Dartmouth Steam Railway

Paignton to Kingswear, Devon

LocationPaignton to Kingswear, Devon
CostTypically about £15 to £25 for adults. Combined train and boat tickets cost more.
Best timeSpring to autumn.
How longAbout 30 minutes each way

What to expect

The Dartmouth Steam Railway runs seven miles from Paignton to Kingswear, on the bank of the River Dart, along a spectacular coastal and estuary route. From Kingswear a ferry crosses to Dartmouth, and combined tickets let you return by river boat to Totnes, or by train. The line passes through the Greenway tunnel and viaduct, close to Agatha Christie's home.

Tips before you go

Book or plan it

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Where to base yourself

A weekend in DartmouthDevon

A historic harbour town on the River Dart, with a castle and steam railway

A weekend in BrixhamDevon

A busy fishing port with a replica Golden Hind and cliff walks

What to pack

Handy things people often forget. These are Amazon links, so prices and availability are set by Amazon.

More kit guides: Wet-weather gear Walking gear

Related activities

Dartmouth river cruiseRiver Dart, Devon

River boats sail between Dartmouth and Totnes along the tidal River Dart, passing wooded banks, creeks, boathouses and Greenway, once the home of Agatha Christie.

North Yorkshire Moors RailwayPickering to Whitby, North Yorkshire

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway runs steam and heritage trains for about 24 miles through the national park between Pickering and Whitby.

Settle to Carlisle railwaySettle to Carlisle, Yorkshire Dales and Cumbria

The Settle to Carlisle line is one of England's most scenic railway journeys, crossing the Yorkshire Dales and the Eden Valley over 73 miles.

Frequently asked questions

Can I travel by train and boat?

Yes. Combined tickets allow a loop with train, ferry and river cruise between Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes.

Plan a weekend around this

Last reviewed October 2026. Prices, opening times and conditions change, so check with the provider before you go. Report an error or share a tip.

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