Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have a question, you will hopefully find the answer below.

  • Who is included in a family ticket?
  • Two adults and up to three children aged 3-15 are covered on a family ticket
  • Are dogs allowed?
  • Yes, we welcome well behaved dogs! A nominal fee of £3 is charged on all our services (except Train of Lights and Train of Lights+Santa services where registered guide dogs only are accepted).
  • Is the steam railway open in the winter?
  • Yes it is! We run a reduced service on selected dates and there is of course our famous and award-winning Train of Lights trains. See our Winter Services page for more details.
  • What age do you class as a child?
  • 3-15 years. Under 3’s travel free, (this may vary on special event days and on particular services such as Train of Lights)
  • Why are the times of the boat cruises between Dartmouth and Totnes different each day?
  • The River Dart is tidal so we have to work around the tides.
  • What is your access policy?
  • You can read our access policy here.
  • Is there always an open top bus running?
  • Sadly, we cannot guarantee an open top bus will be running, even in good weather - it depends on servicing periods of our buses. The weather does play a factor in our decision as well.
  • Can we reserve seats in The Devon Belle Observation Car?
  • Unfortunately, this is on a first come first ‘seated’ basis. You can privately hire The Devon Belle by calling 01803 555872. There is a charge for this service.
  • Can I use my concession pass on your buses?
  • Unfortunately, concession passes are not accepted on our bus services.
  • Can I work as a volunteer?
  • Possibly! Please call 01803 555872 for more information.
  • How do I make a complaint?
  • Please write to the Group General Manager, Kingswear Signal Box, The Square, Kingswear TQ6 0AA.
  • Who are your lovely photographers?
  • We would like to thank our fantastic photographers for helping us to illustrate our trains, boats and buses plus the wonderful South Devon countryside we are lucky enough to be situated in. Check them out here.
  • Do carers receive a discount?
  • We do offer a ticket discount to Registered Carers. See our Registered Carers page for more details and important notes/conditions.

Can't find an answer?

If you can't find an answer to your question above, please send us a enquiry message or give us a call.

Visitor Information

Facilities & Gift Shop

Facilities & Gift Shop

The essential place for information on fab coffee and cake and shopping for gifts and mementos, etc

Getting Here & Planning

Getting Here & Planning

Planning how to find us and where to park when you arrive plus our access policy

Further Information

Further Information

Great walks, information on our dogs policy & downloading our leaflets - all in one place

Groups & Discounts

Groups & Discounts

A warm welcome awaits your group at Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Co.

Reviews

  • Atmospheric steam train - We took the steam train from Paignton to Kingswear and then the ferry to Dartmouth (inc in the ticket). It was a trip back in time and most enjoyable, despite the very rainy weather! Good value for money.
  • Agatha Christie country - The ride on the train is beautiful right along the coast & Dart valley. You can also take your well behaved dog. I would highly recommend this excursion, we go every time that we are in Devon, it is not to be missed.
  • Fantastic visit - We chose to do the steam train and river cruise and it was fantastic. The staff were very helpful. After using the ferry to cross the river we went to find somewhere to have a snack before getting onto the cruise. The commentary was brilliant and we were pointed out different landmarks throughout the cruise. Thank you Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Read more reviews on TripAdvisor