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To celebrate National Car Free Day on Sunday 22nd September, the DevonBus Partnership* are offering free bus travel all day for residents and visitors on selected routes across Devon.
To help you plan your adventure, here are some ideas for bus-accessible day trips from Exeter that allow you to sit back and discover Devon’s rich history, coastline and natural beauty, while enjoying the convenience and sustainability of public transport.
Travelling by rail is also an easy, scenic option – check out our Exeter by train itineraries for further inspiration.
Topsham
Just a short bus ride away from Exeter is the picturesque maritime town of Topsham, where you can take a wander through the narrow streets lined with historic Dutch-style houses, learn about the town’s maritime history and enjoy stunning views of the River Exe Estuary from one of the fantastic pubs here! Take the Stagecoach 57 bus from Exeter to Topsham – view timetable.
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Powderham Castle
Hop on the Stagecoach 2 bus from Exeter towards Newton Abbot and stop off at Powderham, one of Devon’s oldest family homes. Located beside the Exe Estuary, this grand castle offers guided tours, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a chance to see wildlife in the deer park – view timetable.
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Killerton House
Escape into the countryside with the Stagecoach 1 bus to Killerton, a beautiful 18th century National Trust estate just outside Exeter. Killerton’s historic mansion is surrounded by stunning gardens and an extensive parkland, perfect for a peaceful stroll.
Inside the house, you’ll find an impressive collection of antiques, fashion, and historical exhibits including the current exhibition 'Playing by the rules: Childhood, dress and imagination' which delves into the world of children's clothing within the Killerton collection.
Killerton is an approximately 1km walk from the 'Killerton Turn' stop. The first 60m is along a grass verge and thereafter is a mix of gravel and tarmac shared cycleway. View timetable.
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Sidmouth and the Donkey Sanctuary
The Stagecoach 9A bus service takes you to the beautiful seaside town of Sidmouth, a charming Regency town on the Jurassic Coast, with stunning cliffs, beaches, and gardens. Spend your day exploring the award-winning Connaught Gardens, relaxing on the beach, or walking along the South West Coast Path to take in the breathtaking sea views.
You could also stop off at the Donkey Sanctuary, a fantastic family-friendly attraction which offers free entry, making it a great, budget-friendly option for a day out! View the bus timetable here.
Tiverton and the Grand Western Canal
Catch the Stagecoach 55 scenic bus route from Exeter to Tiverton, a historic market town on the banks of the River Exe. Tiverton has a fascinating heritage, and a stroll around the town reveals its medieval history, from the Old Tiverton Castle to the 17th-century St Peter's Church - view timetable.
A real highlight here is the Grand Western Canal, where you can enjoy a peaceful canal-side walk, or even take a traditional horse-drawn barge trip for a truly unique experience.
Exmouth
Catch the Stagecoach 57 service from Exeter to Exmouth, home to one of Devon’s longest sandy beaches and perfect for a day on the beach. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can try your hand at watersports like paddleboarding or kayaking, and if you're a fan of fresh seafood, Exmouth’s Marina is a great place to sample local dishes at one of the town’s waterfront restaurants. View the timetable here.
From here, you can take a boat trip along the River Exe with Stuart Line Cruises, or catch a ferry across the Estuary to Starcross, where you can then hop on the bus or train back to Exeter!
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Dartmoor
For a car-free adventure to one of Devon’s most iconic landscapes, take the Stagecoach 6A bus to Okehampton, a gateway to the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park - view timetable.
Follow one of the network of footpaths which criss-cross the beautiful surrounding moorland, providing a wide variety of walks to suit every ability. The remains of Okehampton Castle are also within easy reach to explore.
*The free Sunday travel is being delivered through the DevonBus Partnership, in conjunction with our bus operators – Stagecoach, Tally Ho, Dartline, Torbay Buses and Filers Travel. It is supported by funding from both Devon County Council and Torbay Council through the Bus Service Improvement Plan.
For anyone travelling by bus on other days, all bus journeys across Devon are capped at a £2 single fare until December 2024.
Visit Stagecoach South West for help in planning your journey, or use the Devon interactive bus map.
Related
A fascinating and quaint historic estuary port, Topsham has some fine architecture. There are Dutch traders’ houses and fine examples of buildings from Georgian and Edwardian times.
Immerse yourself in over 600 years of history at Powderham, the family home of The Earl of Devon. Enjoy the flexibility of our UNLIMITED seven-day free return on all full-priced tickets, ensuring you make the most of your visit.
Stagecoach South West is the principal bus operator in Exeter and across the whole of Devon. It offers a comprehensive network of Exeter city services as well as regular services to destinations including Exmouth, Sidmouth, Dawlish and Teignmouth.
Explore Killerton, one of Devon's great estates, with a landscape garden, parkland, Georgian house and renowned fashion collection.
Bring out the best in your herd and make memories that last a lifetime at The Donkey Sanctuary. Meet hundreds of adorable rescue donkeys for FREE and discover so much more besides.
A family owned passenger boat business operating from Exmouth. With sailings along the East & South Devon coastline & River Exe. A large variety of trips available from scenic river cruises to all day excursions. Operating all year round.
Dartmoor National Park is one of the last great wildernesses in the UK with an inspirational landscape of heatherclad moors and rugged tors.
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