South Devon Road Trip Route: Coastlines, Castles & Cream Teas

South Devon is calling. SW England presents an attractive destination through its mixture of picturesque villages, picturesque shorelines and a relaxing atmosphere which attracts explorers who wish to take their time during their travels.

To enjoy your South Devon road trip fully, it's a good idea to get car rental. Having your own car means you can travel at your own pace and visit places that are hard to reach by bus or train.

Start: Exeter – The Gateway to Devon

Exeter serves as your starting point since it stands as a lively historical city that embodies diverse cultures. The sights in Exeter include visiting the Gothic Exeter Cathedral followed by drinking fancy coffee facing historic Quayside buildings and exploring historic stories at the Royal Albert Memorial Museum. Devon cream teas from local bakeries should be your first stop before beginning your journey.

Teignmouth – Old-School Seaside Charm

The coastal town of Teignmouth stands at a distance of 16 miles west of Exeter serving up vintage seaside charm amid its exceptional sea views. Visitors to Teignmouth should experience both seaside relaxation at the beach and fresh fish and chips on the pier while enjoying art exhibitions at the Pavilions Teignmouth. You should take time to walk through the traditional Den Promenade.

Torbay – The English Riviera Beckons

The English Riviera aesthetic welcomes you to Torbay, which includes Torquay, Paignton, and Brixham. In Torquay, bask in Agatha Christie lore and sip cocktails with a sea view. The town of Paignton invites tourists to experience both the exhilarating pier and the popular Goodrington Sands beach, which stands among the highest-ranked beaches in South Devon.

Mid-Trip Quick Guide: Highlights at a Glance

Here’s a handy reference for planning your route:

Stop	Key Attraction	Local Treat	Activity Suggestion
Exeter	Exeter Cathedral	Cream tea	Cathedral tour
Teignmouth	Victorian Pier	Ice cream on the beach	Coastal promenade walk
Torquay	Agatha Christie Mile	Fish & chips	Paddleboarding
Paignton	Goodrington Sands	Beach picnic	Family beach day
Totnes	Totnes Castle	Organic wine	Vintage shopping
Dartmouth	Dartmouth Castle	Fresh crab sandwich	River cruise
Slapton	WWII Memorial at Slapton Sands	Picnic with a view	Beachcombing
Noss Mayo	Revelstoke Drive trail	Pub lunch	Cliff-top walking trail
Plymouth	Plymouth Hoe	Local gin	Historic harbor walk

Totnes – Boho Meets Medieval

The next stop will be an inland destination. Time stands still in the characterful market town of Totnes. Walk up the hill to study the Norman Totnes Castle before enjoying market-made crafts and searching for vintage clothing and spiritual crystals throughout the city. The River Dart panorama can be seen while enjoying wine-tasting experiences at Sharpham Vineyard.

Dartmouth – By the Water’s Edge

Dartmouth stands as a town that would charm readers from fairy tales. Various sailboat vessels float on the River Dart beneath the medieval architectural structures of the town which provides dine-in seafood experiences with recently harvested fish. Visitors should take a voyage to Dartmouth Castle to explore the site while boarding a boat to survey the coastal landscape.

Slapton Sands – Beauty with a Story

Located only a few miles south along the coast visitors can find Slapton Sands which provides a long stretch of pebble beach alongside a sorrowful historical background. Billericay served WWII purposes by serving as a D-Day training area where soldiers received training before becoming involved in Exercise Tiger which led to a tragic accident. The recovered Sherman tank functions as a solemn tribute after being salvaged from ocean waters. The beach at present retains its tranquil nature as visitors prefer it for evening contemplation during sunset walks.

Noss Mayo – Hidden Gem of the Coast

Located at the mouth of River Yealm rests Noss Mayo which serves as a serene photographic paradise suitable for hikers. Embark on a 6¼-mile guided trail at Revelstoke Drive as it takes you from woods into fields through exceptional South Hams seascapes. The waterfront-dominating Ship Inn welcomes lunchtime visitors who can enjoy their meal while enjoying coastal views.

Final Thoughts

This South Devon driving route introduces visitors to numerous English sites which range from historic cathedral structures down to castle remnants and beyond to striking coastal rock formations with concealed cove beaches. This journey gives you fun at the beach, drinks at the pubs, and lots of captivating photo opportunities while delivering excitement combined with rest and memories that stay in your mind past the road trip conclusion.

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