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Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera

Five-day English Riviera escape by heritage rail from Torquay

Illustration of South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera

Great Rail Journeys operates this five-day escorted tour based in the seaside resort of Torquay on the English Riviera. The itinerary combines two heritage steam railways with coastal exploration and a river cruise, returning each evening to Hotel Indigo Torquay for dinner and overnight accommodation. Day 2 takes you aboard the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to Kingswear, followed by a ferry to Dartmouth and an hour-long cruise on the River Dart. Day 4 features a seven-mile round trip on the South Devon Railway from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, then a visit to Buckfast Abbey and a traditional Devon cream tea at the Old Mill Tearoom in Dawlish, which dates from 1717. Day 3 is free, allowing you to explore Torquay or nearby Paignton at leisure. A UK Tour Manager guides the group throughout, and all breakfast, dinner, rail travel, and coach transfers are included. This tour suits repeat rail travellers drawn to heritage railways, couples seeking a seaside escape with structured days and free time, and history lovers interested in Buckfast Abbey and Dartmouth's maritime heritage.

What to know before you look closer

  • Only one departure listed (October 2026); confirm availability and dates with Great Rail Journeys before planning

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: Torquay

    Arriving at the traditional seaside resort of Torquay

    Your holiday begins in Torquay, where you meet the Tour Manager in the mid-afternoon at the hotel. After settling in, enjoy some time to explore at your own pace. Enjoy sweeping sea views or wander down to the nearby beaches. A short distance from the hotel is Torquay train station, with regular services to Paignton. This evening, gather at the hotel restaurant for dinner with the group.

    Meals: Dinner

  2. Day 2railovernight: Torquay

    Dartmouth Steam Railway & river cruise

    After breakfast, journey on the Dartmouth Steam Railway along the 6.7-mile route from Paignton to Kingswear, soaking up views of the English Riviera's coastline and Long Wood. Hop on the ferry to Dartmouth for free time to explore, visit Dartmouth Castle, seek out a cove or enjoy lunch. Afterwards, board a boat for an hour-long cruise along the River Dart. A coach transfer returns to the Paignton hotel in time for dinner. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may run due to timetable changes or weather.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  3. Day 3railovernight: Torquay

    Exploring the English Riviera at leisure

    A free day after breakfast. Explore Torquay or hop on a train to nearby Paignton. Visit Paignton's picturesque 18th-century harbour, stroll along the promenade to the pier, walk rugged headland paths, or browse the bustling high street with local shops and tearooms. Dinner is served at the hotel this evening.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  4. Day 4railovernight: Torquay

    The South Devon Railway, Buckfast Abbey and a Devon cream tea

    After breakfast, coach to Buckfastleigh for a seven-mile steam-hauled round trip on the South Devon Railway to Totnes and back through the scenic valley of the River Dart. Then visit Buckfast Abbey, home to a working community of Benedictine monks, with award-winning gardens, an interactive exhibition and a chapel. In the afternoon, visit Dawlish for a traditional high tea at the Old Mill Tearoom (dating from 1717) and free time to explore the town. Coach transfer back to the hotel for dinner. Note: trains are steam-hauled where possible; heritage diesel locomotives may run.

    Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

  5. Day 5

    Homeward bound

    Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast. Once checked out, you are free to make your way home or continue exploring Devon independently.

    Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2Ride the Dartmouth Steam Railway's 6.7-mile route from Paignton to Kingswear along the English Riviera coastline, then take a ferry to Dartmouth and cruise for an hour on the River Dart
  • Day 4Travel on the South Devon Railway's seven-mile steam-hauled round trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes through the River Dart valley, then enjoy a traditional Devon cream tea at the Old Mill Tearoom in Dawlish, dating from 1717

Included

  • Expertise of a UK Tour Manager from start to finish
  • 4 nights' 4-star hotel accommodation
  • Standard Class rail travel
  • All rail and coach travel throughout the tour
  • Breakfast and dinner each day
  • All guided tours and excursions

Not included

  • Cancellation & Travel Insurance

Questions travellers ask

Is train travel included?
Yes. Standard Class rail travel includes the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton to Kingswear, the South Devon Railway round trip from Buckfastleigh to Totnes, and all coach travel throughout the tour.
Is this tour escorted?
Yes. A UK Tour Manager accompanies the group from start to finish. Day 3 is free time to explore Torquay or Paignton independently.
What is included in the price?
Four nights at Hotel Indigo Torquay (4-star), breakfast and dinner daily, all rail and coach travel, guided tours and excursions, and the expertise of a Tour Manager. Cancellation and travel insurance are not included.
How much walking is involved?
Moderate walking: exploring Dartmouth, Buckfast Abbey gardens, Dawlish, and Paignton harbour. Day 3 is entirely at your own pace.
When does this tour run?
One departure is listed for October 2026. Pre-tour and post-tour additional days are available as optional extras.
What is the group size?
Groups are capped at 30 people.

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