Park & Ride
Dartmouth
This charge is per vehicle and includes travelling on the Park and Ride bus. This service runs from Easter to October only. 2005 Season £4.00. after 2pm it's £3.00
Exeter
There are four park and ride sites in Exeter, two are operated by Stagecoach to the city centre: Honiton Road, Just off the M5 Junction 29, North or South bound. Matford, sign posted from the A38 and A30 North bound. The third, at Sowton is operated by Cooks Coaches to the City Centre, under contract to Devon County Council. The fourth, at Digby, is operated by Dartline Coaches to the hospital.
Plymouth
Plymouth’s Park and Ride Services are a convenient option for travelling into the City Centre. Services Monday - Saturday every 10 - 12 minutes, this can be up to 15 minutes at certain times, ie first thing in the morning and after 5.45pm in the evening at Coypool Fares from £1.10 return. There are two services which operate from just outside of the City Centre
Car Parking
Free Car Parking
Disabled Parking Vouchers
Dartmouth
Totnes
Kingsbridge
Salcombe
Modbury
Ivybridge
Bigbury on Sea
Hope Cove
The River Dart
The river Dart has always been the lifeblood of Dartmouth. Its mostly wooded banks afford excellent walks, though one has to be prepared for a few steep hills. The woods and fields are a particular joy to the naturalist, being rich in bird and insect life, with the tapping of woodpeckers and the constant buzz of the crickets. Another popular way of seeing the river is with the Round Robin Ticket, which incorporates a ride on the Torbay and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Three Main Ferries
Three Ferries to Kingswear are: the ancient Lower Ferry, the Passenger Ferry and the Higher Ferry or Floating Bridge, (as it used to be called), a paddleboat guided across the river by cables. Kingswear has a long and interesting history, and a walk out along the road that forms part of the Coastal Footpath towards Kingswear Castle is very rewarding.
Dittisham Passenger Ferries
Take the small ferry from the North Embankment to Dittisham and or Greenway. Dittisham is a charming Devon village, much of it built on a steep hill, where you can enjoy a traditional cream tea. Greenway Gardens offer a wonderful day out. You can take the Riverlink Dartmouth to Greenway trip, or a particularly pleasant way of going to either place is to walk through the woods one way and take the ferry the other - but again do check on times.
Castle Passenger Ferry
The Small Boat Service to Dartmouth Castle from the South Embankment offers another view of the river. And for unsurpassed views of the Dart estuary try climbing up to Gallants Bower, right on the hilltop. Operates from Easter to the end of October.
Greenway Cruises (32 min) 01803 844 010
'The Greenway Ferry has been running for over 1000 years. The ferry is still summoned by ringing the bell on either side of the river. The ferry has progressed from being rowed and horse drawn. We now run using an engine but sometimes think we would prefer a horse! Certainly lots of the Children would! Dittisham a wonderful quaint village with views to die for. Spring, summer, autumn or winter. ‘The Ferry Boat Inn’ pub has charm whenever you visit. Enjoy a drink with lunch or supper made from local produce. Warm up by the log fire in the winter. Dittisham links with several river dart walks including the new John Musgrave Heritage Trail and the Dart Valley Trail. The children’s epicentre of fantastic crabbing on the pontoon! Greenway.
Other ways to see the River Dart
Other ways of enjoying the river by hiring a boat, taking a canoe trip, or by booking a place on the popular Picnic Boat. However, you may just prefer, as so many visitors do, simply to sit on one of the Embankment benches and watch the comings and goings of the yachts.
Train Operators
Most rail tickets (such as day returns) are valid on any of the train operators below (except for the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway, which is private). Some advance purchase tickets are limited to certain rail operators only (such as Virgin Value tickets).
The Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway
The Paignton and Dartmouth steam railway runs steam trains between Paignton (adjacent to the main station), to Goodrington, Churston and Kingswear. All of the stations, except for Churston are on or close to the coast path, and the journey is very scenic, as it pases Goodrington and Broadsands, before heading in line to join the banks of the river Dart into Kingswear. From Kingswear a regular ferry operates to Dartmouth, through tickets to Dartmouth are available. Trains run from Easter to the end of September, with some special services operating outside of this date.
South Devon Railways
A registered Charity who operate a Standard Gauge Railway between Buckfastleigh and Totnes in South Devon, England beside the fast flowing river Dart. The line was built by the South Devon Railway and first opened on 1st May 1872. It was taken over by the Great Western Railway in 1876. The line closed to all traffic on 7th September 1962 and was re-opened as a preserved steam line on 5th April 1969. The South Devon Railway Trust took over the running of the line on 1st January 1991. We have a number of steam locomotives and privately owned diesels, together with some historic rolling stock.
