PAIGNTON ROUND ROBIN (WHAT A TRIP!)

Oh me. Oh my. Ever had one of those day trips you hope will nevveerrrr end? If you haven’t, then you’re in for a real treat. Take a curtesy, take a bow, hog the stage, the ‘Paignton Round Robin’.

Paignton is a seaside town located on the English Riviera. Why yes, we do have our own Riviera. In this case, the banner of the English Riviera encompasses the seaside resorts of Torbay, Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham.

If you have a ‘real’ camera -v- your phone, I highly recommend packing it for this goodie. 

WHAT THE HELL IS A ‘ROUND ROBIN?’

Well, I’m glad you’ve asked. It’s a sequence or series of events. In travel that could be a type of itinerary that involves multiple destinations in a circular or looped route. In this case, it also includes a variety of fun and fabulous modes of transport. Woohoo. Firstly it’s the old ‘slam-door’ trains with lovely carriages pulled by a steam train. Think of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express (though for that particular ride, you need to go to Scotland). Next, it’s a wee ferry. Followed by a 90-minute boat cruise. Finally, it’s an open top bus. All Aboard. Sorry, sorry, getting a bit carried away. I know I hide it well on how much I love this trip! Right, calm down JB.

PAIGNTON – LET’S START AT THE BEGINNING

Au contraire. Although I’m starting this day trip adventure from Paignton a la Paignton Round Robin. You can, as befits a ‘Round Robin’ loop, also begin your journey at Dartmouth or Totnes.

I’ve chosen Paignton as the starting point because I love the ramped up excitement (but that might just be me!) of travelling this way with regard to hopping on the steam train first and having the boat cruise to look forward to.

So this itinerary will be:

Paignton – Kingswear = steam train / Kingswear – Dartmouth = ferry / Dartmouth – Totnes = boat cruise / Totnes – Paignton = open top bus*

*open top bus, is dependent on the good ‘ole Brit weather and operational requirements.

TICKETS

The Round Robin runs on selected dates from April to October. The fare of £36 gets you a 20-25 minute steam train ride, a 5 minute ferry crossing, a 90 minute boat cruise plus a 20-30 minute bus ride. Oh yeah baby!

Fess up I’ve always rocked up and bought my tickets on the day from the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company ticket office. Their building is situated alongside the mainline level crossing, a 3 minute walk from Paignton train station. Come out of the main station, turn right and you’ll see the signs. 

Alternatively, if it’s peak season, weekend, must-do, or you just like to know you’ve got your tickets sorted then you can book online. For specific timings, an itinerary planner and to book your tickets head on over here.

CHOO CHOO – ALL ABOARD

So the first part of the adventure is on a steam train. I’ll go as far to say that I skip along the platform to said train (that is my level of joy) clutching my ticket with carriage and seat number.

As previously mentioned, the train consists of slam-door retro train carriages pulled by a steam engine. A step back in time. Lovely wood paneling and a tad more decadent carriages than you would normally experience on your 9-5 train commute.

Several steam engines are used, all of which have rather fabulous names. I’ve travelled on board with Braveheart (c. 1951), Hercules (a grandaddy c. 1920) and Goliath (c. 1924). For any train spotters out there, you can feast your eyes and get your notepads out for the dets on all of the locomotives and steam engines.

Once seated comfortably, the wonderfully nostalgic journey takes you alongside Paignton’s Goodrington Sands with its colourful beach huts, followed by the stunning scenery of Torbay. Broadsands Beach is next before you enter the beautiful woods of Long Wood. Travelling alongside the River Dart you come to the very picturesque harbour at Dartmouth and your final destination (well there is only one destination), Kingswear.

FERRY

The ferry is all ready and waiting for you when you alight the train. You can’t miss it. Just follow to the end of the platform which takes you down a slight ramp and viola there it is. The crossing to Dartmouth is 5 minutes, if that, and the ferry runs every 15 minutes.

Depending on what time your boat cruise is (usually around 15:00 but varies due to tidal constraints), you’ll have time to wander around and partake in some refreshments.

Dartmouth itself oozes historic charm. You’re in for a treat if you love narrow winding streets, historic buildings, inviting cafes, independent shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s a small town but packs a punch. There is, of course, the vibrant maritime heritage too. Situated in a magnificent Georgian building, on a hill overlooking the River Dart, stands the Britannia Royal Naval College. Built in 1905 and designed by Sir Aston Webb, who also designed the fascade of Buckingham Palace and the main building of the V&A Museum. Tours are available to have a peek inside. Oh and did I mention that Dartmouth also has a castle? Yay.

BOAT CRUISE

Now comes my favourite part of the day – the 90 minute boat cruise. This is where I try to not hyperventilate and keel over. The cruise comes complete with interesting and fun commentary whilst you navigate around 9 miles of the River Dart. Making the most of the scenery you pass the aforementioned Britannia Royal Naval College and the pretty riverside villages of Stoke Gabriel and Dittisham. There’s also the Sharpham Estate, with its plunging wooden hillsides coming down to the water’s edge. Agatha Christie’s fabulous holiday home Greenway, now part of the National Trust, plays peek-a-boo up high between the trees. 

Not that it is the be-all and end-all you understand, but there is a bar onboard. Whoop. Oops, sorry – cue back to not the be-all and end-all. Note that its cash only (due to poor signal reception for taking card payments). So if you feel you might like something to quench your thirst for the 90 minutes while you take in the stunning views, ensure you’re suitably prepared. 

OPEN TOP BUS

Disembarking at Totnes you may have enough time to have a sneak peek depending on your bus connection time. Totnes with its bohemian atmosphere and free spirit, attracts creatives, artists, and free thinkers. Dating back to Saxon times it has an eclectic mix of shops, galleries, independent bookshops, and organic cafes. 

If you don’t have enough time, you can always console yourself with a purchase from the ice cream kiosk near the disembarkation point. 

Oh, the anticipation as you wait for the bus. I’ve been fortunate on both occasions to have the open top bus but as per the previous disclaimer, its appearance does depend on both the weather and operational requirements. Fingers crossed for you that the sun is shining and the open top is good to go. Either way, it’s a very pleasant bus journey through the countryside and back to Paignton train station. 

So have I tempted you with the Paignton Round Robin? Do let us know what you think in the comments! Looking for more day trip inspiration? Check out 7 Great Ways To Travel Around London (And See The Sights).