Dawlish Round Robin (Boat & Train)

The Ultimate Land and Sea Day Out: Our Dawlish & Exmouth Round Robin

Combine the magic of a scenic sea voyage with a classic railway journey on our popular Round Robin excursion. Running interchangeably between Exmouth Marina and Dawlish Beach, this flexible ticket allows you to depart from either town, enjoy a beautiful coastal cruise across the water to the other side, and spend the day exploring at your own leisure before returning at your own pace via the iconic coastal railway line. Offering spectacular value for money and a brilliant mix of transport, this is a fantastic, friendly day out for the whole family.

🕒 Cruise DurationApprox. 45 mins cruise + 1 hour train_{Shore time at your leisure}

📍 Departure PointsExmouth Marina or Dawlish Beach Landing

Adult Price£15.00

Child (5-14)£12.00

Child (0-4)FREE

🚂Included: Your train ticket to return to Exmouth or Dawlish

Groups (15+ adults): £13.50 _{Click here for group bookings}

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Not suitable for those with mobility issues.

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Trip Description FAQs Recent Reviews Group Bookings

Trip Description

Two Towns, One Seamless Adventure

What makes our Round Robin cruise so unique is that it operates perfectly from both sides of the water, making it the ideal day out whether you are starting in Exmouth or Dawlish. If you depart from Exmouth, you will enjoy a beautiful cruise across the water, land directly on the beach, and have the afternoon free to discover Dawlish. If you are starting from Dawlish, you will hop aboard straight from the beach cove, enjoy a relaxing cruise past Dawlish Warren, and step off at Exmouth Marina to explore our bustling town, golden sands, and independent shops. Whichever route you choose, your day is capped off with a scenic journey back to your starting point on the world-famous coastal railway.

A Scenic Coastal Voyage & Authentic Beach Landing

Your cruise takes you alongside Dawlish Warren and the dramatic South Devon coastline. You will get an unbeatable front-row view of the towering red sandstone cliffs and sea stacks that are impossible to see from the road, all accompanied by live, engaging commentary from your Skipper. Arriving or departing from Dawlish is a true highlight, as we bring the vessel right up to the shoreline for a traditional beach landing via our specialized boarding ramp. Because this involves a beach landing, there is a relatively steep bank and steps. Please note that this trip is best suited for passengers with good mobility and is not recommended for wheelchair users.

Return on the Iconic Sea Wall Railway

When you are ready to head back, your ticket includes a return journey on the Great Western Railway line. This world-famous stretch of track runs directly along the Dawlish sea wall, cutting through the tunnels and hugging the cliff edges to provide one of the most scenic train journeys in the UK, linking Exmouth and Dawlish stations perfectly. Because the train tickets are entirely open, there is absolutely no rush; you can spend several hours enjoying the shops, traditional tearooms, public gardens, or a relaxed lunch at your own leisure before catching a regular train straight back whenever you choose.

Why Choose Our Round Robin Excursion?

Incredible Value for Money: A beautiful coastal cruise, a fantastic day trip destination, and a scenic train ticket all included in one affordable price.
Total Freedom and Flexibility: Start from either Exmouth or Dawlish and explore at your own pace without feeling rushed.
A Unique Transport Combination: Experience the absolute best of the South Devon coast from both the water and the tracks.
Onboard Comforts: Our vessels feature open decks for the fresh air, heated lower saloons, clean toilets, and a friendly welcome from our close-knit crew.
A Fully Licensed Local Bar: Sip on hot drinks, a cold tipple, Bays Brewery ales, or crisp Sandford Orchards cider during your cruise.

Our Round Robin is a seasonal highlight that runs on selected dates depending on the tides. Because this multi-transport excursion is highly popular and spaces on the boat are limited, we strongly recommend booking online in advance to secure your day out.

FAQs

The Round Robin Experience

Question: What is the Dawlish Round Robin? Answer: The Dawlish Round Robin is a fantastic "all-in-one" day trip that combines a scenic boat cruise with a train journey along the world-famous South Devon coastline. It offers a flexible, self-paced way to explore both Exmouth and the seaside town of Dawlish and any of the stops along the railway (except Exeter).

