Saturday 16 September 2023

This is another of our regular summertime favourites, a special train running right through Hertfordshire and North London to the English Riviera!

Our journey takes us around London and then onward via Newbury, the meandering ‘Berks and Hants Line’ taking us through Taunton and then Exeter. Soon the ‘interesting bit’ begins as we pass Powderham Castle, alongside the delightful Exe Estuary. We then venture along the famous Dawlish Sea Wall, racing through tunnels and cuttings of red sandstone, alongside beaches and coves.

At Newton Abbot we veer left, taking the Torbay branch to reach elegant Torquay. The iconic palm trees, busy harbour and international marina could easily fool you into thinking you were on the Mediterranean. Enjoy long leisurely walks along the pier and promenade and take in the atmosphere. Make time to walk up the steps of Royal Terrace Gardens and stop to admire the amazing sea views across the bay.

Torquay

Alternatively, stay on board the train for five minutes longer and reach the Victorian paradise of Paignton. A livelier place than Torquay but still with broad sandy beaches and offering plenty of things to do. The station is a short level walk from the promenade, the long sandy beaches and the pier which dates from 1879.

Paignton

Stroll around the harbour with its array of pleasure craft or maybe visit Paignton’s famous zoo. You have around five hours at this most relaxing of English seaside resorts, and by coming in September after the school holidays have ended, we should escape the worst of the holiday crowds.

 

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – THE DARTMOUTH STEAM RAILWAY 

Adjacent to Paignton station is the Dartmouth Steam Railway, which skirts the riviera coastline for six miles through stunning scenery to Kingswear. First we enjoy incredible sea views as the train runs along the clifftops, then idyllic vistas over the Dart Estuary.

At Kingswear a frequent ferry crosses the estuary to reach picturesque Dartmouth. The narrow streets of this historic naval town offer plenty to explore and abound with intriguing little shops, pubs and cafes. You will have around three hours in Kingswear and Dartmouth to soak up the ambiance!

Dartmouth

This off-train option includes a return journey on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway and the ferry crossing from Kingswear to Dartmouth.

OFF-TRAIN OPTION – THE DARTMOUTH RIVER CRUISE

For those already travelling to Dartmouth, why not make your visit extra special with a river cruise? A circular cruise from Dartmouth sailing the lower part of the River Dart viewing the castles at the estuary, Britannia Royal Naval College and towards Agatha Christie’s Greenway Estate takes around an hour. This off-train option includes a ticket for the Lower Dart River Cruise, and is only available to those already taking the Dartmouth Steam Railway off-train option.

First Class Dining includes The Great British Breakfast and a four course dinner.  A buffet car is available. 

Class	Price	Availability
Standard Adult	£119	Good
Standard Junior	£109	Good
First Class Non Dining	£179	Good
First Class Dining	£289	Good
First Class Dining Party of Four	£1,136	Good
Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway	£22	Good
Dart River Cruise	£10	Good

All timings are provisional and intended only as a guide.

Station	Depart	Arrive
Peterborough	06.30	23.30
Stevenage	07.15	22.45
Welwyn Garden City	07.30	22.30
Potters Bar	07.45	22.15
Finsbury Park	08.00	22.00
Ealing Broadway	08.45	21.15

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