The South Devon Railway: Steam Trains Between Buckfastleigh and Totnes

The South Devon Railway is the kind of attraction that makes converts out of people who thought they were not interested in trains. The seven miles of restored Great Western branch line between Buckfastleigh and Totnes Riverside follow the River Dart through some of the prettiest valley scenery in Devon, and the steam locomotives that haul the carriages have been polished, repainted and lovingly maintained by a small army of volunteers. Whether you board at Buckfastleigh, where the engine sheds are, or at Totnes Riverside, where the platform sits right on the water, the railway is one of the most enjoyable half-days you can spend in the Dart Valley.

What the line is and where it goes

The route was originally built in 1872 by the South Devon Railway Company and later absorbed into the Great Western. British Rail closed it in 1962, and a charitable trust reopened it as a heritage line a few years later. The full Buckfastleigh to Totnes run takes about half an hour each way, and the return journey is the classic experience. Trains pull out of Buckfastleigh under the Dartmoor hills, cross the Dart on the iron bridge at Staverton (the prettiest spot on the route, if you ask most of the regulars), pause at Staverton’s wooden country halt, then run on down through wooded riverside to Totnes Riverside.

You travel in restored Mk1 carriages, hauled by one of the line’s working steam engines. Diesel days run on a handful of dates each season; the steam timetable covers the bulk of the operating year.

When the railway runs

Operating season is essentially from late March through to early November, with daily running in school holidays, weekends and most weekdays through summer, then a thinner timetable in spring and autumn. December brings the very popular Train of Lights and the Santa specials, which sell out fast and have their own dedicated booking. Always check the official timetable on southdevonrailway.co.uk before you travel, as the running pattern shifts month by month.

For 2026, the standard timetable typically offers three or four return trips a day in peak season, with the first departure from Buckfastleigh around 11am and the last return mid-afternoon. The walk from Totnes Riverside back into Totnes town centre is about 15 minutes along the river path, which is one of the reasons the round trip works so well: start at Buckfastleigh, ride to Totnes, have lunch in town, ride back.

Ticket prices and family deals

A 2026 adult day-rover return is around £20, children’s tickets sit roughly at £12, and family tickets (typically two adults plus up to three children) come in at about £56. Under-fives travel free with a paying adult. Single and part-journey fares are sold from the booking offices on the day of travel, and there is a concession for carers travelling with a disabled passenger. Tickets bought online in advance are very slightly cheaper than walk-up and guarantee a seat in busy periods. As with any heritage operation, prices nudge upwards year to year, so it is worth a quick check before you book.

Buckfastleigh is the better base

If you have a choice of stations, start at Buckfastleigh. It is the headquarters of the railway, which means you get the engine shed (open to ticket holders), the museum collection, the Dart Valley refreshment room, and the riverside picnic area with the otter and butterfly sanctuary right next door. Parking is free and plentiful. From Buckfastleigh you can also walk to Buckfast Abbey in about 20 minutes, which makes a great combined day.

Totnes Riverside, by contrast, is a quieter platform with limited parking. You can still board there, but you miss the workshops and the wider site. Worth noting: Totnes Riverside is a separate station from the mainline Totnes station, and the two are linked by a footpath of about ten minutes across the river meadow.

Tips for a smooth visit

• Allow three hours minimum for the round trip, the engine shed and a coffee. Most families end up staying four.
• Sit on the river side of the carriage heading south for the best views. That is the left-hand side leaving Buckfastleigh.
• Smaller children love the open windows and the smell of coal smoke. Wet wipes are useful, because steam soot is a real thing.
• Wheelchair access is available with notice; the dedicated carriage has space for two chairs. Phone ahead to book.
• Bring binoculars. Buzzards, herons and the occasional kingfisher show up along the Dart, and the train moves slowly enough that you can actually spot them.

The South Devon Railway is one of those attractions that ties the Dart Valley together, linking the Dartmoor edge at Buckfastleigh to the market town at Totnes in a way that feels properly leisurely. If you want to make a full day of Buckfastleigh, take a look at our guide to Buckfast Abbey next, since the two sit a comfortable walk apart.