How much does it cost?

From £529 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $715 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.

Is the train travel included?

Yes. Rail travel from your home station to Torquay, and the Christmas Train of Lights on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, are both included, along with a mix of rail and coach transfers for the excursions.

Is it escorted or independent?

Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.

What is the Christmas Train of Lights?

A special service on the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton, using vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights inside and out.

What hotel is included?

The Livermead House Hotel in Torquay, for all three nights of the tour.

One departure is listed, in December 2026, priced from £529 per person.

Railtrail Tours · Escorted tour

Torquay, Tinsel & Christmas Cheer 2026

Escorted 4-day Christmas break to Torquay with steam train ride

Railtrail Tours runs this 4-day escorted Christmas break to Torquay on England's south coast, based for three nights at the seafront Livermead House Hotel. A Tour Manager accompanies the group throughout, and rail travel from a wide choice of UK home stations is included. After settling in and strolling Torquay's illuminated seafront on the first evening, the tour travels by rail to Plymouth's Winter Wonderland, then transfers to the Christmas illuminations at Babbacombe Model Village. The final full day begins with free time in Torquay, including the option to follow the Agatha Christie Mile, before an afternoon ride on the Christmas Train of Lights, a special service on the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton with vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights. The trip suits travellers who want a short, low-key Christmas break built around one memorable train journey rather than a longer touring holiday.

What to know before you look closer

Only one departure is currently listed, for December 2026.
The transfer to Babbacombe Model Village on day 2 and to Paignton on day 3 use the coach rather than the train.

Day by day

Day 1overnight: Livermead House Hotel, Torquay
Arrival in Torquay
Journey from your home station to Torquay and, on arrival, we will make our way to the Livermead House Hotel, our hotel for the next three nights. We enjoy free time to explore our new surroundings and stroll the seafront 'Bay of Illuminations' before meeting for our first evening meal together.
Meals: Dinner
Day 2railovernight: Livermead House Hotel, Torquay
Plymouth Winter Wonderland & Babbacombe Model Village
Today, we journey by rail to Plymouth to explore the fabulous Winter Wonderland and immerse ourselves in the festive spirit as we stroll the stalls full of crafts and gifts plus a brilliant selection of warming, festive food and drink. On our return to Torquay, we transfer to Babbacombe Model Village, set in 4.5 acres of award-winning gardens, we can see the Christmas illuminations and delightful miniature seasonal scenes before returning to the hotel in time for our festive evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 3railovernight: Livermead House Hotel, Torquay
Free time in Torquay & the Christmas Train of Lights
This morning, after a leisurely breakfast, we have free time to explore Torquay, visit the museum, follow the 'Agatha Christie Mile', or relax at the hotel. This afternoon, we take our coach to Paignton to board the spectacular Christmas Train of Lights at Dartmouth Steam Railway for a magical journey. Vintage carriages await, decorated with thousands of lights both inside and out, as we travel through the forest with beautiful feature displays, continuing along the river Dart to Kingswear and return. This evening, we enjoy a pre-dinner drinks reception ahead of our final evening meal together.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4
Homeward Journey
After breakfast, we bid farewell to Torquay and make our way to the station for our homeward journeys.
Meals: Breakfast

The moments this trip is built around

Day 1A stroll along Torquay's illuminated seafront, the 'Bay of Illuminations,' on the first evening.
Day 2Plymouth's Winter Wonderland, followed by the Christmas illuminations and miniature displays at Babbacombe Model Village.
Day 3The Christmas Train of Lights on the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton, with vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights inside and out.

Included

3 nights bed, breakfast & evening meal
Services of experienced Railtrail Tour Manager
Rail travel & seat reservations from your Home Station to Tour Base (Standard or First Class)
Rail & coach travel, with transfers as described
All excursions & admissions as detailed

Questions travellers ask

How much does it cost?: From £529 per person, the operator's advertised from-price, read on its own page on 12 Sept 2026. About $715 at ECB reference rates. Departures, room types and dates can price differently; the operator's page is the final word.
Is the train travel included?: Yes. Rail travel from your home station to Torquay, and the Christmas Train of Lights on the Dartmouth Steam Railway, are both included, along with a mix of rail and coach transfers for the excursions.
Is it escorted or independent?: Escorted, with a Tour Manager throughout.
What is the Christmas Train of Lights?: A special service on the Dartmouth Steam Railway from Paignton, using vintage carriages decorated with thousands of lights inside and out.
What hotel is included?: The Livermead House Hotel in Torquay, for all three nights of the tour.
When does it depart?: One departure is listed, in December 2026, priced from £529 per person.