A Relaxed Day Out to Brixham, Paignton & Torquay by Bus
Enjoy a full day exploring the English Riviera using the Stagecoach Route 12. From the historic harbour at Brixham and the thrills of Splashdown Quaywest to an evening meal overlooking Torquay Marina, this itinerary is the perfect way to experience South Devon without the need for a car.
Start your Day out in Torbay by Bus
Walking distance: Approximately 2½–3 miles (4–5 km)
Duration: Full day (9:30am–Evening)
Bus route: Stagecoach Route 12
Starting point: Town Square (Stand A), Brixham
9:30am – Arrive in Brixham by route 12 from Paignton, Torquay or Newton Abbot
Begin your day at Town Square (Stand A) in Brixham.
Walking directions to the Golden Hind
- Leave Town Square via New Road towards the harbour.
- Continue downhill until you reach The Quay.
- Turn left and follow the waterfront.
- The Golden Hind Museum Ship is moored along the harbour and is easy to spot.
Walking time: Approximately 3 minutes
Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful views across Brixham Harbour, one of Devon’s busiest fishing ports.
9:35am – Visit the Golden Hind
Step aboard the full-size replica of Sir Francis Drake’s famous ship and discover what life was like for Tudor sailors.
Highlights
- Captain’s cabin
- Gun deck
- Crew quarters
- Interactive exhibits
- Harbour photography opportunities
After your visit, enjoy a leisurely stroll around the harbour before making your way back to the bus stop.
Suggested time: Around 1 hour 10 minutes
10:45am – Return to the Bus Stop
Retrace your steps back to Brixham town centre.
Walking directions
Walking time: Approximately 5 minutes
11:00am – Travel to Splashdown Quaywest
Board the Stagecoach Route 12 towards Newton Abbot.
Bus details
Board: Town Square (Stand C), Brixham
Alight: The Big Tree Fisher St, Dartmouth Road
Journey time: Approximately 20–25 minutes
11:25am – Walk to Splashdown Quaywest
From Torbay Leisure Centre, it’s a short walk to the waterpark.
Walking directions
- Leave the bus stop.
- Walk towards Goodrington Sands.
- Follow signs for Splashdown Quaywest.
- Continue along Tanners Road.
- The entrance is beside Goodrington Beach.
Walking time: 5–7 minutes
11:30am – Enjoy Splashdown Quaywest
Spend the afternoon at the UK’s largest outdoor waterpark.
Highlights
- Outdoor flume rides
- Wave rides
- Children’s splash zones
- Lazy River
- Goodrington Beach
- There are cafés and picnic areas throughout the park if you’d like to stop for lunch.
Suggested time: Around 4 hours
3:30pm – Return to the Bus Stop
Walk back to The Bigs Tree Fisher St, Dartmouth Road to continue your journey.
Walking time: 5–7 minutes
3:45pm – Travel to Torquay
Board the Stagecoach Route 12 towards Newton Abbot.
Bus details
Board: The Big Tree Fisher St, Dartmouth Road
Alight: Torquay Harbourside
Journey time: Approximately 15 minutes
4:00pm – Explore Torquay Harbour
From Torquay Harbourside, it’s just a short stroll to the marina.
Walking directions
- Leave the bus stop.
- Walk towards the marina.
- Cross the road.
- Follow Vaughan Parade for around two minutes.
Walking time: Approximately 2 minutes
4:10pm – Explore Torquay Harbour
Spend the late afternoon exploring one of Devon’s most picturesque waterfronts.
Highlights
- Princess Pier
- Torquay Marina
- Harbour Bridge
- Boutique shops
- Ice cream and coffee stops
- Views across Torbay
Suggested time: Around 2 hours
6:00pm – Evening Meal at Torquay Harbour
Round off your day with dinner overlooking the marina.
Recommended restaurant
Rockfish Torquay (Highly recommended)
Serving fresh, locally landed seafood with spectacular harbour views, Rockfish is one of Torquay’s most popular waterfront restaurants.
Alternatively, Vaughan Parade and Beacon Quay offer a wide variety of restaurants and cafés to suit every taste.
Take your time, relax and enjoy the evening atmosphere as the boats return to the harbour.
Return Home
When you’re ready to leave, walk back to the Torquay Harbourside bus stop.
Bus details
Board: Torquay Harbourside
Choose the appropriate Stagecoach Route 12 service for your onward journey:
Services run regularly throughout the evening.
Suggested Timetable
Time Activity
9:30am Arrive at Town Square (Stand A), Brixham
9:35am Walk to the Golden Hind
9:35am–10:45am Visit the Golden Hind
10:45am Walk to Town Square (Stand C)
11:00am Board Stagecoach Route 12
11:25am Arrive at Torbay Leisure Centre
11:30am–3:30pm Splashdown Quaywest
3:45pm Board Stagecoach Route 12
4:00pm Arrive at Torquay Harbourside
4:10pm–6:00pm Explore Torquay Harbour
6:00pm onwards Evening meal overlooking the harbour
Evening Return home on Stagecoach Route 12
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.