Question: What scenery will I see on this trip? Answer: From the water, you will see the red cliffs of the Jurassic Coast in the distance, as we leave the mouth of the River Exe, before sailing past Dawlish Warren towards Parson and the Clerk sea stacks. From the train, you will experience the iconic Dawlish Sea Wall, where the railway line runs directly alongside the beach, offering some of the most famous coastal views in the UK.

Question: Is there a commentary on board? Answer: Yes. During the boat leg of your journey, our Skipper provides a live, informative commentary. They will point out the local landmarks, the historic Dawlish railway engineering, and any local wildlife like seals or wading birds.

Booking & Logistics

Question: How does the "Boat and Train" logistics work? Answer: You can start your journey in either Exmouth or Dawlish. Your ticket covers one leg by boat and a return leg by train. Because the train journey uses the local Avocet Line and GWR services, you have the flexibility to choose which train you take, allowing you to spend as much time as you like in either town. You also have an option to jump off and explore around any stop on the way (except Exeter).

Question: Do I need to book in advance? Answer: We strongly recommend booking online in advance. While the trains run frequently, the boat leg has a specific departure time and limited capacity. Booking ahead ensures your space is reserved on the vessel.

Question: Is the cruise wheelchair friendly? Answer: No, due to a direct beach landing in Dawlish, the cruise is not suitable for those with additional mobility needs. There is a steep incline in Dawlish.

Question: Is a train ticket included in the price? Answer: Yes. When you book a Dawlish Round Robin with us, your ticket includes both the Stuart Line Cruises boat fare and the GWR train fare between Exmouth and Dawlish.

Comfort & Suitability

Question: Is this trip suitable for families? Answer: Absolutely! Children love the variety of switching between a boat and a train. It is a very accessible and engaging way to spend a day, with plenty of opportunities for ice cream and beach time in Dawlish.

Question: Are dogs allowed on the Round Robin? Answer: Yes. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome on our boats free of charge and are also permitted on the local train services, making this a perfect dog-friendly day out.

Question: Is the trip wheelchair accessible? Answer: Our boats at Exmouth Marina are accessible for standard manual wheelchairs. Dawlish and Exmouth train stations also provide step-free access, making the Round Robin a good option for those with limited mobility. Please contact us if you have specific requirements for boarding.

Question: What happens if the weather is bad? Answer: If sea conditions prevent the boat from sailing, we will contact you to offer a sheltered River Exe Cruise instead, or a full refund. The train leg typically runs regardless of the weather!

Question: Is there a bar and toilets on board? Answer: Yes. Our vessels are equipped with clean toilet facilities and a fully licensed bar serving hot and cold drinks, local ales, and light snacks during the sailing.

Recent Reviews

Stuart Line Cruises

4.8

Based on 567 reviews

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dee W.

2 weeks ago

We had a lovely day and time. I booked this as a relaxing day from our adult kids. The cruises was lovely and relaxing. You can get tea, coffee and beer etc on the boat and it is a good price, the staff are friendly and welcoming, if you want a day out try this. Get there early if you want the top of the boat

Sarah E.

2 weeks ago

We had a fabulous boat trip with Stuart Line cruises from Exmouth to Brixham & back with a couple of hours free time in Brixham. The views were stunning & the onboard commentary really interesting & informative. Staff were friendly & helpful. Refreshments reasonably priced. The boat was dog friendly & despite the heatwave the lower deck was cooler & very comfortable. We even had a pod of dolphins following the boat for a while which was an added bonus! Overall a fantastic day out & great value for money. We will be back for another trip!

Kim B.

2 weeks ago

I did the day trip from exmouth to brixham/torquay. Incredible boat trip. Amazing value for money (if anything i think they should raise their prices). Crew were really nice and captain very knowledgeable telling you facts along the coast. Lasted 7 hours in total. The boat itself has indoor and outside seating. You could choose to get off at torquay or brixham. You have about 3 hours in torquay or 2 hours in brixham. I got off at brixham and you can follow the path to the right of the harbour and 10 min walk to Fishcombe cove if you want a hidden cove for a swim. Easy access although there are about 20-30 steps. Great little trip and thoroughly recommend. Will check out more of their trips!

