A Relaxed Day Out to Tavistock & Plymouth by Bus

Enjoy a full day exploring the historic market town of Tavistock before returning to Plymouth to discover its waterfront, museums and famous landmarks. Using the Stagecoach Route 1, this itinerary offers a relaxed day out with regular bus services and around 3½–4 miles (5.5–6.5 km) of walking.

 

Start your Day out in Tavistock and Plymouth by Bus

Walking distance: Approximately 3½–4 miles (5.5–6.5 km)

Duration: Full day (8:30am–5:30pm+)

Bus route: Stagecoach Route 1

Starting point: Royal Parade Stop A20, Plymouth City Centre

 

8:30am – Travel to Tavistock

Begin your day by boarding the Stagecoach Route 1 towards Tavistock Bus Station.

Bus details

Board: Royal Parade Stop A20, Plymouth City Centre

If you’re starting elsewhere in Plymouth, simply board any Route 1 service heading towards Tavistock and remain on the bus until the terminus.

Journey time: Approximately 1 hour 15 minutes

 

9:45am – Explore Tavistock

Step off at Tavistock Bus Station and enjoy a leisurely stroll around this charming market town on the edge of Dartmoor National Park.

Highlights

• Bedford Square
• Tavistock Pannier Market (if open)
• St Eustachius’ Church
• River Tavy
• Independent cafés, shops and boutiques

Suggested time: Approximately 1 hour 30 minutes

 

11:15am – Return to Plymouth

Board the Stagecoach Route 1 towards Plymouth City Centre.

Bus details

Board: Tavistock Bus Station

Alight: Royal Parade Stop A20

Journey time: Approximately 1 hour

 

12:20pm – Visit The Box

From Royal Parade, make your way to The Box, Plymouth’s award-winning museum, gallery and archive.

Walking directions

• Leave Royal Parade via the pedestrian crossing towards Exeter Street.
• Continue straight onto Tavistock Place.
• The Box is directly ahead.

Walking time: 5 minutes

Explore fascinating exhibitions covering Plymouth’s history, art and natural world.

Suggested time: 60–90 minutes

 

1:40pm – Walk to the Barbican

Make your way to Plymouth’s historic waterfront.

Walking directions

• Leave The Box.
• Walk down Old Town Street.
• Continue onto New Street.
• Follow signs towards Sutton Harbour.
• Enter the historic Barbican via Southside Street.

Walking time: Approximately 10 minutes

 

1:50pm – Lunch on the Barbican

The Barbican offers a fantastic choice of independent cafés and restaurants overlooking the harbour.

Recommended places to eat

• Monty’s Café (Highly recommended): A popular independent café serving breakfasts, sandwiches, cakes and light lunches.
• Barbican Pasta Bar: A great choice for freshly prepared Italian dishes.
• The Harbour Seafood Restaurant & Takeaway: Ideal for enjoying fresh local seafood.

Suggested time: Around 1 hour

 

2:45pm – Explore the Barbican (H3)

After lunch, spend some time wandering through one of Plymouth’s most historic areas.

Highlights

• Sutton Harbour
• Historic Elizabethan streets
• Independent galleries
• Boutique shops
• Waterfront views

 

3:30pm – Visit the Mayflower Steps

Continue east along the Barbican, walking past the harbour and following signs for the Mayflower Steps.

Walking time: 2–3 minutes

This historic landmark commemorates the departure of the Pilgrims aboard the Mayflower in 1620 and offers excellent views across Plymouth Sound.

Suggested time: 20 minutes

 

3:50pm – Walk to Tinside Lido

From the Mayflower Steps, enjoy a scenic walk up to Plymouth Hoe.

Walking directions

• Return slightly towards the Barbican entrance.
• Walk uphill via Lambhay Hill.
• Join Hoe Road.
• Cross Plymouth Hoe.
• Continue towards the seafront.
• Follow signs to Tinside Lido.

Walking time: Approximately 15 minutes

 

4:10pm – Visit Tinside Lido

Perched on Plymouth Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound, Tinside Lido is one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor seawater swimming pools.

Whether you’re stopping for photographs, enjoying the coastal views or taking a swim during the summer season, it’s the perfect place to relax before heading home.

Suggested time: 45–60 minutes

 

5:15pm – Return to Royal Parade

Walk back into Plymouth city centre.

Walking directions

• Leave Tinside Lido.
• Cross Plymouth Hoe.
• Continue along Armada Way.
• Return to Royal Parade.

Walking time: Approximately 15 minutes

 

5:30pm onwards – Catch Your Bus Home

Board the Stagecoach Route 1 from Royal Parade Stop A20.

Choose the appropriate Route 1 service for your onward journey, whether you’re travelling towards Tavistock, Yelverton, or another destination served by the route.

 

Suggested Timetable

Time                                     Activity

8:30am                                 Board Stagecoach Route 1 at Royal Parade Stop A20

9:45am                                 Arrive in Tavistock

9:45am–11:15am                 Explore Tavistock

11:15am                               Return to Plymouth on Stagecoach Route 1

12:15pm                               Arrive at Royal Parade

12:20pm–1:30pm                 Visit The Box

1:40pm                                 Walk to the Barbican

1:50pm–2:45pm                   Lunch on the Barbican

2:45pm–3:30pm                   Explore the Barbican

3:30pm                                 Visit the Mayflower Steps

3:50pm                                 Walk to Tinside Lido

4:10pm–5:00pm                   Relax at Tinside Lido

5:15pm                                 Walk back to Royal Parade

 

Travel Tips

A Stagecoach Day ticket offers unlimited travel on eligible services throughout the day and can provide excellent value.

Check the latest bus timetables/ plan your journey before travelling. You can also buy your ticket via the Stagecoach app for easy boarding.

Wear comfortable footwear, as each itinerary includes short walks between bus stops and attractions.

During the summer months, services to the coast can be particularly busy, so allow extra time for your journey.