who then travelled across the river by ferry to Kingswear to join the train. British Railways closed the line in the early 1970s before the line was reopened by the Dart Valley Railway in 1973 to run rail services mostly for the expanding tourist market. Prices from £19.
Dartmouth River Boats operate along the River Dart offering daily scheduled services (from £9) to the historic town of Totnes (nine miles upriver) as well as circular river cruises daily from Dartmouth plus regular services to the village of Dittisham. The river cruise to Totnes travels along nearly all of the navigable part of the beautiful River Dart. Apart from viewing the magnificent buildings of the Britannia Royal Naval College and Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate, you will enjoy the riverside villages of Stoke Gabriel and Dittisham, the Sharpham Estate with its vineyards, and the steeply wooded hillsides plunging down to the water’s edge - providing unparalleled scenic views. Enjoy a Steam & Cruise - Full day excursion - the perfect day out if you have children as it has ultimate flexibility - you decide what train and cruise to go on! Family ticket £80
IMPORTANT NOTE : Train and ferry/cruise passengers must wear a face covering on their journey to help reduce the risk of Covid transmission when social distancing is not always possible.
The Kingswear Castle Paddle Steamer
Returning home to the River Dart in 2013 after 47 years, the historic paddle steamer Kingswear Castle is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in operation in the UK today. She was built in 1924 at Philip & Son of Dartmouth and plied her trade between Totnes and Dartmouth until 1965.
She runs circular Dartmouth River cruises of approximately 1hr - occasionally this service is served by the Dart Explorer (predominantly on the days on which maintenance is conducted on the KC – she is a vintage vessel and we give her lots of TLC!). The river cruise takes you to the mouth of the river passing Kingswear & Dartmouth Castles, Dittisham village, Britannia Royal Naval College and Greenway House - home to the late Dame Agatha Christie. Please note: the dates for the Kingswear Castle 2021 season are tbc.
Round Robin
The all-inclusive and best-selling Round Robin ticket is the best way to explore Dartmouth and South Devon. It includes a steam train ride and a bus journey both of approximately 20-25mins (weather permitting on our open top bus), connecting passenger ferry across the River Dart plus a 90 minutes river cruise on the beautiful river Dart to Totnes. This ticket is a favourite with all ages where you can just sit back and enjoy the scenery.
There are many different options available each day so you can choose the itinerary that suits you best, spending time exploring the towns along the way. You can choose your departure point from Paignton, Dartmouth, Kingswear, Totnes or Torquay.
Prices from £32.
Train of Lights
Our Train of Lights is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar. A festive illuminated return journey starting at Paignton. See the website www.dsrrbchristmas.co.uk for further details and dates (runs end November to New Year).
Footplate Experience
Travel on the footplate to stand alongside (and under the guidance of) our driver and fireman as they work the steam engine along the 30-minute coastal and rural tracks from Paignton to Kingswear (or vice versa). A genuinely memorable experience and makes a terrific gift for a friend or relative. Book online or call us for more details. Price £95 pp.
Read By The Dart's review at https://www.bythedart.co.uk/things-to-do-in-dartmouth/family-activities/dartmouth-steam-railway-footplate-experience/
For details of all trips, cruises and special experiences please visit the Dartmouth Rail River website.
www.dartmouthrailriver.co.uk or call 01803 555872
Tickets can be booked online or from the DRR kiosks on Dartmouth’s embankment.
