Footplate Experience
Join us for the unique and fantastic experience of travelling our coastal, countryside and river line on the footplate of a heritage steam locomotive. Just wonderful!
A rare OPPORTUNITY TO VIEW THIS BEAUTIFUL COASTAL LINE FROM A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE
From the panoramic sea vistas across the English Riviera, the height of our three Brunel built viaducts, the darkness of Greenway tunnel and on through the wooded slopes of the Dart Estuary to Kingswear, we boast one the most stunning lines in Europe. Treat yourself, or someone you know who would thoroughly enjoy it, to a truly unforgettable experience.
Running over the whole length of the line, this is a really immersive experience for train enthusiasts, offering a unique viewpoint of the railway. You will stand on the footplate alongside the driver and/or fireman (depending on the locomotive) and observe how the engine is operated on this fascinating and beautiful line. Experienced crew members will provide information about the locomotive and its operation and will answer questions whenever they can - bearing in mind you will be travelling on an operating service trip. You'll get the best (and a unique) view of the track and landscape from the front of the train.
A few helpful notes:
- This experience includes a ride on the locomotive footplate between Paignton and Kingswear and return travel in the Devon Belle observation car (subject to being in service and attached to the train you are travelling on). However, please note this is not a train driver experience.
- This page is for reserving your footplate experience for a specific date. If you would like to purchase a voucher as a gift to be redeemed at a later date (within 1yr of purchase) please purchase your gift voucher here.
- This booking system will find the next available date for you to book your footplate experience with us. If you can't find the date you're looking for, please do call us on 01803 555872.
- Due to health and safety requirements, this experience is only available for passengers aged over 18 at the time of travel. Other Terms & Conditions apply.
- A dust coat, gloves and protective glasses will be provided when taking the experience and should be worn.
- Already have a voucher and want to book in? Call us on 01803 555 872
Reviews
- Highly recommend. - From boarding in Paignton, to alighting the ferry in Dartmouth, this journey has to be the best you can take on the English Riviera. It all goes by too quick. Highly recommend.
- Nostalgic day out - Had a great day on the steam railway and paddleboat with my family. Fantastic views during the railway trip and equally excellent views, and commentary, during the river cruise. Well worth the cost, friendly and helpful staff.
- Charming - We did a round trip from Totnes to Dartmouth. The trip was wonderful with clean comfortable boat, nice staff and excellent commentary (and nice refreshments). On the return we were treated to an extra spin past the two castles at the mouth of the estuary. Marvelous.