Pumpkin spice season is upon us, avoid the unpredictable weather and get there by bus. The South West has so much to offer, from idyllic countryside walks to some great grub hot spots.
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.
Exeter
Exeter has some great heritage houses, offering an array of autumnal activities. Powderham Castle on the banks of the River Exe, houses over 600 years of history. There is plenty on throughout the Autumn season from walking groups to a food and drink festival on 5th – 6th October.
A short walk from the Castle, the 2 between Newton Abbott and Exeter serves Castle Gates Bus stop.
As the trees change colour, enjoy a stroll at The Donkey Sanctuary. Embark on a special donkey quest to uncover the golden treasure hidden away in the heart of the sanctuary. See lots of friendly donkeys along the way and enjoy family fun, exercise and brainpower for just £5 per trail.
Our 9A service, between Exeter and Seaton, stops just a short walk from Donkey Sanctuary. The service runs hourly.
Trick or treat yourself to a spooky day out by bus. Exeter has a number of Halloween activities, put your pumpkin carving to the test or discover Exeter's ‘Haunted’ history.
Dare you visit the spooky Crealy Halloween attractions? This October, Spook-Fest returns to Crealy featuring new ghoulish attractions, family favorites and plenty of entertainment for all. If you’re heading to the city center, check out a guided Halloween tour through the Underground passage or ‘Ghosts & Legends’ city tour.
Our 9/9a bus service connects Exeter, Sidbury, Honiton, Seaton to Crealy Adventure park.
English Riviera
Zip up those coats and enjoy a fun filled day at the beach! As well as stretches of sandy beach to walk the four legged friends, there’s a bucket (and spade) load of fun at the Paignton pier.
Paignton Pier has a variety of indoor activities to keep you entertained, and entry is free! Enjoy the arcade with over 300 machines old and new, grab a bite to eat at one of the many food outlets along the pier, or challenge friends and family to a game of indoor mini golf.
Paignton Bus Station is well served by several bus journeys across South Devon. To plan the best journey for you, check out our journey planer
If you are looking for some time away from the tides, Bygones, located in Babbacombe Torquay, is one of Devon’s top attractions and provides a perfect place for a day inside.
Bygones have a variety of interactive displays, over 2000 artifacts and a window into the world of yesteryear. The attraction offers 3 floors of pure nostalgia for the family, with exhibits celebrating and highlighting different aspects of Britan's past.
Using Hampton Avenue Bus Stop (Inbound) or United Reform Church Bus stop (Outbound) Bygones is accessible on route 22, connecting you to Dawlish and Paignton.
Let the fireworks fly at one of the English Rivera's amazing displays. Grab your gloves and join the crowds in Paignton, Torquay, Babbacombe and Brixham. Check out a full list of firework displays in the English Riveira here
North Devon
Autumn in North Devon brings colder temperatures and quieter beaches, making the perfect time for leisurely strolls on the coastline.
The South West Coast path runs through Devon, stretching over 630 miles of beautiful coastlines and coastal towns. Running journeys across Devon, several of our services can get you to the South WestCoast path. Soyou can hop on and off our services along the path.
The below services will get you to the Coast path;
21/A/C Barnstaple – Bideford – Ilfracombe
You can join the Coast path in Ilfracombe, Saunton, Croyde, Barnstaple, Instow, Bideford and Westward Ho!
301 Combe Martin – Barnstaple
You can join the Coast path in Barnstaple, Ilfracombe, Berrynarbour and Combe Martin
You can join the Coast path in Barnstaple, Bideford and Clovely.
Visit the wonderful picturesque Clovelly Village, steeped in maritime history and once owned by the Queen of England. The admission fee 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.
The 319 runs between Barnstaple and Hartland, serving Clovelly at several bus stops including the visitor centre car park.
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 the changing season 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!
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).
Creep it real and have some wicked fun this Halloween. The BIG Sheep are hosting several Halloween themed events for all ages, plus they’re offering a FREE pumpkin for every child with an on-line booking.
The 319 that runs between Barnstaple and Hartland, serves The BIG Sheep in Abbotsham.
Plymouth
Explore the beauty that Plymouth has to offer by bus.
It’s a bit colder out but Plymouth’s beautiful countryside is still packed with great locations to enjoy some fresh air.
Take in the beautiful sea views with a walk along Plymouth Hoe and 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.
If your looking to escape the colder weather, there’s plenty to explore indoors!
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.
Theatre Royal Plymouth hosts a variety of performances, putting on a varied program throughout the year including classics, dramas, musical productions and more.
Enjoy a day celebrating the arts, catch a play or sing along to your favourite musical at the leading theatre in the South West all whilst escaping the colder weather.
Royal Parade stops, directly outside of the theatre, is well connected with the following services stopping throughout the day;
1A,2,3,4/A/B/C and the GOLD service