South Devon Railways
First Great Western
First Great Western run longer distance services between London Paddington and Plymouth / Penzance. Most services through Devon run either non stop from Exeter to Plymouth or call at Newton Abbot and / or Totnes, although there are some which call at Dawlish Warren, Dawlish and Teignmouth and also a few services going to Torquay and Paignton. Through bus connections are available at Totnes for Dartmouth and Kingsbridge. First Great Western - Amenities for the Disabled 0845 7413775
South West Trains
South West Trains operate the West of England line, which runs from London Waterloo - Exeter. There are stations in Devon at Axminster, Honiton, Feniton, Whimple, Pinhoe, Exeter Central and Exeter St. Davids. There are through bus connections to Lyme Regis, Bridport and Weymouth (from Axminster) and to Sidmouth (from Honiton). Other bus services operate from Axminster to Seaton and Beer. Some of these services run onto Paignton or Plymouth, calling at most of the stations on the way.
Arriva Trains Wales
Arriva Trains Wales run longer distance trains from South, North and West Wales and the Midlands and North direct to Devon. Most of these call at Dawlish, Teignmouth, Newton Abbot, Totnes and Plymouth. Those running to Paignton stop at Torquay as well. Some of their services also call at Dawlish Warren and Ivybridge.
Wessex Trains
Wessex Trains run local services in Devon. These include services branch line services between Exeter and Exmouth, and frequent local services from Exeter to Paignton and Plymouth. They also run some longer distance services to Penzance and towards Bristol.
Wessex train Route map
Virgin Trains
Virgin Trains operate longer distance services from the Midlands, the North and Scotland to Paignton, Plymouth and Penzance. Most of these services either run non stop from Exeter to Plymouth or call at Newton Abbot and / or Totnes on the way. Some services (especially on summer Saturdays) operate to Paignton and some services also call at Dawlish and Teignmouth.
On-Line Timetables and Ticket Sales
There are several web sites which allow you to search for rail information, some also provide information on fares.
National Rail
The National Rail site has lots of information on the rail network, including a journey planner that gives the train times and fares, real time travel information and real time departure information for many stations. For the timetable, follow the link Planning Your Journey near the top left.
National Rail Map
The TrainLine
The TrainLine.com provides timetable, train fare information and it allows you to book a ticket in advance (which can be picked up at some stations or delivered to your house). It does require you to register first though and has a habit of offering trains for which it lists no valid fare!.
QJump
QJump is very similar to the TrainLine and provides timetables, fares and on-line bookings. It is neccessary to register only if you wish to order tickets on-line.
Duetsche Bahn
Duetsche Bahn (the German rail operator) provides (in English) an on-line timetable for all UK rail services. It also offers a list of calling points for all the trains (rather than just where you need to change), a map of the route takes and will produce a personalised PDF (Adobe Acrobat file) of the timetable between any two stations.
Train Running
Rail Services in the UK sometimes suffer from delays and disruption, so it is useful to check for potential problems before setting out. National Rail Inquiries is a telephone line (open 24-hours a day) which can provide timetable and current train running information. The number is 08457 48 49 50. Calls are charged at the local rate.
There is also on-line train running information available updated frequently. The main site lists problems and disruption (current and cleared), for the whole UK. In addition current live arrival and departure information is available for main stations in the UK. For South Devon, the only stations currently listed are Exeter St Davids and Plymouth, although the information here will cover most trains running in South Devon.
Bus Services
Bus services operate between many points on the South West coast path and also connect with major towns and cities and the National Rail network. The South Devon section has some good bus services operating to coastal towns, with many running very frequently. The worst section is probably the South Hams, to the west of Salcombe towards Plymouth. Some bus services run only during the summer or during the week only and may run different timetables at weekends or during school holidays.
Premier Private Hire 01548 858877 enquiries@premier-privatehire.co.uk
This new service offers you the opportunity to travel 'First Class' with up to 6 passengers (plus driver) and to enjoy a fully personalised tailor made tour that will take you to places you want to go or we will recommend using our local knowledge special places and 'hidden gems' that you might like to visit.
South Hams Public Transport Map
Teignbridge Public Transport Map
The Devon Bus Service
The DevonBus site provides information on bus services in Devon.
