Our Golden Hop open tops are back featuring our friendly bus hoppers! After much anticipation we’re reintroducing the route to Torbay connecting Babbacombe, St Marychurch, Torquay Harbour, Paignton and Paignton Zoo, 7 days a week. Check out the timetable here.
Like many Brits you might be planning a staycation this summer, so why not head to our amazing Devon coast? During your stay there is no better way to see the sights of our glorious Torbay, than from the top deck of our Golden Hop, starting up again from 1st August 2020.
Feel the fresh sea air from across the English Channel while you take in a stunning scenic route from Paignton to Babbacombe, this experience is a real treat for the whole family, and provides a unique view of the South Devon coast line that will be a memorable trip in your Devon holiday.
The route encompasses many of the area’s most popular hotels and attractions including Babbacombe’s Theatre, Cliff Railway and Model Village. Views from the top deck are stunning and in particular the return route from Paignton Zoo runs via Penwill Way which features some of the bay’s most picture perfect scenery. Here, you can hop off for Torbay Leisure Centre, Splashdown Quaywest and Goodrington.
Places you can visit on the Golden Hop:
- Paignton Zoo is a great family day out with over 2,500 animals across 80 acres. You can get up close to some of the animal wonders of the world across specially designed habitats - from the savannah to the wetlands and the tropical forest. The zoo also features numerous play areas and a unique Jungle Express train.
- Splashdown Quaywest is the UK's biggest outdoor waterpark. The park is idyllically placed with spectacular views and 8 adrenalin-pumping flume rides, where you can slide outside on the sunny sands at Goodrington.
- Babbacombe Model Village is branded as one of Europe's Premier Model Villages and 4 acres of award-winning gardens . You can feel like a giant as you step through the small entrance and the vast miniature world opens up before you. The attraction showcases hundreds of model scenes, vehicles and people.
- Dinosaur World is an award winning attraction featuring a fun interactive indoor exhibition that brings the world of dinosaurs to life. You can see amazing full size and scaled dinosaurs and discover fossils. As well as learning about these awesome beasts you can also enjoy a fun Family Explorer Quiz and even sit on a deadly dinosaur!
- Kents Cavern is one of Europe’s top and most exciting Stone Age caves, with an extensive labyrinth of spectacular and easily accessible caverns. Take an entertaining guided tour of the caves to explore passageways and chambers where you can get up close with thousands of year old cave formations.
- Babbacombe Cliff Railway was built in 1926 and has shuttled hundreds of thousands to and from Oddicombe Beach. Travel to and from the water’s edge while you soak up the peaceful atmosphere and take in some of the most breathtaking scenery to be found in the UK.
- Bygones features an authentic life-size Victorian Street, showcasing a Blacksmith, Sweetshop, nursery, kitchen, parlour and even a dentist! The attraction also hosts a completely refurbished model railway, a WWII Anderson Shelter and a 1950’s and 60’s shopping arcade. A range of cakes and refreshments are available at the Station Café.
- Torquay Museum is a hands-on family-friendly visitor attraction where you can travel back through 400 million years of time. The museum features a wide variety of exhibitions throughout the year, from child-friendly summer blockbusters to fascinating exhibitions about South Devon’s amazing archaeology, geology and people.
Buy one of our great value day tickets and you can hop on and off the Golden Hop as often as you like!
Use our bus ticket finder to explore our other great value fares.
So whether you’re taking in the views and relaxing on board, or if you want to hop on and hop off to visit attractions in the area- we’ve got a ticket for you- and don’t forget your camera when you ride the 122 – you’re bound to get some awesome snaps of the town and seafront. Why not tweet us your pics @stagecoachsw, using the hashtag #GoldenHopPics, to share your best holiday moments with us!
You can plan their journey on the 122 – and all other South West bus services - by downloading the free Stagecoach app, available in the App and Play stores. You can also use the app to buy day or 1 week mobile tickets.