A relaxed Autumn day trip to Exeter by bus
Discover East Devon’s coast and countryside with this easy, self‑guided autumn itinerary by bus. From Exmouth’s long promenade and dog‑friendly beach to Darts Farm’s seasonal produce and Topsham’s riverside charm, everything is accessible by the Stagecoach Route 57 service from Exeter Bus Station.
Start your Autumn day out by bus
Walking distance: Light walking throughout
Duration: Full day (9:30am – 3:50pm)
Bus route: Stagecoach Route 57
Starting point: Exeter Bus Station, Paris Street
9:30am – Travel from Exeter Bus Station to Exmouth Seafront
All local bus services from locations such as Exmouth, Sidmouth, Tiverton and Cullompton serve Exeter Bus Station. You can plan your journey here.
Begin your day by boarding the Stagecoach Route 57 towards Exmouth.
Bus details
Board: Exeter Bus Station, Stand 4
Alight: Exmouth, The Park
Journey time: Approximately 30 minutes
A direct journey to Exmouth’s long, flat seafront which is deal for relaxed autumn walking and shoreline photography.
10:00am – Exmouth beach walk
Enjoy an autumn walk on Exmouth’s wide sandy beach take your dog to its dog‑friendly zones and gentle promenade.
Walking directions
- From Exmouth, The Park, walk directly onto the promenade
- Head south along Marine Way towards Orcombe Point
- Gentle, flat walking route
Suggested time: Around 30–45 minutes
10:45am – Brunch on the beach
Exmouth has several excellent seafront cafés where you can enjoy your favourite pumpkin spiced latte, all within a short walk of the promenade.
Recommended cafés
- Hangtime: Beachfront, modern
- Bumble & Bee: Cosy café in Manor Gardens
- Ocean: Large seafront venue with views and plenty of activities to keep families entertained indoors
Walking directions
All cafés sit along or just off Marine Way
Walking time: 2–5 minutes
11:20am – Travel from Exmouth to Darts Farm
Walk back to Exmouth, Parade to continue your journey.
Board the Stagecoach Route 57 towards Exeter
Bus details
Board: Exmouth, Parade (Stop B)
Alight: Darts Farm stop
Journey time: Approximately 20 minutes
Walking directions from Darts Farm stop to Farm entrance
- Walk straight along Darts Farm Hill for 1 minute
- Turn right into the main farm entrance
- Follow the path to the farm shop
Walking time: Approximately 3 minutes
Darts Farm is East Devon’s award‑winning farm shop, known for pumpkin picking, autumn vegetables, local produce and seasonal displays.
11:40am – Darts Farm: Pumpkinfest and shopping
Explore tens of thousands of homegrown pumpkins in all shapes, sizes and colours. Browse autumn produce and enjoy local seasonal produce from the deli.
Suggested time: 60-80 minutes
1:00pm – Travelling from Darts Farm to Topsham
Board the Stagecoach Route 57 towards Exeter.
Bus Details
Board: Darts Farm (Clyst St George, opp Darts Farm)
Alight: Topsham Fore Street, Lord Nelson Inn
Journey time: Approximately 5 minutes
1:05pm – Topsham Quay Antiques Centre and Fore Street shopping
Topsham is a charming riverside town with independent shops, antiques and estuary views, perfect for relaxed autumn exploration.
Spend time browsing antiques, exploring Fore Street’s independents and enjoying the historic riverside.
Walking directions Fore Street to Quay Antiques Centre
- From Lord Nelson Inn stop, walk south along Fore Street for 3 minutes
- Continue straight as Fore Street becomes Monmouth Hill
- Walk down Monmouth Hill to Topsham Quay
- Walking time: Approximately 5 minutes
2:30pm – Riverside meal in Topsham
There are plenty of great places to eat in Topsham including exquisite local seafood options, here are two excellent choices to eat at.
Recommended pubs
- The Lighter Inn — waterfront, relaxed pub dishes
- The Salutation Inn — refined dining, local produce
Walking instructions Quay to pubs
- From Topsham Quay, walk north along The Strand for 2 minutes
- The Lighter Inn is directly on the waterfront
- For The Salutation Inn, continue 2 minutes up Fore Street
Walking time: 2–4 minutes
Return to Exeter Bus Station to go home
Retrace your steps back to the Lord Nelson Inn stop near Fore Street to return to Exeter for your onward journey home via Stagecoach Route 57
Board: Topsham Fore Street, Lord Nelson Inn
Alight: Exeter Bus Station
Journey time: Approximately 20 minutes
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.