Historic Dartmouth now added to national rail map
HISTORICALLY famous as the town that lacks a station with trains, Dartmouth has now been added to the UK’s national rail map.
Modern-day operator First Greater Western Limited, trading as Great Western Railway, is inviting passengers to travel to the South Devon port this summer via its regular service to Paignton, change to a Dartmouth Steam Railway service to Kingswear, and then take a foot ferry to Dartmouth.
GWR commercial director Phil Delaney said: “We are proud to serve some truly breathtaking destinations on our network and I’m delighted we can now add Dartmouth to that list with this wonderful through ticket.
“It’s great that we’ve been able to put this partnership in place with Dartmouth Steam Railway & River Boat Company. I believe our customers will love this unique opportunity to travel by GWR train, steam railway, and boat to one of the most picturesque spots the south west has to offer.
“Purchasing your ticket couldn’t be simpler, either online or through the GWR app. Just remember to input Kingswear (for Dartmouth) in the journey planner, and the following day you could be experiencing a truly memorable day out.”
The new ticket was championed by Totnes MP Anthony Mangnall, who worked closely with GWR and DSRRB to make sure it was on sale in time for the summer holidays.
He said: “This new link and cooperation between GWR and the DSRRB offers a romantic and unique way of arriving in South Devon.
“I hope residents, visitors and tourists alike will make full use of the throughfare ticket to Dartmouth via Kingswear.
“This partnership has long been an ambition of mine and I am incredibly pleased to see it come to fruition.”
DSRRC managing director
John Jones added: “This is a great opportunity for the Dartmouth Steam Railway – it is very exciting to be able to link up with GWR to offer visitors from far and wide the opportunity to enjoy a trip on our steam trains and boats. Passengers are sure to enjoy both the fantastic views and, fingers crossed, the amazing weather! I’d like to say a really big thank-you to both Anthony Mangnall and GWR for getting this new venture up and running.”
Tickets must be purchased in advance, and will remain on sale until
Sunday, October 30, when the steam service ceases for the winter.
Bookings close at 11.59pm the day before travel, and reservations are mandatory.
In the 19th century, the Dartmouth & Torbay Railway was refused permission to build a rail bridge across the River Dart, so ended its line at Kingswear and used a ferry to complete the journey.
Dartmouth station, which therefore never had rails laid into it, opened in 1864. It is now a restaurant and café.
The stationmaster at Dartmouth was paid more than his counterpart at Kingswear because of the extra prestige of serving the Britannia Royal Naval College.
➜ For more information, visit www. gwr.com/stations-and-destinations/ travel-inspiration/heritage-railways/ dartmouth-through-ticket