South Devon & Torbay Coast Towns by Train & Ferry

South Devon is a good area for a train holiday, with many coastal towns on or near the railway network. I’ve spent lots of time on the South Devon coast over the last 50 years. Dawlish, Torbay and Exmouth are some of my favourites. My favourite is the railway line from Exeter to Newton Abbot, which follows the coast through Dawlish and Teignmouth.

The English Riviera is the popular stretch of coast around Torbay in South Devon, covering Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. Known for its beaches, harbours, boat trips and seafood, it is one of the most popular areas for seaside breaks in Devon.

The three Torbay towns are close together, and Paignton and Torquay almost blend into one larger seaside area. There is a ferry service that runs between the three towns of Torquay, Paignton and Brixham. This ferry runs between April and October. Tickets are available from kiosks in all three harbours.

The South West Coast Path is a long-distance walking route that follows the coast of South West England, including most towns in this guide.

South Devon Coast and English Riviera Towns by Train

The south coast of Devon is one of my favourite places in the UK for a week away.

Dawlish

Dawlish is one of the closest seaside towns to Exeter on the south coast of Devon. It has two parts: the main town and Dawlish Warren, which is geared more toward holiday parks and beach fun. Both parts are great for walking, especially the coast path between the two.

Dawlish Warren has a funfair, long sandy beaches and a nature reserve where I’ve seen seals on past trips. I’ve stayed at the Welcome Holiday Park here as a base to explore South Devon on a few occasions.

The main town is pretty, with a green in the centre and a good choice of shops. You will also find some great places to eat, including fish and chip shops, restaurants, and local pubs.

Dawlish and Dawlish Warren both have railway stations on the coastal line through South Devon.

Teignmouth

The seaside town of Teignmouth is a pleasant place to visit with long sandy beaches and a pier with amusements. As well as the main beach, the back beach overlooks the River Teign and harbour.

The town centre has a selection of shops, pubs and places to eat out. I enjoyed a few trips here, including day trips from further down the tracks. You can also join the South West Coast Path for a hike; the stretch north from the centre is pleasant.

Teignmouth has a mainline station near the seafront and town centre.

Torquay

The town of Torquay is the central hub of the English Riviera. Torquay has a beach and a marina, and you can also take part in beach activities, arcades, and watersports.

The marina in Torquay is a beautiful place to sit and watch boats coming and going. The ferry also departs here for trips to the other harbours in Torbay. Nearby are a few restaurants and bars where you can sit and relax while enjoying the scenery. St John the Apostle Church is a Grade I listed building and dates back to 1823.

Torquay has a railway station near the seafront and town centre.

Brixham

Brixham is the smallest of the three Torbay towns, but has an excellent harbour to explore. As a result, the local seafood restaurants serve some quality fish and crab. The harbour area is perfect for walking around or sitting and watching the world go by. There’s lots to see, including the action on the fishing docks or boats coming and going.

The centrepiece of Brixham is the replica Tudor galleon, the Golden Hind, moored up in the harbour. This is a full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s galleon, where you can learn a lot about the ship and the era’s history. For history buffs, there is also the Brixham Heritage Museum to visit. Brixham also has beaches, including Breakwater Beach beyond the harbour breakwater.

For those who like a good walk, Berry Head National Nature Reserve is located just around the coast after a pleasant hike. The nature reserve is on a peninsula with nature trails, local wildlife, an active lighthouse & a visitor centre.

Brixham does not have a railway station. To visit without a car, travel by train to Paignton or Torquay, then continue by bus or seasonal ferry.

Paignton

Paignton is a hot spot for tourists and holidaymakers. It has a marina, harbour, and beaches to enjoy, along with all the usual English seaside features. The harbour has some pleasant restaurants overlooking the sea, some that even serve freshly caught seafood. There are also amusement arcades and the Dartmouth Steam Railway starts here.

There are opportunities to do all sorts of sea fishing from Paignton, including some regular fishing trips or fishing off the sea walls. The harbour offers many mackerel fishing trips, often advertised on boards near the boats. The trip we took lasted for two hours, and we cooked the mackerel afterwards.

You can also go on boat trips along the coast, including ferries, trips to Dartmouth, and charters further afield. Paignton Pleasure Cruises offers a variety of boat trips & excursions in & around the English Riviera, including at sunset.

Paignton has its own railway station, close to the town centre, the seafront, and the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

Exmouth

Exmouth is a pretty seaside town at the mouth of the River Exe. The town is technically in East Devon, but it works well as part of a South Devon coast train trip, especially if you are travelling through Exeter. I’ve visited many times and enjoyed each trip. The town centre is good for a spot of sightseeing, shopping or a night out.

There are also some beaches in the town or some nearby, like Sandy Bay. Things like boat rides and amusement arcades are easy to find in the centre. I also recommend taking the Starcross–Exmouth ferry across the river to see the Dawlish Warren Nature Reserve. On my last visit, it was a bit of a wellness break, and I enjoyed a spa and some beach yoga.

Exmouth has a centrally located railway station, which usually requires a change in Exeter.