Ade W.

2 weeks ago

This was our second trip with Stuart Line Cruise's. We did the trip to Brixham as we've never been there before. We had commentary during the cruise around the coast which was very good.We were lucky enough to see dolphins just past Dawlish.The staff were pleasant and friendly. A lovely day out and a hot one as well.

Andrea H.

4 weeks ago

Lovely boat tour- we did the mini coastal cruise. Very well kept boat, friendly staff. Informative tour without being boring. Took us close to the kittiwake nest ground without being intrusive. Lots of space to move around, bar and toilets ( but didn't test these). Space for wheelchairs.

Stuart W.

4 weeks ago

Brilliant experience going out on the mini cruise, the kids (4 & 8) loved it as it was their first time on a boat and now cant wait to do it again!
The crew were really friendly, came and took orders for drinks and snacks which was nice as we could enjoy the views and commentary from the captain without leaving our seats. The boat and toilets were clean and we found it really good value for money!!

Claire B.

1 month ago

Stuart Line hosted the Exmouth Art Group’s 80th anniversary celebration cruise on Tuesday. We had a wonderful and fun evening in the glorious late sunshine & all the staff were professional, cheerful, helpful & friendly. Thank you very much from all at the Exmouth Art Group

Patricia M.

3 months ago

This is a brilliant experience. I have booked a few outings with the Stuart line in all weathers and it's always great. The staff are amazing and the coastline/river is so different when seen from the water. And when the weather isn't cooperating properly, the boats facilities are fantastic. We always have our dog with us as well, who is made just as welcome. Highly recommend

Bob H.

3 months ago

Always try to have a trip with them, have done the jurassic coast trip, river Exe trip and did the Torquay and Brixham yesterday 28/05/26. Cant fault any of these for the money charged, we paid £16 each yesterday for a trip that lasted from 11am through to 18:30 in the evening, with 2 hours on shore in Brixham, plus the bonus of seeing dolphins on the way back, hence the later than expected arrival back in Exmouth. Crew really helpfull and knowledgeable about the area. Definitely will go again as relaxing day out.

Roo

7 months ago

Such a great day! Went on the winter birds cruise today and it was brilliant. The person doing the commentary on the birds (sorry I forgot their name) was super knowledgeable and the trip was all round fantastic, the small bar is also very reasonably priced! Saw a peregrine falcon chasing a flock of avocets - absolutely majestical! Cant recommend highly enough, the work they are doing for nature and conservation of the river mouth is really awesome. Hats off.

Mark

9 months ago

Had another fabulous BirdWatching Cruise on 02/12/25 with a day of clear blue skies and a fabulous array of wonderful wildlife on the Exe. As per previous trips the crew and guide were excellent and made for 3 hours of a thoroughly enjoyable and enriching experience. The hot chocolate and pasty was most welcome and I can’t recommend these cruises enough and they offer terrific value as well.

Mel P.

9 months ago

We had a fabulous guided bird watching trip today. The weather was superb as was The Pride of Exmouth, all the staff and our bird guider for the trip. Stuart Lines really do think of everything to make sure everyone has a great experience . 5 stars from us. Thank you

Group Bookings

Stuart Line Cruises would like to extend a very warm welcome to group organisers, tour operators and couriers. Allow us to share with you some fantastic excursion ideas, which are specially designed for groups of 15 people or more with suggested itineraries at special discounted rates.

Stuart Line Cruises is an award-winning, family-run business, operating on the River Exe and along the East Coast and South Devon coastlines, from the traditional seaside town of Exmouth, in Devon.

Now running over 50 years, we passionately believe that the River Exe and nearby coastlines of the Jurassic Coast and English Riviera are unrivaled in terms of history, beauty and wildlife and cannot wait to share them with you.

If you are interested in taking this cruise as part of a group, please contact us. We look forward to welcoming you.