Train of Lights

About Us

WE WERE PROUD WINNERS OF FOUR PRESTIGIOUS AWARDS IN 2019!!

Before you read down for all the lovely details of the 2020 Train of Lights, a few words on the unusual situation we all find ourselves in. . . . .

We are extraordinarily delighted to announce that the award-winning Train of Lights will run again this year! Hurrah! We do want to assure you that the decision was not taken lightly given the unprecedented times we have all been living through. We know it has been said many times but the safety of our customers and staff is, quite rightly, our number one priority and consequently this decision was delayed until we were sure that we could deliver an experience that would be at least as exciting as 2019 but within a Covid-19 secure environment.

We began running our regular services on Monday 6th July, having obviously made huge changes to the way we operate. We introduced a number of new measures to ensure that our customers and staff would be able to enjoy our services comfortably and in a secure way. These measures include:

screens have been installed at each seat set on the train carriages and also in station buildings (the Head of Steam Café at Queen's Park Station has also been screened to keep both our customers and staff safe)

hand sanitiser stations are available

significantly reduced carriage capacities

introduction of an allocated seating system

the product display in our gift shop at Queen’s Park Station in Paignton has been reduced to allow a one-way system to be introduced

we have extended the platform at Paignton to allow easy access to all carriages and to allow social distancing

the steam train carriages are deep cleaned daily - including the use of a sanitiser fog machine

enhanced cleaning procedures

increased service frequency to compensate for lost capacity

customer toilets are regularly inspected and cleaned

clear signage is on display to guide you through the booking hall, shop and for queuing, etc

We had decided to delay a decision on Train of Lights to be sure that our new way of operating would be both practical and comfortable for our passengers. We're pleased to say that services have run smoothly and we have received a lot of positive feedback about the work that we have done to make people feel safe. All of the above has enabled us to be confident and happy to announce that the Train of Lights will go ahead this year! The reduced carriage capacities will unfortunately mean that we will have less tickets available this year though. The last two years have been a sell out so booking early is essential. Tickets will be available from 2pm on Monday 27th July and can be purchased online or at our Queen’s Park Station in Paignton.

Our tickets are usually non-refundable. However, should we be unable to operate the service you will of course receive a refund of the full ticket price. Any passengers who are unable to attend due to a national or local lockdown will also receive a refund of the full ticket price.

We hope you agree that the 2020 Train of Lights will be something positive to really look forward to and we in turn look forward to welcoming you and sharing the experience with you all once again. Roll on the dark evenings!!

So, now to the good bit. . . . .

The Christmas Train of Lights is now the must-see event in the South West festive calendar and of course it will still capture the magic of our previous shows. Don't forget, the show can only be viewed from the train as you travel the line from Paignton to Kingswear.

Your festive illuminated journey starts at Queen's Park Station, Paignton, where our train with vintage carriages await you - decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Fifteen minutes later, once you've had time to settle back into your seat, you will arrive at Churston Station where the show begins. As the anticipation builds and minutes after leaving Churston, you will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest which will be transformed by a multitude of lights and brand new feature displays. The stunning show ends as you leave the forest only to be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth reflected on the river Dart. After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.

This is a fully ticketed event with allocated seating so pre-booking is essential. If you wish to travel with another party please inform us at the time of booking and we will do our utmost to accommodate you all together. We can offer a wheelchair specific carriage that means the whole family can sit together in comfort to enjoy this unique experience (please book a wheelchair space via the telephone or in person at our Paignton station only - online bookings not available). Sorry, only registered disability assistance dogs allowed.

Please ensure you arrive at our Paignton station at least 30 minutes before your Train of Lights departure time. The Head of Steam café will be open serving tea, coffee, (fabulous!) hot chocolate and snacks. Toilets are available at the station and on the train. The experience lasts for c.80 minutes.

Please be aware there is no Santa on the Train of Lights.

Dates & Times (our current plan at least):

2nd, 4th, 5th, 9th, 11th, 12th, 16th, 18th-23rd and 27th-30th* December

Trains depart at 16:45, 18:45 & 20:45 on each of the above dates

*There is no 20:45 service on 27th-30th December

2020 Prices:

Adult (aged 16+) £22.00

Child (aged 3-15) £13.50

Concession (aged 65+) £21.50

Family (2A, 2-3Ch) £65.00

Terms and Conditions apply to this event. Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully before booking your tickets. Your access to and attendance of the event is conditioned on your acceptance of and compliance with the Terms. The Terms apply to all visitors, users and others who access or attend the events. By accessing or attending the Service you agree to be bound by the Terms. If you disagree with any part of the terms then you may not access the Service.

Why not stay over after the Train of Lights? Click here to search for accommodation availability.