Embark on an unforgettable coast to coast drive, where breathtaking scenery, charming towns, and exciting attractions await at every turn. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, this itinerary guides you through the best stops and hidden gems along the way. Get ready for the road trip of a lifetime!

Day 1 – North Devon Coast & Villages

Base: Arrive in the North Devon region and stay somewhere along the coast — for example, in the seaside town of Ilfracombe at the North Devon Resort.
Morning: Explore the magnificent beaches of North Devon. Head to Woolacombe Beach, where you’ll find miles of golden sand, rugged cliffs and breathtaking coastal scenery.
Afternoon: Visit one or two of North Devon’s attractive villages or small towns. For example, stroll around Ilfracombe’s harbour or pop into nearby Lynton or the village of Combe Martin for that authentic coastal village charm.
Evening: Relax by the sea, and savour fresh local seafood. Then take in sunset views of the Atlantic as the day draws to a close.

Day 2 – Scenic Transition through North Devon to Moorland

Morning: Travel through the North Devon Coast National Landscape region: this stunning section of coast stretches from low tide to high, and you really aren’t too far from dramatic scenery while visiting. Take time for a coastal walk — for example, on the South West Coast Path from Woolacombe or along the Hartland Peninsula. The dramatic vistas, wave-battered cliffs and hidden coves make this an unforgettable part of your journey.
Evening: Stay in a countryside village or moor-edge location. Enjoy a tranquil evening with countryside hospitality, local ales and a calm setting in Tavistock. Consider The Horn of Plenty or Bedford Hotel for your base.

Day 3 –Tavistock, Dartmoor & Buckland Abbey to Salcombe

Morning:  After breakfast, set out to explore Dartmoor’s wild beauty. Drive a short distance to Foggintor Quarry, a dramatic and photogenic site near Princetown where granite was once quarried for London landmarks. Today, it’s an atmospheric spot filled with pools and surrounded by towering cliffs, ideal for a peaceful hike and striking photos. The surrounding moorland paths offer wide views, ponies grazing freely and a real sense of wilderness.

Afternoon: Continue south towards Buckland Abbey, a National Trust treasure near Yelverton. Once home to Sir Francis Drake, this former monastery turned Tudor mansion offers beautiful gardens, historic interiors and fascinating maritime history.

Evening: From Buckland Abbey, take a scenic drive through the winding South Devon countryside to the coast. Your destination is Gara Rock Hotel, perched above the cliffs near Salcombe, offering panoramic views of the sea and rugged coastline. Check into your sea-view suite and unwind by the infinity pool or with a cocktail on the terrace as the sun begins to dip below the horizon. Dine in style at the Gara Rock Restaurant, where menus showcase the best of South Devon’s seasonal ingredients and fresh local seafood. After dinner, take a peaceful evening stroll along the nearby South West Coast Path, where the sound of the waves and the scent of the sea make for an unforgettable end to the day.

Day 4 – South Devon Coast

Morning: From Salcombe, follow the scenic coastal route towards Blackpool Sands, a Blue Flag beach often hailed as one of Devon’s finest. This sheltered cove, surrounded by pine trees and clear turquoise water, is perfect for swimming, kayaking or a gentle stroll along the shoreline.

Afternoon: Continue along the coast to the charming town of Dartmouth, steeped in maritime history. Visit Dartmouth Castle, a striking English Heritage fortress guarding the mouth of the River Dart. Explore its towers and battlements, learn about its centuries of coastal defence, and admire the breathtaking views across the estuary.

Evening – Check in for the night at The Dartmouth Hotel, Golf and Spa, set amid peaceful countryside just a short drive from the town centre.  This modern, comfortable retreat offers spacious rooms, two championship golf courses and a luxury spa — the perfect place to unwind after your journey across Devon.

Day 5 - Dartmouth to Torquay: The English Riviera Finale

Morning: Travel north along the coast to Torquay, the heart of the English Riviera. Begin your day at Torre Abbey, a fascinating historic house and museum set within beautiful gardens just a short stroll from the seafront. Dating back to 1196, Torre Abbey offers a captivating mix of art, history and storytelling — from its medieval ruins to its contemporary exhibitions. Wander through the award-winning gardens, filled with exotic plants from around the world, and discover the Abbey’s links to Agatha Christie, who grew up nearby. The on-site café offers light refreshments in a peaceful setting overlooking the lawns.

