On this wonderful weekend break, you'll enjoy a journey on the UK's first ever steam train of lights! The festive illuminated journey starts in Paignton, where the train with vintage carriages awaits you – it will be decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out. Combined with a weekend stay including mulled wine and mince pie on arrival and a traditional Christmas dinner, plus a visit beautiful Exeter and the chance to enjoy the Christmas market at the Cathedral, you're in for a real treat!
4 days from £369pp £738 for 2 people Single Room Supplement from £39pp
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Enjoy pure relaxation as you sink into your cosy seat.
Local departure by coach or Home Connect service, then on to Paignton and our hotel for three nights. You will be welcomed by a mince pie and mulled wine on arrival before enjoying a leisurely dinner in the hotel.
Relax in Paignton today before the highlight of the weekend: our evening trip on the Christmas Train of Lights! Your festive illuminated journey starts at Queen's Park Station, Paignton, where the steam train with vintage carriages awaits you – it will be decorated with thousands of lights, both inside and out.
Fifteen minutes later, once you've had time to settle back into your seat, you will arrive at Churston Station where the show begins. As the anticipation builds and minutes after leaving Churston, you will be propelled through the 450-metre Greenway tunnel that leads you to the enchanted forest. It will be transformed by a multitude of lights with brand-new feature displays – plus some old favourites! The stunning show ends as you leave the forest, where you'll be greeted by the twinkling lights of Dartmouth, all reflected on the river Dart.
After a turnaround at Kingswear and with the opportunity to disembark and take photographs from the platform, you will be on your way back to Paignton to experience the spectacle from a different direction.
Full of magical memories, we return to the hotel for our Christmas dinner followed by entertainment.
Today we visit the beautiful city of Exeter. Pre-dating the arrival of the Romans, Exeter has a rich and long history and a wealth of attractions celebrating this, from its imposing Roman wall to its magnificent, Gothic Cathedral and the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Stroll along the beautiful Quayside or discover the shops, boutiques and cafés on the cobbled Gandy Street.
One of the highlights at this time of year is the Christmas market, located in the courtyard at Exeter Cathedral. With over a hundred twinkling festive chalets, local gifts and produce, festive street food and seasonal entertainment, plus free entry into the awesome Exeter Cathedral, you'll be spoilt for choice!
After breakfast, we journey home.
Please note: If the Christmas Train of Lights is cancelled or rescheduled, we will still operate the weekend break to Paignton.
You will stay for three nights at the 3-star Esplanade Hotel in Paignton.
Location: Sands Road, Paignton, TQ4 6EG
Recently refurbished in 2024 and boasting fantastic views over nearby Paignton Beach, the Esplanade Hotel is located in a prime position and is the perfect base for a seaside holiday on the English Riviera. The town centre is just a five-minute walk away, whilst Paignton Pier and quieter Goodrington Beach are within walking distance. Enjoy delicious meals in the modern restaurant which operates a wide and varied menu, and relax in the stylish and comfortable Harbour Bay Lounge in the evening, which boasts superb views. If you have energy to spare, there’s live entertainment in the Riviera Suite during the holiday season, so you can soak up the social atmosphere with other guests.Need further information? Fill in our enquiry form and we'll get back to you as soon as we can
Single Room Supplement from £39.00