Travel Line South West
Impartial information on planning your journey, by bus, coach or train ... or any combination of the three! Traveline is also available nationally by Minicom on 0870 241 2216
First Western National
First Western National are probably the biggest operator of bus services in Devon, running in south and west Devon. Some of their routes are frequent, others are quite infrequent. They are also quite expensive for single journeys. Their customer service line is on 01208 79898 or 01209 719988 which is open 8:00 - 18:30 daily (opens at 09:00 on Sundays). They have bus stations within the South Devon area at Plymouth. Timetables are available from most bus stations in South Devon, and tourist information centres. They publish complete Public Transport guides for South Devon and West Devon (Devon County Council publish guides for East Devon and Teignbridge).
Stagecoach Devon
Stagecoach Devon operates services around East Devon, Exeter, Teignbridge, Torbay and the South Hams. They run frequent local services and longer distance express services from Exeter to Torbay, Kingsbridge and Plymouth. Single and return fares are reasonably priced, and most of their services run fairly frequently. For information on Stagecoach services call Traveline on 0870 6082 608 or Stagecoach on 01392 427711.
First Southern National
First Southern National run services in West Dorset and East Devon, as far West as Exeter. This includes the services from Axminster to Lyme Regis and Bridport, and the express services from Exeter to Weymouth via Seaton, Beer and Lyme Regis. Services are generally reasonably priced. For more information call 01305 783645. Bus timetables are available on their web site, in Tourist Information Centres and travel centres in the area, and are also listed in the East Devon public transport guide, from Devon County Council.
Tally Ho Coach Hire
Tally Ho operate local services around the South Hams. The timetables are listed in the South Devon Public Transport guide, published by Devon County Council, which is available from Tourist Information Centres and bus stations. For more details call 01548 853081 or email headoffice@tallyhocoaches.com
River Link
River Link operate boat services on the river Dart as well as local bus service around Dartmouth and Paignton. For more information on their bus services, call 01803 834488.
National Express
National Express run longer distance coach services from many towns and cities to most towns on the South Devon coast. Services must (in general) be pre-booked. The prices tend to be quite high however, and the service is not really appropriate for local journeys between points on the coast path.
Rover Tickets
Rover Tickets provide a way to travel on bus and train services for several days at a time, without having to purchase separate tickets. If you’re in the area for a few days it is worth looking into.
Bus Only Rover Tickets
First Group Explorer
Are available for one, three and seven day tickets, and provide unlimited use of all First Western National, First Southern National and First Group bus services in the south west.
Stagecoach Devon Explorer
This provides unlimited use of all Stagecoach Devon services. These are available for one, three and seven days, and can be bought from the driver of the first bus you use.
Stagecoach Devon Goldrider
Allows unlimited use of all Stagecoach Devon services for one year, and is available from Travel Shops only.
Axe Valley Mini Travel Day Explorer
Allows unlimited use of all Axe Valley Mini Travel services for one day. It is available from the driver of the first bus you use.
Bus and Rail Rovers
Dartmoor Sunday Rover
This ticket is available on Sundays only, and allows unlimited use of the Dartmoor Line Railway (Exeter - Okehampton) and Tamar Valley Line Railway (Plymouth - Gunnislake). It is also valid on a network of bus services runnng through Dartmoor, some of which run to South Devon. The ticket is now available all year round, but the service is more limited during the Winter.
Dart Explorer
This ticket is valid on all Stagecoach Devon bus services for one day, and is also valid for a return ferry crossing between Kingswear and Dartmouth, and a single journey on the Paignton and Dartmouth Steam Railway.
Rail Only Rover Tickets
Two tickets relevant to the South Devon coast are available.
Devon Rail Rover
provides unlimited off-peak use of all national rail lines in Devon for and 3 in 7 days or any 8 in 15 days.
Freedom of the South West Rover
Rail rover provides unlimited use of all National Rail services in Cornwall and Devon, and onto many parts of Avon, Somerset, Wiltshire and Dorset. It is available for 8 in 15 days versions (ie you can choose any 8 days out of 15 consecutive days to travel).
Airports
Exeter International Airport
01392 367433
Plymouth Airport
01752 772752
Visit the South West by Air
Virgin Balloon Flights (44 min) Ashburton 0870 607 0241
Devon is, of course, the land of cream-teas and dare we say, the widest choice of Virgin Hot Air Balloon launch sites in any county, blessed with no less than eight carefully selected locations from which to explore the beauty of this glorious part of the country. Ashburton, bordering the Dartmoor National Park lies slightly northeast of Buckfastleigh and is home to another of our Devon launch sites. Nowhere are you likely to encounter such diversity and beauty as in this quiet corner of Devon and nowhere will you find a warmer welcome.
Please note: The information on this web site is intended as a guide only. We cannot except responsibility for any inaccurate, Misleading or incomplete information about any Business and its facilities or services.