Afternoon: Next, head to Babbacombe, a pretty coastal area on the cliffs above Torquay, home to the enchanting Babbacombe Model Village. This beloved attraction captures Britain in miniature, complete with detailed buildings, moving vehicles and beautifully landscaped gardens. It’s a place that delights visitors of all ages, blending nostalgia, artistry and a touch of humour. After exploring the model village, take in the breathtaking sea views from Babbacombe Downs, the highest clifftop promenade in England, or ride the Babbacombe Cliff Railway down to Oddicombe Beach for a gentle seaside stroll.

Evening: For your final evening in Devon, enjoy dinner at Bistrot Pierre, located on the Torquay seafront with views over the bay. The relaxed French-inspired menu features fresh, locally sourced ingredients and classic bistro dishes — a perfect blend of sophistication and comfort.  After dinner, make your way to the luxurious Cary Arms & Spa in Babbacombe Bay, often described as “The Inn on the Beach”. This boutique coastal retreat offers elegant rooms and beach huts, a serene spa and breathtaking sea views.

Devon offers some of the UK’s most spectacular waterfall walks, with everything from dramatic Dartmoor gorges to rugged coastal cascades. Highlights like Canonteign Falls, Becky Falls, Lydford Gorge and Speke’s Mill Mouth combine woodland trails, moorland scenery and sea views in one unforgettable trip. With charming villages, cosy pubs and scenic places to stay, Devon is the perfect destination for a refreshing nature escape packed with stunning waterfalls.

Day 1 – Teign Valley & Canonteign Falls

Base: Arrive in the Teign Valley or South Dartmoor region and settle into your accommodation — you can find cosy countryside accommodation here.

Morning: Ease into your trip with a relaxed start before heading to Canonteign Falls, one of Devon’s most iconic waterfall attractions. Enjoy peaceful woodland trails, lakes and sweeping views over the Teign Gorge.

Afternoon: Explore the upper and lower waterfall paths, take plenty of scenic photos and enjoy a picnic among the estate’s tranquil nature spots. Wander through the gardens or stop at the on-site café for refreshments.

Evening: Return to your Teign Valley base and unwind with a hearty pub dinner. Enjoy the quiet countryside setting as the sun goes down over Dartmoor.

Day 2 – Dartmoor’s Becky Falls & Lydford Gorge

Base: Stay on Dartmoor or move to a base on the park’s western edge — ideal for accessing Devon’s most dramatic gorge walk.

Morning: Start the day at Becky Falls, a classic Dartmoor landmark. Follow the woodland trails to the main waterfall, enjoy wildlife-rich paths and take in the rugged beauty of the valley.

Afternoon: Continue west to Lydford Gorge, home of the powerful White Lady Waterfall. Walk through steep-sided gorge paths, rustic bridges and atmospheric woodland — one of Dartmoor’s most unforgettable walking experiences.

Evening: Head back to your Dartmoor base, relax by the fire in a traditional inn, or enjoy a quiet evening surrounded by moorland scenery.

Day 3 – North Devon Coast & Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall

Base: Travel to North Devon and stay near Hartland, Bideford or the coastal villages around the Atlantic cliffs — browse stays here.

Morning: Take a scenic coastal drive to Hartland Quay, where rugged cliffs and dramatic views set the tone for the day. Start the coastal walk toward Speke’s Mill Mouth.

Afternoon: Follow the South West Coast Path to the impressive Speke’s Mill Mouth Waterfall, where a stream plunges over cliffs towards the beach. Enjoy the coastal scenery, rock formations and sea views before looping back along the clifftops.

