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556tonyg
We decided to take this trip to celebrate my birthday and wanted to do it in style so booked the Premier Dining Service. The whole trip is thoroughly enjoyable, the destination is a great day out however you get there but put the whole package together and add in the dining experience and it is something truly memorable.The dining is undeniably expensive but it really makes the day. On boarding we enjoyed a glass of bucks fizz (yes a glass not a plastic tumbler) which was swiftly followed by an absolutely fantastic full English. On the way home it was a four course dinner which was served skilfully, elegantly and politely. It was just a taste of the glorious past of the world of first class travel.Highly recommended and I would urge anyone to pay just that little bit more for the Premier package. You won't regret it and you'll remember it for a very long time to come.
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815frankb
We had to delay this journey for 12 months due to health problems but it was worth the wait. The organisation first class. We chose Premier Class, expensive, but worth it in every way. The staff were very attentive to our needs and we were shown to our seating at a laid out table ready for breakfast which was served as soon as we were in motion. Full English, full marks. Of course the weather was perfect as was the nostalgic journey as I am old enough to remember steam. We duly arrived at Kingswear disembarked and caught the ferry to Dartmouth and a river trip, again, wonderful. The day passed all too quickly and we re-boarded our train for the return journey. Leaving on time, dinner was served, roast beef and all the trimmings - how the chef did id on a moving train I do not know - followed by a sweet and coffee. We finally arrived in Bristol, Temple Meads, tired but satisfied with the day. We will certainly Torbay Express again in the very near future
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KTSs_13
Our party of 4 boarded the Torbay Express at Bristol Temple Meads & Bath Spa, from the moment we stepped on board we were welcomed and looked after. We decided to go for it and booked Premier dining to make it a day to remember - the food and service were fantastic. Greeted with Bucks Fizz using lovely fresh orange juice, we settled in to our large sofa like seats.We pulled away and were greeted by Lesley our hostess who had a vast knowledge both about the train itself and the countryside and surrounding areas we travelled through. Shortly after departure from Bath we were served a hot and tasty 3 course breakfast - freshly cooked and served on hot polished plates, my only slight moan was soggy toast - I like mine crispy and well done. Tea and coffee kept flowing and was fresh and hot. The staff were on hand at all times, helping older less able passengers with such patience and kindness and did all they could to make our trip both comfortable and memorable. Highlights of our 4 hour journey to Dartmouth included - The White Horse on the hill at Wiltshire, travelling through fabulous countryside and smaller stations where crowds gathered, passing over the newly restored line at Dawlish where it felt I could reach out and touch the water we were so close, many cows & sheep charging across fields as they heard the steam engine going past, herons, birdlife in abundance including a family of some 30 recently re-introduced Cranes at one point along the journey. One of the top moments was the climb from Paignton along the heritage line when in traditional fashion, another steam engine had to be called upon to help push us up the hill - the two engines "tooting" to each other to greet and say goodbye was wonderful. 3.5 hours in Dartmouth was plenty for us. Our return journey was mainly in the light so were able to enjoy the fabulous scenery. The 4 course sunday dinner - Crayfish tail and prawn salad, Roast Beef, Raspberry & Choc tart and cheese and biscuits was of exceptional quality. The trip was first class all round. Drinks reasonably priced for a bottle of wine. Yes we could have done the whole thing cheaper by not eating - it was all part of the experience. Totally recommend this.
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Sallyam49
We boarded at Weston Super Mare, what a lovely sight pulling into the station, what a fabulous trip, along the coast, the staff were friendly helpful and very pleasant. Lovely to see loads of people along the route waving, and taking pictures. We will be travelling this way again, as we all had a fabulous day, and it will remain a memorable day out.
