A day on the Dart

Last weekend, we decided to cross the River Tamar for a day out in England - well Devon to be precise !  We spent a glorious day enjoying a Round Robin with the Dartmouth Steam Railway and River Boat Company.  You can start this adventure from Totnes, Dartmouth or Paignton.  We chose to start at the ancient town of Totnes, which is less than an hour from Liskeard by either train or car.

We enjoyed 1 hour and a half on the sun deck of the Cardiff Castle as we sailed down the peaceful River Dart, with a lively commentary and picture postcard scenery.  Arrival at Dartmouth coincided with the Dart Music Festival, where bands and groups were playing and singing at different points around the town.  A lunch of crab sandwiches beckoned - delicious !  Having allowed a few hours to meander around this small but charming town, we headed over to Kingswear on the ferry to catch the steam train to Paignton.  On this railway, it doesn't matter which side of the carriage you decide to sit.  You will be rewarded with views of firstly the River Dart on the left hand side of the train and, once through the tunnel, of seaside views on the right hand side.

We had time for a stroll down to Paignton Harbour before catching the bus back to Totnes to conclude a very enjoyable day out on four different forms of transport.  And, to round off the experience, we are delighted to report that visitors to Cider Cottage are entitled to a 10% reduction on the price of a Round Robin ticket.  Terriffic!

Agatha Christie's holiday home at Greenway House overlooks the River Dart.

The steam train runs alongside the river to its terminus at Kingswear.

From the top deck of the bus you can catch glimpses of Dartmoor in the distance.

If you're lucky, you might be able to catch the open top bus.