The South Devon Railway

Steam hisses and whistles echo through the Dart Valley as heritage locomotives chug along seven miles of restored Victorian track between Totnes and Buckfastleigh. This proper steam railway runs vintage carriages through some of Devon's loveliest countryside, hugging the River Dart for much of the journey. The round trip takes about an hour, though you'll want longer to explore the railway museum and engine sheds at Buckfastleigh station. Kids absolutely love it - there's something magical about a real steam train that no modern transport can match. The carriages are authentic 1950s stock, and on busy days you might catch multiple locomotives in action. Views from the train are cracking, especially the stretch along the river where herons fish in the shallows and ancient woodland climbs the valley sides. It's not cheap, but the experience justifies the ticket price. Best visited on a clear day when the Dartmoor views open up properly. The railway connects brilliantly with a South Devon holiday - you're within easy reach of several parks including Hoburne Devon Bay and Beverley Holidays near Paignton. Totnes itself is worth exploring too, with its independent shops and Saturday market adding to a proper day out.