A relaxed Autumn day out in Torbay by bus
Explore Brixham, Paignton and Babbacombe using Stagecoach Routes 12 and 22. Enjoy cosy autumn walks, changing leaves, seaside views and independent cafés. In Brixham and Paignton, wander around the harbours and stop for a warming drink. In Babbacombe, take in the coastal views from Babbacombe Downs and browse the local shops and cafés.
Start your Day out in Torbay by Bus
Walking distance: Approximately 3–4 miles
Duration: Full day (9:30am–Late afternoon)
Bus routes: Stagecoach Routes 12 & 22
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 Brixham Harbour
- Leave Town Square via New Road and walk downhill.
- Continue straight until the road opens out at the harbour.
Walking time: Approximately 3 minutes
Along the way you’ll enjoy beautiful views across one of Devon’s busiest fishing ports.
9:35am - Visit Brixham Harbour
A vibrant working harbour with fishing boats, breakwater views and colourful hillside houses. Perfect for slow autumn wandering, photography and soaking up the maritime atmosphere.
Enjoy the breakwater, the fish market area, the waterfront cafés and the sweeping views across Torbay before you make your way back to the bus stop.
Suggested time: 1 hour
10:45am - Return to the bus stop and travel to Paignton
Retrace your steps back along the quay to Brixham town centre.
Walking directions
Walking time: Approximately 5 minutes
Board the Stagecoach Route 12 towards Newton Abbot.
Bus Details
11:10am - Paignton pier
From Paignton Bus Station, it’s a short walk to the Pier.
Walking directions
- Exit Paignton Bus Station
- Turn left toward Torbay Road.
- Walk straight down Torbay Road past the shops, and follow the signs towards Paignton seafront and the beach, cross towards the seafront and you’ll see Paignton Pier.
Walking time: 10 minutes
A classic seaside stop with arcades, views across the bay and a gentle stroll along the promenade.
Suggested time: 45mins
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From here you have two variations Cockington or Torre Abbey
(Option 1)
12:00pm - Travel to Cockington
For those feeling energetic and wanting to get their steps in travel from this classic seaside stop to the beautiful village of Cockington.
Board the Stagecoach Route 12 towards Newton Abbot or the Stagecoach 22 service towards St Marychurch.
Bus details
- Route: Stagecoach 12 or 22
- Board: Paignton Bus Station
- Alight: Livermead stop on Torbay Road
- Journey time: 10 to 15 minutes
Walk to Cockington Village- Once you have arrived at the Livermead stop you will need to take a peaceful autumn walk to Cockington Village via Cockington Lane.
Walking time: approx. 20 minutes
Walking directions:
- From Livermead stop, walk inland along Cockington Lane away from the seafront.
- Follow the lane as it becomes a country path, follow the signs towards the village and Cockington Court, leading directly into Cockington Country Park.
- Continue straight until you reach the village centre and craft studios.
Coffee stop options:
- Seven Dials Café
- Cockington Court Tea Rooms
12:45pm - Explore Cockington Village
Step into one of Devon's most picturesque villages, with its thatched cottages, historic charm, and peaceful village green. Explore the village and Cockington Court, where the stunning autumn scenery creates the perfect setting for a seasonal day out.
Suggested time: 1 hour
1:45pm — Lunch at the Drum Inn
The Drum Inn is a dog-friendly country pub right in the heart of Cockington Village offering stunning views, cosy log fires, gardens, and a menu packed with hearty seasonal dishes, classic pub favourites, cask ales, fine wines and British gins, making it the perfect autumn stop on your day out.
Suggested time: 1 hour
Walk back to Livermead bus stop - After lunch, retrace your steps through Cockington Lane back towards Livermead stop.
Walking time: approx 20 minutes
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(Option 2)
12:00pm - Travel to Torre Abbey
An alternative option but this time with a shorter walking distance. From Paignton Bus Station travel to Torquay Seafront, take a gentle stroll along the promenade to visit the historic Torre Abbey which is a great place to visit in the autumn.
Board the Stagecoach Route 12 towards Newton Abbot or the Stagecoach 22 service towards St Marychurch.
Bus details
- Route: Stagecoach 12 or 22
- Board: Paignton Bus Station
- Alight: Torre Abbey, Meadows stop on Torbay Road
- Journey time: 15 to 20 minutes
12:45pm – Explore Torre Abbey
From the bus stop, take a short walk to explore Torre Abbey, a fascinating historic abbey set within 18 acres of gardens and parkland, which provide a beautiful backdrop for an autumn day out.
Suggested time: 1 hour
1:45pm - Lunch options near Torre Abbey
Several cosy cafés and restaurants are within an easy walk of Torre Abbey, making them ideal for a relaxed autumn lunch.
Recommended places to eat near Torre Abbey:
Torre Abbey Café: Enjoy a relaxing coffee, light lunch or afternoon treat, located within the abbey grounds and offering a welcoming seafront setting.
Bistrot Pierre: Just a short stroll from the abbey, Bistrot Pierre overlooks Torre Abbey Sands and is an ideal spot to enjoy a leisurely lunch or drink with beautiful bay views.
Alternatively, Torquay’s bustling seafront is home to a wide range of cafés, restaurants and bars, offering plenty of options for lunch, refreshments or an afternoon treat.
Suggested time: 1 hour
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3:15pm - Travel to Babbacombe
Board the Stagecoach 22 service towards St Marychurch.
Bus details
From the bus stop in St Marychurch, it’s a short walk to Babbacombe Model Village.
Walking directions
- Leave the bus stop.
- From the Chilcote Memorial stop (near Sainsbury's), walk down St Marychurch Road
- Follow black and gold pedestrian signs for Babbacombe Model Village.
- Arrive at the Entrance: Walk down Hampton Avenue for about a minute. The entrance to Babbacombe Model Village will be on your left, right next to the local authority car park
Walking time: 3–4 minutes
3:35pm Babbacombe Model Village and Frightlights Event
Explore Babbacombe Model Village, set within beautiful award-winning gardens and filled with intricate miniature scenes, before enjoying the popular Frightlights event, where illuminated displays and Halloween-themed fun create a magical autumn experience.
Frightlights: A Halloween Adventure displays run from the 26–31 October 2026.
Open 10.00am to latest entry 7.00pm, park closes 8.30pm. Lights on from 5.15-8.30pm
Suggested time: 1/2 hours
Return Home
When you’re ready to leave, walk back to the Chilcote Memorial bus stop to catch the 22 service to Torquay Harbourside bus stop.
Bus details
Board: Chilcote Memorial
When back at Torquay Harbourside choose the appropriate Stagecoach Route 12 service for your onward journey:
Services run regularly throughout the evening.
Travel time dependent on which option is chosen for your day out, with a visit to Cockington making your day slightly longer.
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.