What are South Devon
Railway’s Refunds & Cancellations Policy?
- Free Cancellations Available: General travel
tickets can be cancelled in writing up to the day before travel for a full
refund, minus a £5 admin fee. “Drive a Train” and “Dining Train” bookings can
be refunded (less £5) if cancelled at least 4 weeks or 2 weeks in advance,
respectively.
- Flexible Rebooking: If you can’t travel due to
unforeseen issues and the train still runs, refunds aren’t guaranteed, but SDR
may offer an alternative date at its discretion.
- SDR-Initiated Cancellations: If SDR cancels your
booking, you’ll be offered a full refund or the chance to rebook which is
subject to availability.
Does South Devon Railway
have any Special Offers for Visits?
Of course. South Devon Railway offers up to 15%
discount for groups of 20 or more with reserved train seats. They also provide
joint tickets with local attractions like Dartmoor Otters and Buckfastleigh
Butterflies. Group Travel Organizers can get complimentary familiarisation
tickets for one or two adults, including return travel and a free tea or coffee
on the train, subject to availability. Visit the group visit page to plan your
visit and take advantage of these special offers. Additionally, children under
3 years old travel free, making it even easier for families to enjoy the
experience together.
How Should I Plan My
Visit at South Devon Railway?
- To make the most of your visit, start by choosing
your travel dates between late March and late October when trains run daily. On
standard days, four return steam train trips operate between Buckfastleigh and
Totnes Riverside with departures from Buckfastleigh at 10:30, 12:10, 14:15 and
15:45. On peak days, extra diesel services run alongside steam trains, starting
as early as 9:50 and continuing until the evening.
- Tickets cost £22 for adults, £11 for children
aged 3–15 and under 3s travel free. Consider value Saver Bundles if traveling
with family. If you want to travel only part of the route, single tickets and
concessions are available at Buckfastleigh or Totnes Riverside stations on the
day. Here are the ticket prices for guidance:
- Please pay attention that Totnes Riverside
station is about a 450-metre walk from Totnes mainline station. Booking online
is recommended to secure your seats and avoid disappointment. Bring your camera
and enjoy the scenic views along the river Dart during your historic train
journey. For more detailed information, visit the ticket page to pick up.
What Experiences are Available
at South Devon Railway?
- Drive a Train: Experience driving a real Great
Western Railway steam or heritage diesel locomotive. The Gold Steam Package
offers a full day including station tours and 28 miles on the footplate, priced
for £645. The Silver Steam Package is a half-day option at £395. Diesel driving
days cost £495. You can travel free in the train carriages.
- Murder Mystery: Join an immersive Murder Mystery
on a historic steam train. The event includes a hot Devon pasty and access to
the buffet car. It starts at Buckfastleigh at 18:30 and ends by 22:00. Tickets
are £32 with new themes each season.
- Dining Trains: Enjoy local cuisine aboard
restored Pullman and 1950s restaurant cars. Options include Afternoon Tea
(£52.95), Ploughman’s Lunch (£52.95) and Sunday Lunch (£64.95). Meals are
served during scenic 14-mile round trips.
- Freight Train Experience: Ride in a traditional
guard’s Brake Van on a return trip between Buckfastleigh and Totnes. Experience
unmatched panoramic views from the open veranda. Tickets include unlimited
travel on other trains and are limited in availability.
Reserve your South Devon Railway Experience now
on this
page to ensure your place and
plan your visit with ease.
