A day out in North Devon by bus this Autumn
Enjoy a full autumn day in North Devon exploring Bideford’s markets, the seasonal colours of RHS Rosemoor, and the magical ‘Pumpkins at the Castle’ event at Watermouth Castle. Using Stagecoach Routes 21 and 317, this itinerary offers a relaxed day out with regular bus services and short walking distances.
Start your Autumn day out in North Devon by bus
Walking distance: Approximately 2–3 miles
Duration: Full day (8:00am–5:00pm+)
Bus routes: Stagecoach 21A, 301 and 5B
Starting point: Barnstaple Bus Station
8:00am – Travel to Bideford Quay
Begin your day by boarding a Stagecoach 21A service towards Bideford.
Bus details
Route: Stagecoach 21A service towards
Board: Barnstaple Bus Station (Stand J)
Alight: Bideford Quay (Stop C)
Journey time: Approximately 32 minutes
8:32am – Explore Bideford Markets & Riverside
Begin your day with a nice autumn stroll around Bideford Quay, a short walk from the town’s historic Pannier Market.
Walking directions
- From Bideford Quay, walk up Grenville Street
- Continue straight to reach the Pannier Market
Walking time: 5 minutes
Highlights
- Bideford Pannier Market (seasonal produce, crafts, autumn displays) (Opens at 9 Tues-Sat)
- Independent cafés such as Café Collective
- Riverside views along the River Torridge
Suggested time: 1 hour
9:43am – Travel to RHS Rosemoor
Bus details
Route: Stagecoach 5B service towards Torrington
Board: Bideford Quay (Stop A)
Alight: RHS Rosemoor
Journey time: Approximately 22 minutes
10:05am – Visit RHS Rosemoor
Step off the bus and discover one of Devon’s most beautiful autumn gardens. RHS Rosemoor has seasonal events including Flavours of Autumn (3–11 October), with harvest-themed food, talks, tastings, demonstrations, live music and garden games.
Walking time: 2–3 minutes
Highlights
- Flame-coloured acers and autumn borders
- Woodland walks with crunchy leaves
- Garden café serving hot drinks and seasonal treats
Suggested time: 1 hour 30 minutes
11:35pm – Travel to Barnstaple
Return to the Bus stop and board the Stagecoach Route 5B back towards Barnstaple.
Bus details
Route: Stagecoach 5B service towards Barnstaple
Board: Little Torrington, Rosemoor RHS Gardens
Alight: Barnstaple Bus Station
Journey time: Approximately 60 minutes
12:46pm – Coffee and Cake in Barnstaple
Take advantage of the time before your onward connection to Watermouth Castle by relaxing in Barnstaple Bus Station Café. Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat before continuing your journey.
1:45pm – Travel to Watermouth Castle
Head to Watermouth Castle for its autumn event, Pumpkins at the Castle, where you can enjoy seasonal decorations, pumpkin displays, family trails and spooky fun throughout the castle grounds. From Barnstaple Bus Station, board the Stagecoach Route 301 towards Combe Martin.
Bus details
Route: 301 towards Combe Martin
Board: Barnstaple Bus Station (Stand F)
Alight: Berrynarbor, Watermouth Castle
Journey time: Approximately 56 minutes
2:40pm – Explore Watermouth Castle
Take time to explore Watermouth Castle, where beautiful gardens, family-friendly attractions and stunning coastal views are brought to life by the rich colours of autumn, creating a truly magical North Devon day out. If you're visiting between 26 September and 1 November, don't miss the Castle's Pumpkins at the Castle event, where thousands of pumpkins fill the grounds, autumn displays line the pathways and seasonal activities offer fun for all ages. The event runs daily from 10am to 5pm, with last entry at 3pm.
Walking directions
- The castle entrance is directly opposite the bus stop
Walking time: Under 1 minute
Highlights
- Pumpkin trails and autumn displays
- Family-friendly activities
- Beautiful coastal woodland setting
Suggested time: 60/90 minutes
Catch your bus home
Board the Stagecoach Route 301 for your onward journey, returning to Barnstaple.
Bus details
Route: 301 towards Barnstaple
Board: Berrynarbor, Watermouth Castle
Alight: Barnstaple Bus Station
Journey time: Approximately 56 minutes
*This itinerary is achievable in a day, but if you’d rather take your time and fully enjoy each destination, you may wish to skip one of the stops, giving yourself more time to explore and make the most of your visit.
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.