Address: The Station, Dartbridge Rd, Buckfastleigh TQ11 0DZ, United Kingdom
Phone: +441364644370
Rating: 4.7
based on 377 reviews.
Scenery and Journey
Pros:
"Lovely trip on the South Devon Railway.. Always a delight to travel at a gentle path by steam, in this case along the River Dart."
"Beautiful scenery for most of the journey with the rail line closely following the river Dart."
"An unforgettable trip on this beautiful heritage line along the picturesque river Dart."
"The journey by steam train is very picturesque."
"The entire line is so picturesque, hugging the Dart all the way to Totnes, with a fascinating array of wildlife en route."
"A fantastic preserved railway run by volunteers, small museum a very scenic journey along the river Dart."
"A lovely journey along the River Dart looking at the beautiful country either side of the carriages."
Cons:
"The journey is not particularly scenic as it runs through steep embankments for much of the trip, with occasional glimpses of the river through the trees."
"With regards to the actual train journey, was ok, not a lot to see, runs along the river dart to buckfastleigh."
"Overall the whole thing looks very unloved, shame."
"The journey isn't spectacular but it is pleasant and peaceful as it follows the River Dart."
Staff and Service
Pros:
"Andy was the most amazing host, with Liz and Oz in the kitchen making the most amazing food."
"The staff are very friendly and helpful and always ready to chat."
"Everyone at the stations were so friendly, thank you."
"The staff were all so lovely making it a magical time."
"Staff were excellent and very knowledgeable about the train and surrounding area."
"All the staff were friendly and helpful and don't forget to make a donation in lieu of an entrance charge."
"The kindness & help shown by the station staff was amazing."
Cons:
"Complained to a member of staff and handed the uneaten tray over, received no apology."
"I was 'told off' by a young steam loco fireman for vaping (outdoors) close to a steam locomotive in full steam."
"There were no staff available to buy tickets and nobody answered the phone for over 10 minutes when we called from the ticket office."
"The cafe was filled with staff who didn't seem to know what they were doing and couldn't help with tickets either."
"However, we found the staff to be very unhelpful upon our arrival at Bukfastleigh."
"The ride was fine but found the Staff a bit standoffish."
"Very young staff who look like they'd rather be sat in a park swigging thunderbird with a cigarette hanging out-of their mouths."
Facilities and Amenities
Pros:
"There is also a well stocked refreshment room with an extensive menu as well as a museum."
"Lovely shop and cafe. We visited the otters and butterflies too which were on the doorstep of the station."
"Good car park at Buckfastleigh with usual tea room and shop."
"Get the all for all ticket which gets you in the otter sanctuary and Butterflies, also a ride on the miniature railway."
"The ultimate 'Park & Ride' to Totnes! A wonderful ride seated in carriages from the fifties behind an historic steam locomotive."
"The terminal at Buckfastleigh has car parking, a café, a museum and a shop."
"Parking is shared by the otter and butterfly sanctuary but there is ample space for everybody with room for over 200 cars."
Cons:
"Lovely staff engine's looked very clean but carriages need to be cleaned."
"No longer allowed to visit the engineering side, which we used to find interesting."
"disappointed on the return journey the old carriages were reserved for a shearings group so had to sit in a modern carriage."
"Station few amenities, due to late season visit."
"No toilets at Totnes Station."
"Only downside was bridge over the line was shut so you had to walk up a busy road to get to station/cafe from car park."
"lift wasn't working, found we still had quite a walk before getting to the steam railway, seemed never ending, took us a good 10-15 mins, maybe more but we went at a steady pace."
Value and Experience
Pros:
"The return fares are great value for money at £15 adult return."
"The all-day ticket is excellent value."
"Always a great day out, that extra bit special when Thomas is there, great fun for all ages, Great combined price for all attractions."
"The whole experience was enjoyable."
"Absolutely wonderful day out! The steam railway was magnificent, we went back and forth several times."
"A thoroughly enjoyable day out if you enjoy the sight, smells and sounds of a bygone age."
"An absolute Gem of a Heritage Railway!"
Cons:
"Ordered two English breakfasts both very undercooked and quality very poor."
"I also found food prices quite expensive."
"Pricey refreshments, teabag in a paper cup £2.20 so after my ride didn't pop back for lunch based on that."
"Food in the refreshment hall rather pricey. £2.40 for a teabag in a cup."
"A little expensive for tickets but running a railway is not cheap."
"Ticket a tad expensive, but it costs a lot to run and maintain a large steam engine."
"Expensive but these things are expensive to run and maintain."