2, Exeter to Newton Abbot

The fun-packed city of Exeter is left behind and it’s through small valleys, pretty churches and blue cottages and with epic glimpses of the sea before the bus arrives at Dawlish. To the left are famous views of the Great Western Railway line and perhaps a sighting of trains emerging from the red, sandy tunnels alongside the always atmospheric seafront.

It’s a treat to alight at Dawlish and walk along the promenade – trains on one side, sea on the other or around the picturesque town. As the bus pulls in, close to the station, check out the pretty gardens in the centre with sculptures of animals in the middle – the pandas are our favourites. There’s some great independent craft, gift and coffee shops in Dawlish and pastel painted houses, providing great photo opportunities!

The bus continues with views of the Teignmouth United Reform Church and then the Pier, contributing to the vibrant seaside atmosphere. The bus stops in the heart of Triangle Place with its delightfully pastel coloured regency style buildings and small independent shops. Then it’s up the hill, past the rugby ground on the left and then down hills with pretty cottages and bungalows overlooking the sea below and past the Smuggler’s Inn pub and its hanging baskets.

The coast turns into a wide estuary with lovely small sailing boats moored, fields and tudor cottages on the opposite side of the bus. Very soon, the bus meanders its way into Newton Abbot with its great rail connections to Cornwall in one direction and inland back to Exeter and beyond. Or, if this journey has been entrancing, then there’s more fun to be had with connecting buses on the number 12 by Stagecoach along the English Riviera to Torquay and Paignton – another fab treat!