An overview of the best road trip itineraries in Devon and Cornwall, including unique stops and attractions. Tips for planning your road trip, including the best time to visit, choosing the right vehicle, and packing essentials.
St Michael’s Mount
Devon and Cornwall are two of the most popular destinations in the UK, known for their stunning coastline, picturesque countryside, and rich history. Located in the southwest of England, these counties offer a wide range of attractions and activities for visitors to enjoy, from sandy beaches and rugged cliffs to charming villages and historic landmarks.
One of the best ways to explore Devon and Cornwall is by taking a road trip. With so much to see and do, a road trip allows you to travel at your own pace and discover hidden gems you might otherwise miss. You can stop off at quaint villages, sample local cuisine, and take in the stunning scenery along the way.
This blog post will provide an overview of the best road trip itineraries in Devon and Cornwall, including unique stops and attractions. We will also provide tips for planning your road trip, including the best time to visit, choosing the right vehicle, and packing essentials. Whether a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveller, this guide will help you make the most of your road trip to Devon and Cornwall.
Here Are Two of The Best Road Trip Itineraries for Devon and Cornwall
Devon
This Devon road trip itinerary includes Exeter Cathedral, Dartmoor National Park, Buckfast Abbey, and Saunton Sands:
Day 1: Start your trip in Exeter and visit Exeter Cathedral.
You can fly into Exeter airport and pick up a hire car from https://debitcardcarhire.com/ which is a specialist car rental website that provides a bespoke service in car hire without the need for a credit card. Then start your adventure by visiting Exeter Cathedral. Admire the stunning Gothic architecture and the intricate stained glass windows which are stunning! Afterwards, take a stroll through the city centre and explore the historic buildings and quaint shops.
Exeter Cathedral
Day 2: Drive to Dartmoor National Park and spend the day exploring the rugged landscape.
Go for a hike and take in the stunning views at one of the most beautiful national parks in Devon from the top of one of the granite tors. Visit the ancient stone circles and burial chambers, and keep an eye out for the wild ponies that roam the moors.
Day 3: Visit Buckfast Abbey and the surrounding area.
This Benedictine monastery is set on beautiful grounds and has a fascinating history. Take a guided tour of the abbey and learn about the monks’ way of life. Afterwards, explore the gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch. If you are still looking for things to do around Buckfast Abbey, you can visit Pennywell Farm in Buckfastleigh or River Dart Adventures at Ashburton. They are a great stop for late afternoon adventures to tire out the kids!
Day 4: Head over to Saunton Sands on the North Devon Coast.
Take a scenic drive across Devon over to the north coast. This beautiful beach is one of the best in Devon and is perfect for surfing, swimming, or just relaxing in the sun. Take a walk along the beach with miles of golden white sand and great surf. and enjoy the beautiful views of the coastline.
Day 5: On your final Devon tour day, drive back over to Exeter and spend some more time exploring the city before dropping your debit card hire car at Exeter Airport for your flight home.
Visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and learn about the history of the area. Enjoy a final meal at one of Exeter’s many excellent restaurants before heading home.
Cornwall
Cornwall Road Trip Itinerary:
Day 1: A great starting point is North Cornwall and visit Tintagel Castle.
This historic castle is the birthplace of King Arthur, set on a dramatic clifftop overlooking the sea. It is steeped in legend and offers stunning views of the north coast. Afterwards, take a stroll through the village and explore National Trust’s Tintagel Old Post Office, it’s a 14th-century stone house with the most gorgeous cottage garden. There is a car park opposite. Look around at the quaint shops and cafes in the village.
Day 2: Drive to Boscastle and spend the day exploring this charming fishing village.
Take a walk along the harbour and enjoy the views of the rugged coastline. Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic and learn about the history of witchcraft in the area.
Day 3: Visit St. Ives.
This picturesque seaside town is famous for its art galleries and stunning beaches. Take a walk along the harbour and explore the narrow streets lined with shops and cafes, and grab an ice cream. Visit the Tate Gallery St. Ives and admire the modern art and exhibitions.
Day 4: Visit St. Michael’s Mount
This stunning small island is home to a medieval castle and offers breathtaking views of the coastline. Walk over the causeway at low tide and take a guided tour of the castle and learn about its history. Afterwards, explore the beautiful gardens and enjoy a picnic lunch. If it’s high tide you can come back over on a boat trip which there is a small charge for. I recommend exploring Marazion while you are at St Michael’s Mount. The beach is truly full of gems if finding sea glass is your thing! I think it’s one of the best beaches in Cornwall for exploring.
Day 5: Drive to Kynance Cove.
Kynance Cove is one of the most photographed places in Cornwall and for good reason! It offers stunning views of the turquoise sea on the south coast. Take a walk along the south west coast path and enjoy the views of the rugged cliffs. It truly is the perfect place in the Summer for a day trip.
Kynance Cove
Day 6: Visit Lizard Point.
This is the southernmost point in the UK and offers stunning views of the coastline. It is a 45 minute walk along the south west coast path from Kynance Cove, so you could combine the day 5 and day 6 itinerary. Visit the Lizard Lighthouse Heritage Centre and learn about the history of the lighthouse. Afterwards, enjoy a cornish pasty from Ann’s Pasties in the village. Highly recommended!
Day 7: On your last day, take a leisurely drive back up through Cornwall, stopping at any other places of interest along the way. Enjoy the stunning views of the Cornish countryside and reflect on your wonderful trip.
