Discover the quiet beauty of the English Riviera by heritage rail and explore pretty harbour towns, timeless villages and picture-perfect countryside

Your holiday begins in Torquay, where you meet the Tour Manager in the mid-afternoon at our hotel. After settling in, enjoy some time to explore at your own pace.

Enjoy sweeping sea views stretching out before you or wander down to the nearby beaches, alive with fishing boats and seaside charm. A short distance from our hotel is Torquay train station, which has regular services to the attractive coastal town of Paignton, just five minutes by rail.

This evening, we gather at the hotel restaurant for dinner with the rest of our group.

Our day starts with a coach transfer to the medieval town of Totnes for a boat cruise along the River Dart to Dartmouth. Take in the idyllic riverside villages, the renowned Sharpham Estate with its vineyards and the steep wooded hillsides that frame the river's course.

On arrival in Dartmouth, there's free time to look around the harbour town. You could visit the 14th-century Dartmouth Castle perched on the riverbank, seek out a peaceful cove or enjoy lunch at one of the town's inviting restaurants, bars or traditional seaside fish and chip shops.

Later, we cross the Dart Estuary by ferry to the village of Kingswear, where after some free time, we board the wonderful Dartmouth Steam Railway*, which takes us along the coastline to Paignton. This scenic journey passes the wooded slopes of Long Wood and the breathtaking English Riviera coastline. Once in Paignton, we transfer back to our hotel for dinner.

*Please note: trains are steam-hauled where possible. However, due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

A free day awaits after breakfast this morning and you could explore Torquay or hop on a train to nearby Paignton. The town's picturesque 18th-century harbour is a true maritime treasure, with colourful fishing boats bobbing in the water and a historic harbour wall that overlooks the bay, an ideal spot to pause and take in the view. Seafront cafés and restaurants serve freshly caught local fish, offering a taste of the region's coastal flavours.

From the harbour, you can stroll along the promenade that leads to the pier, where sweeping views stretch across the curve of Tor Bay. You might also choose to continue along the rugged headland paths, where the dramatic coastline reveals itself with every step.

Closer to the centre, Paignton's bustling high street offers a mix of local shops, seaside souvenirs and welcoming tearooms, perfect for a relaxed afternoon browse. After a day exploring, dinner is served this evening at the hotel.

This morning after breakfast, our coach takes us to the historic town of Buckfastleigh, where we take a seven-mile journey on the South Devon Railway to Totnes and back. This steam-hauled round trip runs along the scenic valley of the River Dart, past sparkling streams and charming woodland.

After a journey through some of Devon's most glorious countryside, our coach takes us to Buckfast Abbey. Home to a working community of Benedictine monks, there are award-winning gardens, an interactive exhibition and a lovely chapel to discover at leisure.

This afternoon we visit the attractive coastal town of Dawlish, with a long sandy beach and home to a community of black swans. This popular resort is the perfect place to sit down to a traditional high tea, and we do just that in the Old Mill Tearoom, which dates from 1717, before a chance to get to know the town independently. We transfer back to our hotel by coach at the end of the afternoon with time to relax before dinner.

*Trains are steam-hauled where possible, however due to timetable changes or weather conditions, heritage diesel locomotives may be running instead.

From nostalgic steam journeys on the Dartmouth Steam Railway and the South Devon Railway to a scenic cruise along the River Dart, the natural beauty and heritage of south Devon have captivated us with their charm and character. We've explored the peaceful grounds of Buckfast Abbey, enjoyed a traditional high tea in the coastal town of Dawlish and taken in the beauty of Devon's countryside and coastline at a relaxed pace.

Your holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning. Once checked out, you're free to make your way home. Of course, you're also welcome to continue your adventures and discover more of Devon independently.

Our Classic range is what we're known for. Enjoy curated moments with plenty of inclusions. Centrally located hotels, premium travel options and engaging group tours with a seasoned expert are included. You'll be in groups with an average of 20-25 travellers and a maximum of 30*. *Scandinavian and Worldwide tours are on average 30-35 and a maximum of 40.

The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway is a heritage steam railway running the 6.5km between Paignton and Kingswear on the former Kingswear branch line of the Great Western Railway. Recalling the great days of steam travel, this short but scenic route takes passengers over the Broadsands and Hookhills viaducts and through the Greenway tunnel. It offers spectacular views of the Torbay Coast and the Dart estuary and on clear days it is possible to see across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill.

An award-winning route, the South Devon Railway showcases the fine scenery and cheery stations of Southern England. A heritage railway, the trains used here are beautiful old wide steam engines which run around 7 miles past bustling rivers and woodlands straight from the pages of The Wind in the Willows. This remarkable train journey is over 125 years old, having run on the same track through the River Dart's valley, from Buckfastleigh to Totnes. 

Opened in 2025, this modern, 4-Star hotel is situated on the coast, a short distance from Torquay train station. Great sea views can be enjoyed from the seasonal rooftop bar, while the restaurants serve local cuisine, including seafood. Air-conditioned guest rooms are equipped with free Wi-Fi, flatscreen TV, safety deposit box, ironing facilities, tea & coffee-making equipment, hairdryer and complimentary toiletries.

We can book UK rail tickets from your local station to and from Torquay. Please call us to discuss your requirements.