DEPARTING FROM

  • Poole,
  • Bournemouth,
  • Brockenhurst,
  • Southampton,
  • Eastleigh,
  • Salisbury,
  • Warminster,
  • Westbury

We recreate one of the great holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a steam hauled journey through Somerset and around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the pretty ‘English Riviera’ resort of Dartmouth.   Travelling through the remote Blackdown hills and along the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading beside the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and along the famous sea wall line we race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock at Dawlish and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train.

At Paignton we join the steeply graded heritage line and travel alongside the beautiful River Dart with views of HMS Britannia – not a ship but the college that has trained generations of naval officers. We soon arrive at the riverside terminus at Kingswear, where it is a short crossing on the ferry (price included) to the historic and romantic port of Dartmouth – there are antique shops, galleries, and cafes to explore or perhaps take a leisurely cruise on the river Dart. There should be around three hours at leisure before we return in the late afternoon. The train is steam hauled from Taunton by one of our immaculately restored pool of engines including: the world famous LMS Royal Scot Class, No.46100 ‘Royal Scot’ – West Country Class, No. 34046 ‘Braunton’ – Britannia Pacific Class, No 70000 ‘Britannia’.

EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES
Saphos Trains | English Riviera Express - Saturday 3 May 2025

TOUR

DESTINATIONS


Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Dartmouth

Dartmouth

The beautiful and romantic town of Dartmouth sits on the picturesque River Dart and features ancient narrow streets housing boutique shops, art galleries & delicatessens. A cobbled marketplace features colourful stalls and Farmers markets supplying local produce. Perhaps take a leisurely cruise on board Britain’s only coal fired paddle steamer ‘Kingswear Castle’ or a short walk to the 600 year old fortress of Dartmouth Castle.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

CLASSES OF TRAVEL


Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining

Pullman Dining    

FROM £425

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £220 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is in our beautifully restored wood panelled vintage carriages at tables of 4 or 2 laid with crisp linen and fully dressed in fine crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. The day starts as you settle into your seat with a glass of chilled bucks’ fizz, followed by a full English breakfast and late morning tea/coffee service with pastries prior to the arrival at our destination. Following an afternoon sightseeing break, you will be welcomed aboard by your attentive liveried steward and offered a refreshing glass of chilled champagne and selection of canapes as you relax in anticipation of the gastronomic journey ahead. A sumptuous five course seasonal dinner, created by our Executive Chef, will be served including the Great British cheese board, biscuits, and chutneys – all accompanied by our Sommelier’s choice of a half-bottle of wine per person. The memorable journey concludes with a service of coffee and homemade petits fours.

Saphos Trains | First Class

First Class   (non-dining) 

FROM £220

Seating at a private guaranteed window table for two is available at a supplement of £50 per person or £125 per person at a ‘superior‘ private guaranteed window table for two  

Bookings for parties of three passengers are accommodated at an ‘exclusive table for three’ with the fourth seat being unoccupied for your added privacy. A total supplement of £120 is applicable for this seating type View Seating Plans

Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 with wide seats and panoramic windows and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks, accompanied with a morning glass of Bucks Fizz and afternoon glass of sparkling wine. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey.

TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

The following pick-up and set-down stations are available on this journey

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Poole 06.35 22.55
Bournemouth 06.50 22.40
Brockenhurst 07.20 22.20
Southampton 07.40 22.00
Eastleigh 08.00 21.45
Salisbury 09.00 20.50
Warminster 09.25 20.30
Westbury 09.40 20.05
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
KIngswear 13.15 16.35

PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.