The age of nostalgic steam lives on in Dartmouth, with the UK’s only remaining coal fired paddle steame​r, the ​Kingswear Castle and a selection of beautiful steam locomotives which operate between Paignton and Kingswear.

The Paddle Steamer:

Kingswear Castle is the last remaining coal-fired paddle steamer in operation in the UK today. She was built in 1924 by Philip & Son of Dartmouth and plied her trade between Totnes and Dartmouth until 1965 (her engines are even older, dating back to 1904, three years after the death of Queen Victoria). In her heyday when this impressive ship was the lifeblood of the River Dart, she would often carry 500 passengers. Visitors can enjoy trips aboard throughout the season, where tickets may be purchased on-line or from the kiosks on the South Embankment.

Steam Trains:

From the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company, steam train services run daily throughout most of the season and passengers can board at either Kingswear or Paignton. The last carriage is usually the Devon Belle observation carriage. This historic coach was built in 1917 originally as an ambulance vehicle for the London & North Western Railway. She was lovingly restored and relaunched in 2018 to celebrate her 100th Birthday.

This line operates steam locomotives ‘Hercules’ number 4277 and Lydham Manor Number 7827, both ​beautifully​ maintained and always gleaming. Visiting steam engines can be seen from time to time and always attract the attention of steam enthusiasts.