Dartmouth Steam Railway
Unusual Things to Do in Paignton
Standard gauge steam railway from Paignton to Kingswear along the Torbay coast, with river boat links to Dartmouth and Totnes and a paddle steamer.
Stay near Dartmouth Steam Railway
3+ cottages in Paignton
The Dartmouth Steam Railway is a standard gauge line between Paignton and Kingswear, run by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company. It follows the Torbay coast past Goodrington and Broadsands, then reaches the River Dart at Kingswear. The same company runs river boats from Dartmouth, Totnes and Torquay and the paddle steamer Kingswear Castle, so a day out can be a loop of train, boat, ferry and bus.
What you do there
The simplest trip is the steam train, Paignton to Kingswear and back. Most people use it as the first leg of something longer.
The Steam & Cruise ticket runs the train both ways, takes the ferry across the Dart and adds a circular river cruise from Dartmouth. The Round Robin is the company’s best seller: steam train, river boat and bus linking Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes. Boat times between Dartmouth and Totnes shift from day to day because the River Dart is tidal. Plan around the timetable, not the other way round.
The company also sells a footplate experience on the open locomotive, and the Devon Belle observation car is seated on a first come, first seated basis. The Kingswear Castle is described as the last coal-fired paddle steamer in the UK.
Who it suits
Families with children old enough to enjoy a long sit-down trip, and anyone who likes trains. Children aged 3 to 15 pay the child fare, under-3s travel free on normal services, and a family ticket covers two adults and up to three children. Dogs are welcome for a small fee on normal services, and bikes ride free in the guard’s compartment.
It suits walkers who want a one-way ride and a stroll back, and visitors who prefer not to drive between Paignton and Dartmouth. It is less suited to anyone who needs to come and go quickly: a combined ticket ties you to the train and boat times.
Winter and special trains
The railway does not close for the winter. It runs a reduced service on selected dates, and the award-winning Train of Lights runs at Christmas. Only registered guide dogs are carried on Train of Lights services.
Getting there and parking
Queens Park Station, the main station, is in Paignton town centre about 400 yards from the seafront, on Torbay Road next to the mainline level crossing (postcode TQ4 6AF). Kingswear Station is on The Square in Kingswear (TQ6 0AA). The company’s postcodes for the river boats are Dartmouth Embankment TQ6 9BH and Totnes Steamer Quay TQ9 5AL.
There is no customer car park at Paignton or Kingswear. The company recommends the Victoria Centre car park in Paignton, with Victoria Square, Hyde Road, Crown and Anchor and Station Lane as other long-stay options, all run by Torbay Council. Kingswear has only a small private marina car park with charges. Paignton Bus Station is a short, level walk from the station, with regular buses from Torbay, Newton Abbot, Exeter and Plymouth.
Nearby
Paignton is the starting point. The line runs past Goodrington Sands and Broadsands. At the far end, Kingswear faces Dartmouth across the water, and Dartmouth Castle is on the Dartmouth side. For a family animal day out in the same area, see Paignton Zoo.
Plan your stay
Staying in Paignton means a short walk to the main station. Browse cottages and apartments in Paignton, or on the river side in Dartmouth and Kingswear.
Check the company’s website for this season’s timetable and fares before you travel.
Where to stay near Dartmouth Steam Railway
Sample dates: 13 November 2026 - 15 November 2026. Adjust below to see live prices for Paignton.
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
- How do you get from the steam railway to Dartmouth?
- The train ends at Kingswear, on the east bank of the River Dart. Dartmouth is on the opposite bank, and a ferry crosses between the two. The Steam & Cruise ticket combines the train both ways, the ferry and a circular cruise on the Dart.
- Can you take a dog or a bicycle on the steam train?
- Yes to both. Well-behaved dogs are welcome for a small fee on all services except Train of Lights, where only registered guide dogs travel. Bicycles go in the guard's compartment at no charge.
- Is there parking at the steam railway stations?
- Not at Paignton or Kingswear, where the company has no customer car park. At Paignton, use a Torbay Council pay and display car park such as Victoria Centre, Victoria Square or Hyde Road. Kingswear has only a small private marina car park.
- Does the steam railway run in winter?
- Yes, on a reduced service on selected dates, plus the Train of Lights evening trains. Check the timetables page before you travel.
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