An Autumn day trip guide to Plymouth by bus
Enjoy a full autumn day exploring Plymouth’s waterfront, parks and historic landmarks. Using Stagecoach Routes 1 and 2, this itinerary offers a relaxed seasonal day out with regular bus services and around 3–4 miles of walking through crisp autumn air, golden leaves and coastal views.
Start your Autumn day out in Plymouth by bus
Walking distance: Approximately 3–4 miles
Duration: Full day (9:25–16:55)
Bus routes: Stagecoach Route 2
Starting point: Royal Parade, Plymouth City Centre
9:25am – Arrive in Plymouth by route 1 from Tavistock
Begin your day at Royal Parade (A21) in Plymouth.
10:30am – Walk to Drake Circus Shopping Centre
Embrace the new season with a little autumn refresh at Drake Circus. Browse cosy homeware and seasonal accents at M&S, Next or Oliver Bonas, discover autumn-inspired scents at Lush, and pick up some crafty finds from Flying Tiger. Then give your wardrobe an autumn update with chunky knits, boots and cosy accessories.
Begin your day by leaving Royal Parade and walking north along Armada Way.
Walking directions
- Walk up Armada Way
- Continue to Old Town Street
- Drake Circus is directly ahead
Walking time: Approximately 6 minutes
Suggested time: Around 60-90 minutes
12:00pm – Walk to Plymouth Hoe & Smeaton’s Tower
Walking directions
- Leave Drake Circus via Charles Street.
- Walk south along Armada Way.
- Cross Royal Parade and continue straight ahead.
- Continue to Hoe Road.
- Turn right onto Hoe Road and enter Plymouth Hoe.
- Follow the pathways across the Hoe to Smeaton's Tower.
Walking time: Approximately 15 minutes
12:15pm – Exploring Plymouth Hoe & Smeaton’s Tower
Wrap up warm and explore Plymouth Hoe, one of the city's most scenic spots. With panoramic views across Plymouth Sound and the landmark Smeaton’s Tower standing proudly above the waterfront, it's an ideal place to enjoy a fresh autumn day and get that perfect a perfect autumn photo.
Suggested time: 45–60 minutes
1:00pm – Sutton Harbour
Enjoy a crisp autumn stroll from Plymouth Hoe to the waterfront, taking in golden leaves, fresh sea air and beautiful coastal views. A picturesque marina with cafés, seafood restaurants, and heritage spots including the Mayflower Steps.
Walking directions
- From Hoe Park, walk down Cliff Road
- Continue onto Madeira Road following the waterfront
- Stay on the waterside path until you reach Sutton Harbour
Walk time: 12 minutes
Suggested time: Around 60 to 90 minutes
2:30pm – Lunch at Sutton Harbour
Sutton Harbour offers a choice of independent cafés and restaurants overlooking the water. Warm indoor seating makes it ideal for an autumn lunch.
Suggested lunch spots
- The Harbour Seafood Restaurant
- The Stable
- Boston Tea Party
- Cap’n Jaspers
Suggested time: Around 1 hour
3:30pm – Travelling to Central Park
Walk time: 10 minutes
Walking Directions:
- Leave Sutton Harbour via Notte Street.
- Continue onto Exeter Street.
- Follow signs towards Royal Parade bus interchange
From here board the Stagecoach Route 2, this service runs frequently and goes directly past Central Park.
Bus details
Route: Stagecoach 2 towards Saltash
Board: Royal Parade A6
Alight: Milehouse, Alma Rd for Central Park
Journey time: 8 minutes
Central Park is then a short walk away
Walking Directions
- Once you get off the bus, you’re already at the edge of Central Park. Head southeast from the Milehouse stop along Alma Road.
- Cross Milehouse Road if needed
- Turn onto Discovery Way.
- Follow the path into Central Park
Walk time: 1–2 minutes
3:50pm – Visit Central Park
Plymouth’s Central Park offers a lovely autumn escape, with woodland walks, open meadows, colourful wildflowers, ponds and leafy paths to explore, alongside its playground, skate park, tennis courts and pitch-and-putt. There’s also The Meadow Café, which is perfect for a warm drink and a seasonal treat.
Suggested time: Around 1 hour
4:55pm – Return to Royal Parade for your journey home
Return to the Milehouse, Milehouse Central Park stop and board the Stagecoach Route 2 back to Royal Parade for your onward journey.
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.