How to Explore South Devon Like a Local: Travel Freedom with Your Own Ride

Most tourists visit the well-known hotspots, but it is the out-of-the-way places that only locals really know about. And the secret to finding them? The independence of having your own vehicle.

Whether you're off on a summer break or a peaceful autumn retreat, car hire provides the freedom to discover the area's secret gems at your leisure. Here's how to live like a local in South Devon — and why having your own transport makes all the difference.

Begin in Totnes: The Bohemian Heart

Start in Totnes, a lively market town with an artistic vibe, green-minded population, and alternative shops. As great as public transport is to Totnes, by having your own vehicle, you can explore the countryside that encompasses it — from Sharpham Vineyard to the tranquil River Dart walks.

Locals enjoy strolling through the Totnes Market every Friday and Saturday, tasting organic produce, homemade crafts, and retro treasures. Park nearby and delight in strolling along its cobblestone streets with no hurry.

Find Secluded Beaches

South Devon's coast is beautiful — and although beaches such as Blackpool Sands and Slapton Sands are popular, many locals have a favorite out-of-the-way spot. Enjoy.

With your own transport, you can take serpentine coastal roads to spots such as Beesands, Strete Gate, or Soar Mill Cove — beaches that are usually overlooked by bus travelers or those on tours. You'll have less competition, cleaner sand, and room to picnic or swim quietly.

Have a pair of walking shoes in the boot — some of the beaches are best reached by scenic walks.

Relish the Liberty to Detour

One of the greatest perks of owning your own vehicle is the freedom to go on impromptu detours. Spot a quaint farm shop? Stop and go in. Catch sight of a road sign directing you to a "secret" vantage point? Take it. This is the type of liberty that makes traveling in South Devon feel as though you're actually living there.

These diversions tend to lead to the discovery of such things as family-owned tearooms, neighborhood cider farms, and tiny churches nestled in hills.

A Quick Thought on Global Travel Freedom

Such travel independence is not unique to the UK. It's actually becoming more and more trendy to explore international destinations with your own set of wheels. If you're ever in the Middle East, consider booking a rental car in Dubai to experience the city and its desert outskirts with the same level of independence. From Sheikh Zayed Road's skyscrapers to Al Qudra's dunes, an independent set of wheels makes it all worthwhile there as well.

Dartmoor National Park: Unspoiled Beauty

No South Devon local road trip is complete without a visit to Dartmoor National Park. Famous for its extensive moorland, granite tors, and wild ponies, Dartmoor provides a dramatic backdrop to the coast.

Drive through quaint villages such as Widecombe-in-the-Moor or Chagford, visit the famous Haytor, and take in picture-perfect picnic spots that locals treasure like jewels. Due to the limited number of public transport options available here, a car is necessary to discover the inner reaches of the park.

Locals prefer to suggest driving the lesser-used roads — such as the B3212 between Yelverton and Moretonhampstead — for scenery that is second to none.

Take the Food Trail

Devon is a gourmet's dream, and some of the area's finest food experiences are found in hidden rural spots or tiny seaside villages. With a car, you can drive yourself around on a food tour: Begin with seafood in Brixham, Devon cream tea in Dartmouth, and end with a pub pint along the road to Kingsbridge.

The South Devon Food & Drink Trail is another useful resource, and with your own transport, you can devise a tailor-made route around what takes your fancy. A lot of the local restaurants get their ingredients from nearby farms, so you can get a true flavor of the area.

Stay in Local Hideaways

With flexible transport, you're not bound to hotels in close vicinity to train stations or towns. You can rather reserve locally-owned cottages, farm stays, or glamping pods located in villages at a cheaper rate compared to urban lodgings.

Wake up to the birds singing instead of traffic noises. Walk through fields rather than busy pavements. These are the little things, but important ways in which you can experience life as a local — and it is only achievable if you can come and go as you choose.

Travel Tips for Road Driving in South Devon

Narrow Lanes: Many rural roads are single-carriageway with passing places. Drive slowly and be considerate.

• Fuel Up: Rural towns have fewer petrol stations, so don't run low on fuel.

• Navigation: Mobile signal is poor in some areas, so download offline maps beforehand.

• Parking: Paid parking is common in most towns; have some coins or a payment app on hand.

Final Thoughts

South Devon is not all about stunning beaches and villages, their photo-perfect condition a visitor's main draw. It's an existence. Beyond the sightseeing, when you drive through it, you're involved in that existence. Whether you're taking early morning picnics on deserted cliffs or spontaneous stops at viewpoints along hilltops, the liberty of having your own vehicle is what makes a vacation more than just that — it's an experience.

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