About

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon.

We are open from February half term right through to November (plus our winter steam train service run in November and December on selected dates). The stunning Train of Lights and famous Santa Express services also run on selected dates in December.

Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the most spectacular South Devon coast down into the Dart valley and on to the beautiful village of Kingswear.  Dartmouth River Boats operate on the stunning river Dart with daily scheduled services to the historic town of Totnes and 1hr circular river cruises. We also offer regular sea services to/from Torquay & Brixham plus coastal trips.

Round Robin 

2022

Our best seller, this famous and award winning tour is the best way to explore South Devon! Includes steam train, river boat and bus visiting the quaint towns of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes.

Journey times are: steam train (c.30 minutes), a river boat (c.90 minutes) and a bus (c.30 minutes). Sit back and enjoy the scenery and we will take care of the rest. This award-winning ticket is a favourite with both young and old. Commentary provided (boat trip only).

The Round Robin runs from 1st April to 28th October in 2022 (Torquay Round Robin runs 1st April to 30th September).

To make your life easier, we have created an itinerary planner. Go to the “Book” page where you can view suggested itineraries for all dates. Note: the Round Robin changes daily due to the tides on the River Dart at Totnes.

If you wish to make your own itinerary there is also a facility to do so on the same “Book” page.

Finally, you can download our full leaflet and employ the following steps:

1 - Choose your departure point (Paignton, Dartmouth, Kingswear, Totnes or Torquay).
2 - Check the sailing times between Dartmouth - Totnes (and vice versa)
3 - Work out your preferred connecting train (allow 30 minutes to cross from Kingswear - Dartmouth and vice versa)
4 - If this doesn't work for you try taking the route the other way round
5 - Check out the bus timetable to complete your planning!

Sadly we cannot guarantee an open top bus will be running, even in good weather - it depends on servicing periods of our buses. The weather does play a factor in our decision as well. If you are particularly looking forward to this part of the journey, it is advisable to ring us on 01803 555872 on the morning of travel to confirm. 

Access for limited mobility passengers at Totnes: There are certain high tides at Totnes which reduce to a minimum the number of steps that need to be navigated. This timetable is marked up and shown in blue with these tides to assist in choosing your trip.

 

Dartmouth-Totnes-Dartmouth River Cruise
This cruise is a wonderfully relaxing trip. As you journey along the river Dart you cruise past the home of the late Dame Agatha Christie and the pretty little villages of Dittisham and Galmpton. Look out for the wildlife; cormorants, kingfishers and seals are very often spotted and even, occasionally, the regal osprey is spotted hunting fish! Cruise takes 1 hour 30 minutes. Fully stocked bar serving hot and cold drinks is available. You can visit Dartmouth and/or Totnes Castles, explore and admire both towns, go shopping, look around the art galleries and there are cafes a-plenty! The river is tidal so journey timings differ daily. Timetables can be found on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company Website (link available above).
Dogs: Accepted on a lead on all trips, £2 charge per dog

 

Dartmouth River Cruise
Take a wonderful circular boat trip (starts in and returns to Dartmouth) viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village, Sir Walter Raleigh's Boathouse, Greenway Quay and The Estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie. A lovely addition to your day out in Devon. Full, informative (and usually amusing!) commentary is provided. This is a circular trip that starts and finishes in Dartmouth. 
This cruise departs at 11:30, 12:30, 13:30 & 14:30 (plus 10:30 and 15:30 in high season).