London Victoria 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 Victoria to the South Devon coast, with a choice between the traditional seaside resort of Paignton and the waterside village of Kingswear. The operator also runs the trip from London Paddington on another date as a separate trip; this series covers the London Victoria departure.

The operator says the train runs west 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 London Victoria and also picks up at Kew Bridge, Staines, Woking and Basingstoke. 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. The operator offers a choice of time at either Paignton or Kingswear, and 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: an early-morning departure from London Victoria, time at Paignton or Kingswear and a late-night 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 Victoria station, Terminus Place, London, with pick-ups at Kew Bridge, Staines, Woking and Basingstoke. 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.