One of the UK’s most beautiful railway journeys offers the chance to explore a medieval city and travel along a picturesque estuary, before heading along the coast for spectacular sea views.

But it’s best avoided during bad weather such as storms. The line runs so close to the shore that at times, waves can crash against the train windows. In particularly bad weather, the line is closed for safety reasons. 

The Riviera Line in Devon costs just £10.70 for an off-peak day return, with under-fives travelling free and five to 15-year-olds enjoying half-price fares. The journey clocks in at just over an hour, stopping at many charming coastal spots along the way, so it’s easy to make a day of it, as there’s so much to explore. 

Departing from Exeter Central station, the first part of the route goes along the River Exe and offers views of the Exe Estuary, as well as passing through countryside and villages. 

The journey between Starcross and Teignmouth is described as the “most picturesque” part of the route, as this is when the estuary leads into the sea and the train travels right along the coastline. There’s just a narrow promenade separating the train from the ocean, meaning high winds or wild waves can see sea spray hit the windows. You’ll often see people wandering along the promenade waving at the train as you ride along.

At Teignmouth, the train heads inland for a while, running alongside the River Teign. It then rejoins the coast at Torquay, before heading for its final destination in Paignton, giving you more time to enjoy the coastal views.

Along the line there are endless places to stop and enjoy the South Devon coast. Dawlish is a popular spot, a Regency-era seaside town with a long sandy beach. Explore the quaint town centre with independent shops and tea rooms, or head to Dawlish Warren, which has an amusement park, fish and chip shops, and a family-friendly vibe.

Teignmouth has a classic Victorian seaside style, with a long pier that stretches out to sea, full of amusements and a promenade where you can enjoy the sea views. The long sandy Town Beach is extremely popular in summer, and has ice cream shops, mini golf, and bucket and spade shops along the coast. 

Torquay, known for its palm tree-lined promenade and pretty marina, is also worth leaving the train to visit. The starting point of the English Riviera, you can take a boat tour to explore this pretty stretch of coast, or enjoy tourist attractions from the cute Babbacombe Model Village & Gardens, to the 800-year-old Torre Abbey. 

The train journey ends in Paignton, where you’ll find another sandy beach and a pretty pier. Along the beachfront you’ll find Splashdown Waterpark, where in summer you can zip along some of its thrilling flume rides. 

First Great Western have also produced a leaflet showing some of the  scenic walks you can take from stations along the route. These range from two to three-and-a-half miles, so they’re family-friendly. From exploring Dawlish Warren’s National Nature Reserve to discovering the riverside village of Shaldon and spotting smugglers’ tunnels along the way, there are plenty of options once you step off the train.

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