About

A warm welcome awaits you at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boats. We provide steam train travel, river and sea cruises across the English Riviera and along the beautiful river Dart in South Devon.

We are open from February half term right through to early November. The stunning Train of Lights and Train of Lights+Santa also run on selected dates in November and December.

Dartmouth Steam Railway steam trains travel seven miles along the most spectacular South Devon coast down into the Dart valley and on to the beautiful village of Kingswear.  Dartmouth River Boats operate on the stunning river Dart with regular scheduled services to the historic town of Totnes and 1hr circular river cruises from Dartmouth. We also offer regular sea services to/from Torquay & Brixham plus coastal trips.

Round Robin
Our best seller, this famous and award winning tour is the best way to explore South Devon! Includes steam train, river boat and bus visiting the quaint towns of Paignton, Dartmouth and Totnes.

Journey times are: steam train (c.30 minutes), a river boat (c.90 minutes) and a bus (c.30 minutes). Sit back and enjoy the scenery and we will take care of the rest. This award-winning ticket is a favourite with both young and old. Commentary provided (boat trip only).

The Round Robin runs from early April to late October.

Just go to the “Book” page on our website and an itinerary for your chosen date will be suggested. Note: the Round Robin itinerary changes daily due to the tides on the River Dart at Totnes.

Alternatively, you can download our full leaflet and employ the following steps:

1 - Choose your departure point (Paignton, Dartmouth, Kingswear or Totnes).
2 - Check the sailing times between Dartmouth - Totnes (and vice versa)
3 - Work out your preferred connecting train (allow 30 minutes to cross from Kingswear - Dartmouth and vice versa)
4 - If this doesn't work for you try taking the route the other way round
5 - Check out the bus timetable to complete your planning!

Sadly we cannot guarantee an open top bus will be running, even in good weather - it depends on the servicing periods of our buses. The weather does play a factor in our decision as well. If you are particularly looking forward to this part of the journey, it is advisable to ring us on 01803 555872 on the morning of travel to confirm. 

Dartmouth-Totnes-Dartmouth River Cruise
This cruise is a wonderfully relaxing trip. As you journey along the river Dart you cruise past the home of the late Dame Agatha Christie and the pretty little villages of Dittisham and Galmpton. Look out for the wildlife; cormorants, kingfishers and seals are very often spotted and even, occasionally, the regal osprey is spotted hunting fish! Cruise takes c.90 minutes. Fully stocked bar serving hot and cold drinks is available. You can visit Dartmouth and/or Totnes Castles, explore and admire both towns, go shopping, look around the art galleries and there are cafes a-plenty! The river is tidal so journey timings differ daily. Timetables can be found on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company Website (link available above).
Dogs: Accepted on a lead on all trips, £2 charge per dog

Dartmouth River Cruise
Take a wonderful circular boat trip (starts in and returns to Dartmouth) viewing Bayards Cove, Kingswear and Dartmouth Castles, Britannia Royal Naval College, Dittisham Village, Sir Walter Raleigh's Boathouse, Greenway Quay and The Estate of the late Dame Agatha Christie. A lovely addition to your day out in Devon. Full, informative (and usually amusing!) commentary is provided. This is a circular trip that starts and finishes in Dartmouth. 
This cruise departs at 11:00, 12:15, 13:30 and 15:15.