Departing From
- Shrewsbury,
- Church Stretton,
- Ludlow,
- Leominster,
- Hereford,
- Abergavenny,
- Cwmbran,
- Severn Tunnel Junction,
- Bristol Temple Meads
We recreate one of the great steam hauled holiday trains of the golden age of railway travel for a journey around the beautiful Devon coast with time available to discover the many charms of the pretty ‘English Riviera’ resort of Dartmouth. The train departs from Shrewsbury diesel hauled to Bristol where one of our famous steam locomotives takes over for the journey across the lush Somerset levels, then 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 into 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 three hours at leisure before we return in the late afternoon.
The train is steam hauled from Bristol 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’
TRAVEL TIMINGS*
STATION | DEPARTS | RETURNS |
Shrewsbury | 06.00 | 22.30 |
Church Stretton | 06.20 | 22.10 |
Ludlow | 06.40 | 21.50 |
Leominster | 06.50 | 21.40 |
Hereford | 07.05 | 21.25 |
Abergavenny | 07.30 | 20.55 |
Cwmbran | 07.45 | 20.40 |
Severn Tunnel Junction | 08.30 | 20.00 |
Bristol Temple Meads | 09.35 | 19.10 |
PLEASE NOTE *
All timings shown above are approximate and may be subject to change.
Classes of Travel

Standard Class (non-dining) - £99
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. Toilet facilities are available in each carriage and a buffet bar is available throughout most of the journey for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, snacks, sandwiches, and alcoholic drinks.

First Class (non-dining) - £165
Reserved seating is arranged around a table of four, or table of two offering additional legroom, wide cushioned seats, curtains, and large picture windows. Toilet facilities are available in each carriage and a complimentary service of tea/coffee & biscuits are included in the price and a buffet bar is available throughout most of the journey for the purchase of hot & cold beverages, sandwiches, snacks and alcoholic drinks.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £35 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)

First Class Compartment (non-dining) - £999
Enjoy the exclusive use of a private compartment containing a maximum of six first class seats – Included in the price is a complimentary service of tea/coffee, biscuits, and Smoked Salmon Blinis on the outward journey, whilst on the return journey you will be welcomed on board with a chilled glass of champagne and sumptuous Afternoon Tea of finger sandwiches, scone, preserves, clotted cream and cake followed by tea and coffee.

Premier Dining - £320
Includes the service of full English breakfast, morning tea/coffee & biscuits and four course dinner. Seating is arranged the same as First Class around a table of four or table of two laid with crisp linen and dressed in the finest crockery, fresh flowers, and glassware. Meals are prepared on board by our chefs and served at your reserved seat by liveried stewards. A full wine & drinks list is available with an ‘at seat’ service during the meals.
Covid-19 Social Distancing Seating – Bookings of two passengers will be seated together at a ‘guaranteed window table for two’ with a mandatory supplement of £35 per person charged. Bookings of three or four passengers are seated at a shared table and charged the normal per seat price, with the adjacent table remaining out of use. (Minimum Booking 2 persons)