Dartmouth Steam Railway - (Paignton, Station)
BEST FOR
Ages 3-15
ENTRY
from £24
WHERE
Paignton
What it’s like
A vintage steam train ride through an enchanted forest lit up for the Train of Lights, with river cruises also on offer.
This one's built around the Christmas Train of Lights: a vintage steam train pulling you through a forest strung with light displays, which is the bit your kids will be on about long after you've taken your coats off. The ride itself runs to about 80 minutes, long enough for a three-year-old to stay interested without needing a snack break halfway through.
Seats are allocated and you have to book ahead, no turning up on the day and hoping for the best. It stings a bit when you're used to just rocking up to things, but it does mean no scrum for seats once you're on board. A family ticket for two adults and up to three kids comes to £105, with under 3s travelling free, which softens the £24 a child price a touch if you've got more than one.
There's a café and a gift shop at the station, so you can sort out hot chocolate and a token souvenir without much fuss. Dogs are welcome for £3, though on the Train of Lights services it is registered assistance dogs only, worth knowing if you were planning to bring the family dog along for the lights.
River boat cruises run alongside the train rides if you fancy swapping tracks for water on the same visit. Between the steam train, the forest lights and the boat option, it is easy to make a half day of it without feeling rushed.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- Ages 3 to 15, with the light displays drawing in younger kids
- Dogs
- Well-behaved dogs welcome (£3 fee)
- Worth knowing
- Under 3s travel free
- Seats are allocated, so book your slot ahead rather than hoping to walk on
- Under 3s ride free on standard journeys, though this can differ on special event days
- Registered carers get a ticket discount, worth looking into if that applies to you
- River boat cruises run as a separate option alongside the train
Plan your visit
How much does it cost?
£31.50 for an adult and £24 for a child aged 3 to 15 on the Christmas Train of Lights. A family ticket for two adults and up to three children is £105.
Do we need to book?
Booking is essential and seating is allocated, so sort this before you go rather than turning up on spec.
Is it suitable for a toddler?
Under 3s travel free and the ride suits children from age 3 upwards, with the light displays keeping younger ones engaged.
How long does the ride take?
Around 80 minutes on the train.
Can we bring the dog?
Well-behaved dogs are welcome for a £3 fee, but on the Train of Lights services only registered assistance dogs are allowed.
Is there food there?
There is a café at the station along with a gift shop.
Featured in 1 Huddlepin list
See all Steam Railways & Boat Trips in Plymouth · Things to do in Plymouth
MAKE A DAY OF IT
