Present-Day Dartmouth Steam Railway
The railway is 7 miles long. Now operated by the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, the railway is a major tourist attraction, offering combined rail and boat trips on the River Dart. It hosts special events, including murder mystery trains, themed journeys, and Santa Specials, attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Preservation and Reopening
Shortly after closure, the line was saved by enthusiasts and reopened as a private heritage railway. Initially known as the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, it has since become one of the most popular heritage lines in the UK. The railway runs steam and diesel trains on the 6.7-mile route between Paignton and Kingswear, offering breathtaking views of the South Devon coastline, the River Dart, and picturesque countryside.
History of the Dartmouth Steam Railway
The line was originally opened in 1864 as the Dartmouth and Torbay Railway, connecting Dartmouth (via Kingswear) to the expanding rail network at Paignton. The Great Western Railway (GWR) took over in 1876, operating it as a broad-gauge line before converting it to standard gauge in 1892. The railway served as a key link for passengers travelling to Dartmouth and the surrounding area, as well as for goods traffic, particularly coal, fishing, and agricultural produce. Like many branch lines, the route saw a decline in use due to increased road transport. Passenger numbers dwindled in the mid-20th century. British Rail closed the line in 1972, marking the end of its use as part of the national railway network.