megabus Bristol – Plymouth

Along this charming route, the scenery is lush, with rolling Devon countryside, of gentle bends and dips, up and down, with plenty of interest from glimpses of villages, quirky bridges and beautiful green pastures. The bus runs on the fringes of the atmospheric, stunning, yet foreboding Dartmoor National Park and there’s a different journey experience and mood depending on the weather with its frequent changes, adding to the incredible ambience on this fantastic route.

Leaving the magnificence of Bristol, one of the UK’s most creative, free-spirited and historic cities, the bus stops at Bridgewater, with its industrial heritage and Georgian architecture. Then, it’s to the market town of Taunton, where county cricket thrives at the home of Somerset and there are plenty of independent shops and great eateries, as well as connections to Minehead on First's X28 bus and the fantastic Exmoor Coaster scenic service to Lynmouth and connections to Ilfracombe.

The bus cuts through the tranquil Culm Valley, stopping in the lovely village of Cullompton, which is home to a magnificent church. It makes its way further towards Plymouth, stopping at South Brent Marley Mansion, a large listed building which is a country house, that was occupied by a community of Bridgettine nuns.

Plymouth approaches, a vibrant waterfront city, with a deep maritime history and plenty of attractions, as well as the gateway to fabulous seaside scenery back eastwards through Dawlish to Exeter and in the other direction, further west, classic Cornwall countryside all the way to Land’s End.

This bus journey is a riveting, though lengthy journey and our suggestion is that the delights at either end, in Bristol and Plymouth are focused on, with maybe one stop en route – at Bridgewater.

A stay for a day or more in Bristol is advisable and a visit to the famous Bristol Zoo as well as a 20-minute trip on the circular bus to Clifton Suspension Bridge, alighting close-by to take in the view before boarding the next bus again. Bristol Cathedral is also highly recommended and a stroll round the idyllic Castle Park.

Stopping off at Bridgewater and the Bridgewater Blake Museum is absolutely excellent and provides informative displays regarding the history of the town and also the poet who once resided in this building. There’s also a lovely peaceful courtyard, where a coffee and bite to eat can be enjoyed overlooking Blake Gardens.

A stroll round Bridgewater is good fun and it’s a nice compact town with fine architecture from its bygone commercial era – Cornhill, Castle Street and King Square are great places to check out, so too the Bridgewater Arts Centre as well as Somerset Brick and Tile Museum, and the Bridgewater and Taunton Canal and Docks. There’s also many independent shops, coffee bars and restaurants in the town as well to suit everyone’s taste before getting back on the bus to Plymouth.

In Plymouth, no visit is complete without taking in the huge Box Museum, which is an award-winning museum, archive and art gallery. So too, a trip to the National Marine Aquarium – the largest Aquarium in the UK, has to be on the ‘bucket list’. Paradise Island Adventure Golf is also great fun and is set in a tropical green jungle filled with treacherous swamps and vibrant wildlife. Plymouth is also renowned for its entertainment, including the Barbican Theatre and Theatre Royal, with a diverse repertoire of shows, from dance to drama, comedy and live music. There’s also the famous Gin Distillery too and also maybe a game at Plymouth Argyle, the famous football team, nicknamed, 'The Pilgrims'! Plymouth really is a place that provides titillation, fascination and escapism at its best!