Steam Train & Scenic Devon (Tour A)
Excursions
- 40 - 50
- 3.75 hours
- Limited capacity
- Easy
Looking across from the attractive riverside promenade at Dartmouth, we see on the opposite bank of the River Dart picturesque views of the village of Kingswear where the attractive buildings rise steeply up from the shore to complete an idyllic picture. A short ferry crossing takes us to Kingswear Station where The Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway forms part of the two centuries of steam railway heritage. The ‘Great Western Railway’ which operated the line from Kingswear to Paignton was the best known and loved of the many railway companies in Britain. Our steam train today will take us on a journey through magnificent scenery, which ranges from seascapes with fine golden beaches, to rocky cliffs rising dramatically from the waters of the English Channel. We travel alongside the tranquil River Dart from the point where the wide estuary nears the sea and then through wooded valleys sampling the delights of the glorious South Devon scenery bordering the coast around Torbay. After our approximate half-hour rail journey we leave the train at the seaside resort town of Paignton and join a coach to continue along country roads to Buckfast Abbey. Set in the beautiful valley of the River Dart on the edge of Dartmoor, it is home to a Roman Catholic community of Benedictine Monks. The present abbey building was started in 1907 and was completed in 1937 by just six monks - only one of whom had any prior experience of masonry work. This makes the Abbey, with its mix of early English and French styles, a wonder of the 20th century. We shall have free time here to look around. We then continue driving along the country lanes. Dartmouth is surrounded by rolling pastures in a lush region that enjoys Britain’s mildest climate. This is farming country with its patchwork of fields and woodlands punctuated with sleepy hamlets that lead down to lazy rivers and coastal resorts. We return to Dartmouth and our awaiting ship. TOUR NOTES: All participants must be able to embark and disembark the ferry and train unaided – there will be steps. Whilst the walking, during free time, at Buckfast Abbey is at our own discretion, there is a walk of approximately 200 metres to reach the Abbey. The ferry journey to Kingswear will be approximately 15 minutes. The coach journey to Buckfast Abbey will be approximately one hour and the same back to the ship. The train will not be exclusive to Fred. Olsen passengers.Please note that this tour may operate in reverse, with the coach journey first and return by train. DESCRIPTION CORRECT FOR 2010 SCANDINAVIA & BALTIC SEASON
Snack or meal provided
Refreshments available
Free time
Shopping opportunity
Wheelchair access
Swimming opportunity
All prices are based on operating costs, tariffs and rates of exchange and are subject to change without notice.
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