Departing From
- Kettering,
- Wellingborough,
- Bedford,
- Luton,
- St Albans City,
- Slough,
- Maidenhead,
- Reading,
- Taunton
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.
The train is diesel hauled to Taunton where one of our famous steam locomotives takes over for the journey through the remote Blackdown hills and down the Exe Valley to Exeter, before heading along 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 and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train.
At Paignton we join the steeply graded heritage line and travel through the woodland estate once owned by Agatha Christie, then 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 – why not take a leisurely cruise on the River Dart or explore Dartmouth Castle before perhaps indulging in a delicious Devon cream tea. There should be around four 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’ – LNER A4 Pacific No 60007 ‘Sir Nigel Gresley’
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TRAVEL TIMINGS*
STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
Kettering | 06.25 | 22.50 |
Wellingborough | 06.35 | 22.40 |
Bedford | 06.50 | 22.25 |
Luton | 07.10 | 22.05 |
St Albans City | 07.25 | 21.55 |
Slough | 08.25 | 20.55 |
Maidenhead | 08.30 | 20.55 |
Reading | 08.45 | 20.40 |
Taunton | 10.50 | 18.30 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Classes of Travel

Pullman Dining - £365
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two available at a supplement of £40 per person.
Travel in our beautifully restored wood panelled vintage carriages with seating in armchair comfort 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 four 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.
(Due to timing constraints Pullman Dining is not available from Taunton)

First Class (non-dining) - £195
Seating at a guaranteed window table for two available at a supplement of £40 per person.
Reserved seating is arranged around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat whilst bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments.

Standard Class (non-dining) - £155
Reserved seating is arranged around a table of four with bookings for two persons seated side by side with one window and one aisle seat whilst bookings for one person are normally allocated an aisle seat. A buffet bar is available for the purchase of light refreshments.