The Train Of Lights 2019 Review
Ali and I were so excited when we were contacted earlier this year regarding working alongside the team at the Dartmouth Steam Railway for their annual Train Of Lights 2019. We knew the boys would count down the days until the trip if we told them so we decided to keep it a secret until we arrived.
With our Christmas jumpers on and Sam convinced we were off to see Frozen 2 we headed off to the station.
Paignton Station is well hidden behind the main line station and the boys got all excited when they saw a cross country train in. Sam asked if we were going on an adventure, to which I replied Yes as we headed away from the main track.
Then all of a sudden I heard a gasp and a "Yes! I knew it! We are going on the Train of Lights!" (Apparently Sam knew all along that's where we were going but didn't want to ruin it for Oliver!!)
https://youtu.be/f_tqgJUG_OM
(Sorry I need to work on my filming skills!!)
After looking at the glowing Christmas tree, we headed inside, I could hear music but I couldn't figure out where it was coming from until Oliver pointed out the singing reindeer's. My boys loved them, I was trying to get them to eat some tea before we went on the train but they were too busy watching the reindeer!
https://youtu.be/SBUBDjC_j6Q
This year one of the changes the Dartmouth Steam Railway have made is to allocate seats. Last year, everyone was pushed onto the platform trying to get the best seats but not this year. We took our time as did everyone else and found our carriage and numbered seats.
The carriages again this year had been decorated with baubles hanging from the luggage racks and in the middle of the ceilings. It was sensitively done and not too over the top. They also don't decorate the windows so you are able to have full view out of them as I promise you don't want to miss
any of it.
The boys were desperate to see which train was pulling us this time. I explained that we would be pulled to Kingswear by a diesel but we would come back under steam power.
The steam train looked amazing as they were filling up with water and coal and my train obsessed boys loved watching everything that was going on but it wasn't long before they were asked to get on board as the train was ready to leave. The lights dimmed and we were off!!
Don't panic, the lights come back on as soon as the train is away from the mainline.
Soon Devon favourite Judi Spiers, if you are from Devon and over forty I am sure you will remember her!, came over the speaker to tell you a story about things you will find along the tracks.
Having attended the train of lights last year I was a bit worried that it may be the same however I couldn't be more wrong, the team have worked their magic again along the track.
The magic started at Churston Station where it magically started to snow. The snow gently floated around the outside of the carriage like real snow would, Oliver was upset that it wasn't laying so no snowmen could be built.
The snow gave the journey a real Christmasy look and feel.
Judi went to talk about the gnomes who have been working on the track and to look out for them. Both the boys were then on high alert looking out the window desperately trying to be first to spot them. Thankfully there is lots of opportunities to do so. Sam's favourite bit of the journey was actually the Gnomes Christmas party.
The lights from the party are lovely and bright so you certainly wont miss them!!
I really don't want to give all the surprises away but I will say if you child likes unicorns, owls or other magical snowy creatures then they wont be disappointed!!
Soon we arrived into Kingswear Station with amazing views across the river to Dartmouth. At Dartmouth the train stops at the station. It allows time for passengers to get off the train and see it in its full glory.
On the way back we got to experience again the tunnels where you can see the train of lights come into its own. The children can see the colours that are on their carriage zoom by them and if you are a photographer they make for some great shots! Unfortunately I am not a photographer but I will try and show you some of mine and Ali's efforts!!
The other photograpers dream is the actual train itself. It looks amazing. I love the power that a steam engine commands, but when it is dressed in lights it seems to dominate even more.
So my overall opinion: We as a family, absolutely loved it again this year, but it was funny that we all loved different bits. Would we return next year? Absoutely!!!!
**In return for this review we were gifted a family ticket to ride on Train Of Lights 2019, however all the thoughts, words and photos are mine and Ali Nash's.**
If you would like to book you will need to hurry as seventeen of the trains have already sold out. More information and to book click here: https://www.dsrrbchristmas.co.uk/train-of-lights
Dates & Times:
29th & 30th November
1st, 6th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 14th, 15th, 18th-23rd and 27th-30th December
Trains depart at 16:45, 18:45 and 20:45 on each of the above dates.
Note: Subject to demand, more dates/times may be added. Please check back regularly.
Prices:
Adult (aged 16+) £19.25 Child (aged 3-15) £12.00
Concession (aged 65+) £18.75 Family (2A, 2-3Ch) £54.00
