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Devon is packed with a variety of fun filled FREE activities or low cost entry fees that won’t break the bank. From days out at the beach to taking in local history, check out our picks of great value days out across the South West.
Plus, you can travel together for less with a Stagecoach Group ticket! The bargain ticket offers a day's unlimited travel for up to five people travelling together; a great way to enjoy low cost days out with your favourite people. And, with the cap on single bus fares still in place, bus users pay no more than £2 for a single journey when boarding the bus this summer.
Torbay
Take in a seafront walk along the coast of Torbay and be blown away by the breathtaking sights of Torquay, Paignton or Brixham. The English Riviera is home to a variety of beaches that make up the bay, perfect for a beach picnic or sand friendly sports. If you don’t fancy sand in your shoes, pop along to Paignton Harbour to soak up the sun and take in the sights of the many fishing boats.
Occombe Farm is a family-friendly farm park offering fun for all the family. The Farm also provides funds towards many green spaces in Torbay, so by enjoying a day out here you can help the environment! The farm features a shop, café, park and indoor and outdoor play areas.
What Bus?
Buses to Occombe Farm: From Outside Paignton Library on route 60, if coming from Newton abbot or Torquay you can catch the number 12 to the bus station and hop on the 60 from just over the road!
Buses to Torquay, Paignton & Brixham: From Newton Abbot catch the number 12 to Torquay, Paignton & Brixham. From Teignmouth or Dawlish pick up the 22 to Torquay you could hop on the number 12 onto Paignton or Brixham, buses run every 12 mins.
From Exeter pick up the number 7 then onto the number 12 to Torquay, Paignton & Brixham.
Exeter
Exeter’s has a variety of free visitor attractions to explore, which means days out in this historic city are perfect for those travelling on a budget.
Take a walk along the beautiful Exeter Quayside which is steeped in history. You can take in the sights surrounding the river basin or walk further by starting at the Custom House Visitor Centre, along the water and passing Exeter Canal to go through Countess Wear. The Cycle paths along the quayside connect you to Topsham and beyond. Or if you fancy a relaxed day out, why not visit one of the many pubs or restaurants which line the route.
Other things to do on a budget around Exeter…
Take a Self-Guided Heritage Trail, both the City Wall Trail or the Medieval Trail offer insights into Exeter’s rich history. You can pick up a trail leaflet from the Custom House Visitor Centre which can be found on Exeter Quayside or download a copy here.
Visit Exeter’s world class Royal Albert Memorial Museum & Art Gallery to explore extraordinary displays and galleries, there are lots of activities to do during your visit, from museum tours and trails, to the fun interactive beastie bags on offer to accompany you on your visit.
What Bus?
Catch any Exeter city services from the outskirts of the city, or rural services 1,2,4,5/5A/5B/5C,6/6A,7,9/9A, 38, 39, 55, 57, 58, 355 which bring you through to Exeter Bus Station. For Exeter Quay, hope on the Green Park and Ride from Sowton, Matford or Exeter City Centre.
North Devon
North Devon has miles of beautiful coastline with sandy beaches, spectacular views, fantastic waves and wonderful trails. The area around Croyde, Saunton and Braunton has some of the best surf in the country and the coast forms part of the North Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty perfect for exploring via the South West Coast Path and the various walking and cycling trails.
Other things to do on a budget around North Devon…
Visit the wonderful picturesque Clovelly Village, steeped in maritime history and once owned by the Queen of England. There is an admission fee however this includes, entrance to the village, Clovelly film show, The Fishermans Cottage, access to craft workshops, Kingsley museum, the famous Donkeys, welcoming Inns and Clovelly Court Gardens at the top of the village.
Visit RHS Garden Rosemoor in Great Torrington, the Gardens are set in a beautiful valley in the heart of North Devon, which is a 65 acre haven for wildlife. There are Garden rooms to explore each themed to celebrate the seasons in different styles, plus two dedicated Rose gardens with over 250 different varieties of flowers. This is a great place for families to explore and let their imaginations run wild on the woodland walks. You can even try your hand at den making or follow the leaf rubbing trail!
PLUS if you visit RHS Garden Rosemoor and you’ve travel by bus, you can save 30% on your entry ticket as they offer a car-free travel ticket option! All you need is to show them your bus ticket as proof that you didn’t travel by car!
For some more family fun why not visit Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park, this family run park is set in the Combe Martin valley and is over 28 acres of spectacular gardens within the North Devon Area of Outstanding Beauty. PLUS if you live locally, you could pay as little as just £1 per ticket! Details of this discount are available here.
What Bus?
For Beaches: Hop onto the 21C from Barnstaple Bus Station for Croyde Bay, Saunton & Braunton.
For Clovelly Village: Take the 319 from Bideford or Barnstaple Bus Station.
For RHS Garden Rosemoor: Catch the 5B, which runs from Exeter to Barnstaple, stopping at the entrance to RHS Rosemoor, six times a day, Monday–Saturday (excluding public holidays).
For Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park: Catch the 301 which runs from Barnstaple to Combe Martin stopping directly at the entrance to the Wildlife Park, this service runs hourly, Monday to Saturday (excluding public holiday)
Plymouth
Plymouth is a unique vibrant waterfront city and there are many places you can visit for free or on a budget.
Why not go for some family fun at The Box, which is a free to visit, award winning museum. The attractions features some amazing artwork and fascinating objects to explore.
Or take in the beautiful sea views with a walk along Plymouth Hoe. If you plan ahead and pack a picnic you can relax in the large grassed area complete with sensory garden. Plus the hoe is home to memorials, sports activities and a range of café’s, so you’ll be sure to find something fun for all.
Take in the sights from the Royal Citadel and Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse. Below the Hoe Road, undercover seating areas are situated all the way down to the sea. From here you can fish, swim or take in the marine life on the pebble beach. Also, a restored 1935 art deco lido sits in pride of place, this fantastic water pool is open from April to September.
What Bus?
To arrive in Plymouth Royal Parade you can catch Route 1 from Tavistock, 1A from Sherford, Route 2 from Mount Batten, 2/2A from Saltash, Route 3 from Kingsbridge or the Gold from Paignton. Bus Routes 4/30/31/54 and 200 also serve Royal Parade.