London Paddington to Paignton & Kingswear via Dawlish — Steam Dreams

Steam Dreams, a private steam-train operator based near Guildford, sells this trip as a full-day excursion from London Paddington to the South Devon coast, with a choice between the traditional seaside resort of Paignton and the waterside village of Kingswear. The operator says the train runs through rolling countryside to Taunton, where the steam locomotive joins for the run along the Exe estuary and the coast, and that the journey is steam hauled between Taunton and Kingswear in both directions.

The train leaves Paddington and also picks up at Maidenhead, Reading and Newbury. After Taunton it follows the estuary of the River Exe, sweeps round its mouth and runs beside the shoreline for mile after mile, then continues onto the Paignton & Dartmouth Steam Railway, where, the operator says, the locomotive is put through its paces, climbing high above the Devon hills before descending to the Dart Estuary at Kingswear. Passengers choose to spend the day at Paignton or Kingswear; the operator mentions Kingswear's short ferry crossing to Dartmouth.

Two classes are sold. Pullman Dining includes a champagne Bellini and multi-course breakfast on a full-day journey, then champagne and canapés, a four-course evening meal and half a bottle of wine per person on the return. First Class is non-dining, with complimentary tea and coffee, a welcome celebratory drink, the option of bringing a picnic, and an Afternoon Tea available as a supplement.

The locomotive is announced, not promised. The operator says the engine is still to be confirmed, names a pool of seven steam locomotives from its collection, and adds that whichever is rostered "cannot be guaranteed and may be substituted for a different engine". Its FAQ says that on very rare occasions a diesel has been used as a last resort, in circumstances such as steam bans due to fire risk, drought or unexpected mechanical failures.

A very long day out: a morning departure from Paddington, several hours at Paignton or Kingswear and a late-evening return (timings are approximate). In Pullman Dining the custom is to dress smartly and the operator asks for no sportswear; there is no official dress code elsewhere. Temperatures on board vary because modern climate control is not in use, so the operator advises layers. Children are welcome in First Class; Pullman Dining is reserved for adults and children aged 12 and over.

Boards at London Paddington station, Praed Street, London, with pick-ups at Maidenhead, Reading and Newbury. All trips are return and the return journey is included; the operator never sells a one-way service. The heritage carriages do not allow wheelchair boarding and the operator asks guests with mobility needs to contact it before booking. Lavatories are at each end of every carriage. Own food and drink may be taken in First Class but not in Pullman Dining. Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and pescatarian meals are catered for in Pullman Dining as standard, and must be requested at least 14 days before travel. Passengers who want to join further up the line can ask when booking, and the fare is the same wherever they join. Travel documents are sent by post or email about 5 to 7 days before departure, and an electronic ticket on a phone is accepted.