10 great Devon day trips by train this summer

Forget the hassle of traffic and parking – with so many local adventures to be had, where will the train take you this summer? Check out 10 of our favourite destinations:

---

1. PLYMOUTH

Hit the shops at Drake Circus, explore the Barbican or take a dip in Tinside Lido. Visit the National Marine Aquarium, try the IMAX at The Barcode and discover The Box, the city’s museum and gallery.

2. EXETER

Relax on the historic quayside, explore the shops including John Lewis and other major retailers or take a tour of the city’s medieval underground passageways. The Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Art Gallery is just a 2-minute walk from Exeter Central station.

3. TEIGNMOUTH & DAWLISH

Enjoy the coastal views from the train (pictured top) and visit these two seaside gems. Explore Dawlish and spot its famous black swans, and in Teignmouth (pictured) check out the grand pier. Then take the ferry across to Shaldon with its zoo and hidden beach accessed via an old smugglers’ tunnel.

4. THE ENGLISH RIVIERA

Take the Riviera Line to explore the harbour in Torquay (pictured), wander Paignton’s Victorian pier and even swap on to a steam train for a trip on the Dartmouth Steam Railway. There are also onward buses to Brixham.

5. TOTNES

With its thriving market, lively shopping and café scene and impressive castle (pictured), there’s lots to see and do. From Totnes station take a trip back in time on the South Devon Railway.

6. DARTMOOR

Visit Okehampton by train. The station has a fab cafe and is a great starting point for Dartmoor walks, the Granite Way and exploring Okehampton and its English Heritage castle.

7. EXMOUTH

Explore two miles of glorious sandy beach, the Exe Estuary Trail cycle path or the South West Coast Path. Or plan a day at sea with a boat trip.

8. THE TAMAR VALLEY

Take the Tamar Valley Line from Plymouth and explore the picturesque village of Bere Ferrers (pictured) for great walks and top food at the village pub. Continue up the line into Cornwall, hopping off at Calstock for a riverside and woodland walk to Cotehele National Trust.

9. NORTH DEVON

Hop on the scenic Tarka Line to Barnstaple to explore North Devon. Explore the Tarka Trail right from the station, explore Barnstaple’s Pannier Market or take an onward bus from right outside the station. From Lynton & Lynmouth, Combe Martin and Ilfracombe (pictured), to Instow and Bideford – where will you go?

10. JURASSIC COAST

By onward bus from Honiton and Axminster stations

Hop on the East Devon Line for onward buses at Honiton and Axminster stations to visit the beautiful beaches and charming seaside towns of the Jurassic Coast. Explore the historic Seaton Tramway, the red cliffs of Sidmouth or go fossil hunting in Lyme Regis (pictured).

---

Top tip – Get a Devon & Cornwall Railcard!

Live locally? Don’t miss out on great savings with a Devon & Cornwall Railcard (just £12 a year and now available online). Save a third on many fares for you and a friend. You can also bring up to four children for just £1 each.