Evening: Return to your North Devon base, savour local seafood or pub classics, and relax with a calm coastal sunset

Day 4 – Clovelly & Bucks Mill Coastal Waterfalls

Morning: Begin your day in the historic village of Clovelly, famous for its steep cobbled streets, whitewashed cottages and harbour views. Walk down to the shoreline where you’ll find the beautiful Clovelly Waterfall, a serene coastal cascade that drops directly onto the beach. Take time to explore the harbour, browse the craft shops and enjoy the peaceful seaside setting.

Afternoon: Continue along the coast to the secluded hamlet of Bucks Mills. Follow the short path down to Bucks Mill Beach, where you’ll discover another hidden waterfall tumbling down the cliffside onto the rocky shore. This quiet, unspoilt location is perfect for photography, gentle exploring and taking in the dramatic Devon coastline away from the crowds.

Evening: Wrap up your trip with a relaxing dinner at a coastal pub or café. Enjoy your final sunset over the Atlantic before starting your journey home, ending your Devon waterfall adventure on a beautifully peaceful note.

Experience the best of East Devon’s coast, countryside and wildlife!

This four-day East Devon itinerary blends coastal beauty, peaceful nature reserves, wild heathland and tranquil estuary trails. It offers a balanced mix of relaxed walking, wildlife encounters and scenic viewpoints across some of the region’s most iconic landscapes—from the Jurassic Coast to Fire Beacon Hill and the River Otter Estuary.

Day 1 – Jurassic Coast: Budleigh Salterton & Sidmouth

Morning:
Ease into the day with a gentle stroll along Budleigh Salterton’s peaceful pebble beach. Enjoy the calm shoreline, red cliffs and open sea views before joining a section of the South West Coast Path to take in the stunning Jurassic Coast scenery.

Afternoon:
Continue along the coast towards Sidmouth for dramatic cliff-top vistas and the area’s famous fossil-rich geology. Pause for photos, explore beach coves or stop for a relaxed lunch in one of the coastal cafés. Enjoy the sea air and unhurried coastal atmosphere.

Evening:
Return to your base in Sidmouth or Budleigh for a slow evening by the water. Treat yourself to fresh local seafood or a traditional Devon pub dinner as the sun dips behind the cliffs. 

Day 2 – Seaton Wetlands & Holyford Woods

Morning:
Begin your nature day at Seaton Wetlands, wandering peaceful boardwalks through marshes, reedbeds and lagoons. Keep an eye out for wading birds, ducks and seasonal visitors—this is one of East Devon’s best wildlife-watching spots.

Afternoon:
Head to Holyford Woods for a contrasting woodland experience. Follow leafy trails through ancient forest, listen to birdsong and enjoy the sense of seclusion. Bring a picnic to enjoy among the trees, or stop at a nearby village café for a warm drink and homemade treats.

Evening:
Settle back into your accommodation and enjoy a relaxed dinner. If the weather is kind, consider a short after-dinner walk to catch the golden light filtering through the countryside.

Day 3 – Fire Beacon Hill & East Devon Heathlands

Morning:
Travel up to Fire Beacon Hill for sweeping heathland views. Spend the morning following one of the circular routes across open moor, taking in far-reaching vistas over valleys, coast and countryside.

Afternoon:
Continue exploring the East Devon heathlands around Woodbury Common—an open, wild landscape rich in wildlife and unique plant species. Wander at your own pace and enjoy the sense of space. Bring water and snacks, as this area feels wonderfully remote.

Evening:
Return to your base and unwind with a cosy dinner. East Devon’s small villages and market towns offer welcoming pubs—ideal for ending a day spent out on the hills.

Day 4 – River Otter Estuary & Coastal Sunset

Morning:
Head to the River Otter Estuary at Budleigh Salterton for a calm start to your final day. Walk the riverside trails and enjoy watching birdlife in this rich habitat—geese, waders, ducks and occasionally otters if you’re lucky.

Afternoon:
Continue towards the coast to blend river views with seaside scenery. Take your time wandering through the nature reserve, stopping to photograph the tidal landscapes and enjoy a peaceful picnic beside the water.

Evening:
Finish your East Devon adventure with a coastal sunset walk. Return to Budleigh or Sidmouth for a final dinner overlooking the sea, celebrating a trip filled with nature, wildlife and beautiful outdoor moments.