How much does it cost?

From £699 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $944 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

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.

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.

Great Rail Journeys · Escorted tour

South Devon, Dartmouth & the English Riviera

Five-day English Riviera escape by heritage rail from Torquay

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.

Price history

Across 5 checks, this price has risen £50 since 4 Jul, to £699.

Each point is a day we checked this operator's own page, not a weekly average, and the line holds flat between checks rather than guessing at movement we did not see. 3 of 5 points are a live read of the operator's page. Hollow points are values shown when the trip was first listed here and never confirmed with the operator.

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

Day 1overnight: Torquay
Arriving at the traditional seaside resort of Torquay
Meet the Tour Manager in the mid-afternoon at the hotel. Free time to explore Torquay's seafront and beaches. Dinner at the hotel with the group.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Torquay
Dartmouth Steam Railway & river cruise
Steam train from Paignton to Kingswear (6.7 miles), then ferry to Dartmouth for a walking tour with the town crier through the Old Town. Free time to explore, then an hour-long boat cruise along the River Dart. Coach back to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Torquay
Exploring the English Riviera at leisure
Free day to explore Torquay or take the train to nearby Paignton, with its 18th-century harbour and seafront promenade. Dinner at the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4railovernight: Torquay
The South Devon Railway, Buckfast Abbey and a Devon cream tea
Coach to Buckfastleigh for a seven-mile steam round trip on the South Devon Railway to Totnes and back. Visit Buckfast Abbey, then Dawlish for a traditional high tea at the Old Mill Tearoom (dating from 1717). Coach back to the hotel for dinner.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 5
Homeward bound
Holiday concludes after breakfast; free to travel 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 your tour
Breakfast and dinner each day
All guided tours and excursions

Not included

Cancellation & Travel Insurance is not included in the price of the tour

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £699 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $944 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
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.
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.