These road trip itineraries offer a mix of natural beauty, historic sites, and charming towns and villages, making for a perfect vacation experience in Devon and Cornwall.
Coming Home Trees A30 Cornwall
Unique road trip stops in Devon and Cornwall
- Bodmin Moor: Located in the northeast part of Cornwall, it is Cornwall’s largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. Here you will find the stunning moorland split into two with Cornwall’s main road the A30 running through it. Take time to visit Brown Willy, Cornwall’s highest point, and the mysterious Jamaica Inn built in 1750, famous for smuggling and hosting weary travellers in the middle of nowhere!
- Dart’s Farm: Located just outside of Exeter, Dart’s Farm is a unique farm shop and retail destination. Here, you’ll find an array of local and artisan products, as well as a selection of restaurants, cafes, and a farm animal corner. The farm shop is also home to the award-winning The Fish Shed, which sells freshly caught seafood. At various times of the year, they have great things to do for kids. In particular, their Maize Maze is a popular spot!
- Tintagel Castle: Tintagel Castle is an iconic landmark on the North Cornwall coast, believed to be the birthplace of King Arthur. The castle ruins sit atop dramatic cliffs, offering stunning views of the rugged coastline. Visitors can explore the site and learn about the castle’s rich history, including its connections to Arthurian legend.
- Minack Theatre: The Minack Theatre is a unique open-air theatre located on the cliffs above Porthcurno Bay. The theatre was built in the 1930s by local resident Rowena Cade, who hauled materials to the site by hand and enlisted the help of her gardener to build the theatre. Today, the Minack Theatre hosts a variety of performances throughout the summer months, with a stunning backdrop of the sea and sky.
- Eden Project: The Eden Project is a world-renowned ecological attraction located near St Austell. It features two massive Biomes, one filled with tropical plants, and the other with Mediterranean flora, as well as outdoor gardens and an education centre. It’s a great place to learn about the environment, biodiversity, and conservation. There are fabulous gift shops and a very large cafe to visit.
The Eden Project
- The Lost Gardens of Heligan: The Lost Gardens of Heligan is a magical and historic garden near Mevagissey that was rediscovered in 1990 after years of neglect. It now features over 200 acres of gardens, woodland, and farmland, including the Jungle, the Kitchen Gardens and most recently the beaver enclosure! Visitors can explore the gardens and learn about their restoration and conservation, we have local passes, a cheaper option for us and go quite often. It’s a place well worth visiting on your next stop and leave yourself plenty of time for shopping in their gorgeous gift shop. It’s one of our favourite places in Cornwall.
- Sidmouth Beach & Donkey Sanctuary: Sidmouth Beach is a charming and picturesque seaside town located in East Devon. It features a lovely pebble beach, a traditional promenade, and a variety of shops and restaurants. Just a short drive away is The Donkey Sanctuary, a charity that rescues and cares for donkeys from around the world. Visitors can see the donkeys, learn about their history and welfare, and enjoy walks in the surrounding countryside.
- Dartmoor National Park: Dartmoor National Park is a vast and rugged wilderness located in Devon, with towering tors, wild ponies, and breathtaking views. Visitors can explore the moors on foot, bike, or horseback, and discover ancient landmarks like stone circles, standing stones, and burial mounds.
View from Haytor Dartmoor
- Land’s End: Is situated at the most westerly point of mainland England. This makes it a popular destination for tourists who want to experience the rugged beauty stretch of coastline. Home to some of the most stunning views in the UK, with panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the surrounding countryside. It has a rich cultural and historical heritage, with ancient legends and myths associated with the site, and a long history of human habitation dating back to prehistoric times. Don’t forget to visit the famous Land’s End signpost!
- Sennen Cove: Is within walking distance of Land’s End. It is around a 40 minute coastal walk and well worth it if you have the time. The quaint West Cornwall coastal village is one of the best places to visit on the map in that area, it’s home to beautiful beaches, Whitesands Bay and the secluded, not very well known Gwenyver Beach.
Top tips for planning a road trip in Devon and Cornwall
Best time to visit
The best time to visit Devon and Cornwall is during the summer months (June to August) when the weather is warm and sunny. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds, traffic jams and higher prices! Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are also good times to visit, as the crowds are smaller and the weather can still be mild. I prefer these times of the year
Choosing the right vehicle
When planning a road trip in Devon and Cornwall, it’s important to choose the right vehicle. Hiring a small car or campervan is ideal for navigating narrow roads and tight corners. Make sure your vehicle is in good condition and has been serviced before your trip. If you’re planning to camp or sleep in your vehicle, a campervan might be a better option.
Packing Essentials
When packing for your road trip, make sure to bring comfortable clothing and shoes, as well as sunscreen and a hat for protection from the sun. It’s also a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket and umbrella, as the weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget to pack a first aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water. If you are camping, find a good camping list, to know what to take with you.
Safety Tips
When driving in and around Devon and Cornwall, it’s important to be aware of the narrow roads and steep cliffs. Take your time and drive carefully, especially on smaller country roads. Always wear your seatbelt and make sure your passengers do the same. Top tip, if you’re planning on going for a hike or walking on coastal paths make sure to let someone know where you’re going and when you plan to return. Please be aware of your surroundings, especially in rural areas, where a phone signal is not always a given!
Additional holiday information you may find useful for planning a road trip in Devon and Cornwall include:
Google Maps: https://www.google.com/maps
National Trust: https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/