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MandCinlove
My dad and I have just got in from todays trip on the Torbay Express and what a fantastic day we have had. From being greeted with a bucks fizz, through the MASSIVE full English breakfast (piping hot and wonderfully freshly cooked), arriving in Kingswear, time in Dartmouth to then getting back on the train for the return journey and being greeted with a glass of champagne, a wonderful 4 course dinner and all finished off with coffee and chocolates. You could not ask for more. If you can afford to do the Premier dining I would thoroughly recommend it. The stewards are all wonderful and the whole day has been magical. I'm shattered! (But very happy!)
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sirgomer
To be honest, I couldn't fault this trip. I am steam enthusiast myself and do some driving & firing in the Midlands so could be biased but even so, it was great. We opted for Premier Dining as, since we've been doing Premier, you seem to fail to not do it again as its just brilliant. This was our first time on the Torbay Express and we were on the 7th September trip with beautiful A4 Pacific "Bittern". We left Bristol on time and from then on our table for two was served impressively by the many friendly waiters and waitress' from Frying Scotsman services. A huge breakfast with lots of toast & tea/coffee as well as cereal/porridge and the full english of course was served on the way. We arrived in Kingswear and immediately boarded the ferry (free with your ticket on the T.E) and headed over to Dartmouth. We had good time here to explore and take things easy before returning to the train. The 16:50 departure saw champagne served at the table and then a 4-course evening meal which was divine. We were stuffed! Meanwhile the scenary was just flying by, 70, 75...you name it. Its a beautiful run, especially along the sea wall at Dawlish and then along the PDSR via Goodrington to Kingswear. Overall, brilliant staff, brilliant food, lovely engine, great scenary, cannot fault it. Would love to go again!!
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rodb329
This was our 5th trip to Kingsweir with Pathfinder ToursThis time our journey was slightly varied as we boarded at BathAs a treat for my 75th Birthday earlier in the year we travelled Premier ClassTreated royally and excellently fed the only complaint was the extra cost from Standard class seemed a little excessiveWe topped of the trip with a voyage on the Steam Paddle Steamer previously reported on
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Sheilambutcher
Sunday 3rd August This was a marvellous day out that was very well organised and the staff were all friendly and welcoming. It was a birthday present for my 89 year old father and the staff were all very good helping him aboard and catering for his needs. The food was amazing with bucks fizz before breakfast, melon with yogurt, salmon and scrambled egg toast and pastries. Although the premier service is expensive it really makes the day special. The four and half hours in Dartmouth was about the right length of time for us and we enjoyed wandering round the town, looking at all the art shops and having an ice cream. The small museum at Kingswear about Brunel is worth looking into. The dinner on the way home was again amazing,- so much delicious food. It's incredible they manage to produce 5 courses for so many people from the small kitchen. Our only slight moan was we were on a table for 4 people so not on the sea side of the train and we said on the way back we'll be on that side but of course the carriages don't turn round just the engine. We would recommend this trip as an indulgence for a special birthday.
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661iainm
My wife and I have travelled with Torbay Express 7 times in the past few years doing Premier Dining each time and am pleased to report that every time the trip has been fantastic.The entire experience is amazing from the welcome we receive each time the friendliness of the stewards, the Frying Scotsman catering team, who conjure up amazing food all served Silver Service in Pullman seating.As has been commented by other reviewers the day starts with a glass of Bucks Fizz before breakfast and a glass of Champagne before a sumptuous dinner.The trains too are superbly turned out, what joy to see them gleaming and raring to go - with luck there is also access to the footplate at Taunton, what a buzz.We have been twice this year (July and August) and have booked again in September when the route is through Bath again.When sat at your table with the fanlight open how great to hear the superb steam train symphony and take in the glorious exhaust aromas.This is indulgence in the extreme and worth every penny.
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732rhysp
This was the first time I went on this type of train journey. I love the destination, and to go there on a steam hauled train was fantastic. I travelled in Standard class as it's all I could afford. Buffet was reasonable and the standard class coaches were quite comfortable. I look forward to doing it again some time in the future. Train staff were very friendly and the locomotive crew very welcoming well worth it!
