DEPARTING FROM

  • Milton Keynes Central,
  • Leighton Buzzard,
  • Hemel Hempstead,
  • Watford Junction,
  • Slough,
  • Maidenhead,
  • Reading,
  • Newbury

We recreate one of the classic holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a steam journey hauled by two magnificent GWR locomotives through Somerset and around the beautiful English Riviera coast, then over the taxing Devon Banks with time available to discover the many charms of maritime Plymouth. Our journey takes us through the remote Blackdown hills and Exe Valley before heading alongside the estuary with its pretty fishing boats and stunning views across to Exmouth and the Jurassic coast. Continuing past Powderham Castle and Cockwood Harbour we take the famous sea wall line at Dawlish and race through tunnels and cuttings of red rock and beside beaches and coves with the sea keeping company with the train.

At Newton Abbot we join the steeply graded main line over the Devon banks where our engines work hard to haul the heavy train over Dainton, Rattery and Hemerdon with gradients as steep as 1 in 36. There are spectacular views of Dartmoor as we descend through Ivybridge to Plymouth for an afternoon break.

Returning in the late afternoon we retrace the journey over the taxing and twisting Devon banks and the run along the sea wall through Dawlish with the setting sun casting a golden glow over the Jurassic coast. The train is steam hauled from Taunton by the pride of the Great Western Railway King Class 6024 ‘King Edward 1’ and Castle Class 5029 ‘Nunney Castle’ (subject to availability).

Mobility – This tour is not suitable for guests requiring the use of a wheelchair or with severe mobility issues

EXPLORE LOCOMOTIVES
Saphos Trains | The Great Western - 30 June 2027

JOURNEY

DESTINATIONS

Saphos Trains | Travel on a Luxury Train to Plymouth

Plymouth

With its rich maritime heritage Plymouth is one of the most dynamic and fascinating places to visit. Enjoy the Hoe where Sir Francis Drake played bowls before defeating the Spanish navy and there are incredible views of one of the world’s most beautiful natural harbours from Smeaton’s tower. Take a walk down to the Barbican, a bustling array of specialist shops, restaurants, cafes, and National Marine Aquarium.

SOMETHING TO SUIT EVERYONE

CLASSES OF TRAVEL

Saphos Trains | Pullman Dining

Pullman Dining    

FROM £485

Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a ‘superior‘ private 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 £280 is applicable for this seating type

CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 12 YEARS ARE NOT PERMITTED FOR TRAVEL IN PULLMAN DINING

 

View Seating Plans

Seating is arranged 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 a 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 £245

Seating at a private window table for two is available at a supplement of £60 per person or £150 per person at a ‘superior‘ private 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 £180 is applicable for this seating type

View Seating Plans

Seating is at tables of 4 or 2 and includes complimentary tea/coffee and light snacks. You may bring on board your own picnic hamper and drinks for consumption during the journey.

APPROXIMATE TRAVEL TIMINGS*

Boarding Stations

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

STATIONDEPARTSRETURNS
Milton Keynes Central 05.35 23.40
Leighton Buzzard 05.50 23.20
Hemel Hempstead 06.10 22.55
Watford Junction 06.25 22.40
Slough 07.30 21.45
Maidenhead 07.40 21.35
Reading 07.50 21.15
Newbury 08.20 20.45
Destinations

The following destination stations are available on this journey

STATIONARRIVESDEPARTS
Kingswear 13.30 16.35

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

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