7 days A classic countywide loop taking in wild Dartmoor tors, Jurassic Coast fossils, and dramatic North Devon surf bays
7 Days Across Devon: Coast & Moorland Road Trip in Devon
A 7-day countywide road loop connecting the red sandstone cliffs of East Devon, the dramatic granite tors of Dartmoor, and the rugged Atlantic surf coast of North Devon. Designed specifically for a couple seeking a balanced pace with late starts, moderate scenic walks, and standout regional farm-and-sea dining.
Who this is for
A classic countywide loop taking in wild Dartmoor tors, Jurassic Coast fossils, and dramatic North Devon surf bays
Why this itinerary works
A classic countywide loop taking in wild Dartmoor tors, Jurassic Coast fossils, and dramatic North Devon surf bays
This itinerary achieves an exceptional fit for a couple wanting both famous vistas and local flavors at an unhurried tempo. Daily activities match energy levels, dining embraces Devon's best produce, and realistic drive times prevent roadway fatigue.
At a Glance
The shape of this trip, at a glance.
7
Balanced
$1,940
$277
23
7
Walk & transit
Interactive map
The itinerary
Day 1
EXETER & JURASSIC COAST GATEWAY
Cathedral Close & Red Sandstone Shorelines
Exeter Cathedral & Cathedral Green
Cathedral Quarter, Central Exeter
A gentle mid-morning start exploring one of England's finest Gothic cathedrals with the longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling, setting Devon's historical context before heading coastward.
The Salutation Inn
Topsham, Topsham
Famous for ultra-fresh estuary seafood and casual courtyard dining in the historic port village of Topsham.
Beer Beach & South West Coast Path Lookout
Beer Village, Beer
A sheltered pebble cove where working wooden fishing boats are still winched up the shingle beach, paired with a scenic 1.5-mile stroll along white chalk cliffs.
The Anchor Inn
Beer, Beer
Cliff-edge pub dining overlooking the bay serving local Lyme Bay scallops, hand-picked crab, and regional cask ales.
Day 2
RIVER DART & ENGLISH RIVIERA
Maritime Heritage & Greenway Estate
Greenway Estate (National Trust)
Galmpton, Galmpton near Dartmouth
Agatha Christie's beloved holiday home sitting above the River Dart, packed with her eclectic collections and serene woodland river paths.
The Ferry Boat Inn
Dittisham, Dittisham
Classic riverside pub situated right on the foreshore; catch the small Greenway pedestrian ferry across the Dart directly to the pub's front terrace.
Dartmouth Historic Harbour & Royal Avenue Gardens
Dartmouth Center, Dartmouth
Stroll picturesque cobbled lanes, artisan galleries, Tudor architecture like the Butterwalk, and waterfront gardens overlooking Britannia Royal Naval College.
The Seahorse
South Embankment, Dartmouth
Dartmouth's premier seafood institution situated on the Embankment, grilling whole local fish over open charcoal.
Day 3
SOUTH HAMS & SALCOMBE ESTUARY
Coastal Estuaries & Cliff Walks
Start Point Lighthouse Trail
Start Bay, Start Point
Devon's most southerly headland offers a spectacular 2-mile ridge walk with uninterrupted ocean vistas and regular seal sightings on the rocks below.
The Cricket Inn
Beesands, Beesands
Famous coastal village pub right on the shingle beach known for Beesands crab sandwiches and locally landed seafood platters.
Salcombe Harbour & Ferry to East Portlemouth
Salcombe Estuary, Salcombe
Explore Salcombe's boutique waterside passages and take the short passenger ferry to the golden, tranquil sands of Mill Bay across the sparkling estuary.
The Winking Prawn
North Sands, North Sands, Salcombe
Quirky, beachfront barbecue and seafood joint directly across from North Sands, famed for whole prawns with garlic mayonnaise and relaxed coastal vibes.
Day 4
DARTMOOR NATIONAL PARK (CENTRAL & EAST)
Ancient Oaks, Granite Tors & River Valleys
Haytor Rocks & Medieval Quarry Trail
Haytor Vale, Haytor Vale
Dartmoor's most iconic granite tor, featuring a manageable ascent with vast 360-degree views across the moors to the Teignmouth coastline.
The Rugglestone Inn
Widecombe in the Moor, Widecombe in the Moor
An unspoiled 19th-century moorland pub with low wood beams, real ales straight from the cask, and a stream flowing past the garden.
Wistman's Wood National Nature Reserve
Two Bridges, Two Bridges
A magical, ancient high-altitude oak woodland covered in thick mosses, lichens, and granite boulders, accessed via an easy 1.5-mile valley trail.
The Dartmoor Inn
Lydford, Lydford
Refined modern British pub dining showcasing Dartmoor lamb, Devon cheeses, and seasonal garden produce in a collection of cozy, intimate dining rooms.
Day 5
NORTH DEVON ATLANTIC COAST
Surf Beaches & Golden Dune Trails
Saunton Sands & Braunton Burrows Biosphere
Saunton, Braunton
Over three miles of pristine, hard-packed golden sand backed by Braunton Burrows—one of Europe's largest sand dune ecosystems and a UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The Beachside Grill
Saunton, Saunton Sands
Casual beachfront terrace serving grilled local fish tacos, gourmet burgers, and artisan cider overlooking the Atlantic surf breakers.
Baggy Point Coastal Walk
Croyde, Croyde
A panoramic 2.8-mile National Trust headland loop separating Croyde Bay and Woolacombe, with nesting seabirds and views out to Lundy Island.
The Thatch
Croyde Village, Croyde
The social heart of Croyde village under a traditional thatched roof, serving giant nachos, local steaks, fresh fish specials, and an extensive craft ale selection.
Day 6
EXMOOR COAST & LYNTON / LYNMOUTH
Valley of Rocks & Victorian Funiculars
Valley of Rocks Circular Walk
Valley of Rocks, Lynton
A dramatic dry coastal valley with towering pyramid rock formations, feral feral goats grazing craggy slopes, and sheer cliff paths overlooking the Bristol Channel.
The Oak Room
Lynton, Lynton
A cozy, award-winning bistro serving seasonal tapas, Mediterranean-Devon fusion plates, and regional cider in central Lynton.
Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway & Harbour
Lynton / Lynmouth, Lynmouth
Ride the world's highest and steepest water-powered funicular railway built in 1890, descending 500 feet to the tidal stone harbor of Lynmouth for a Devon cream tea.
The Rising Sun
Lynmouth Quay, Lynmouth Harbour
A 14th-century thatched harbor inn that once hosted poet Percy Bysshe Shelley, serving local Exmoor venison and Lynmouth bay crab right by the water's edge.
Day 7
MID DEVON VALLEYS & DEPARTURE
Estate Farm Shops & River Exe Woodlands
Knightshayes Court & Walled Kitchen Garden
Bolham, Tiverton
A spectacular Victorian Gothic country house surrounded by one of Devon's finest formal woodland gardens and a productive 2-acre walled kitchen garden.
Darts Farm Culinary Village
Topsham outskirts, Topsham / Clyst St George
Devon's premier artisan food hub featuring a farm-to-table restaurant, cider press room, bean-to-bar chocolatier, and butcher counter celebrating local Ruby Red Devon beef.
Exeter Historic Quayside Stroll & Farewell Cider
Exeter Quayside, Exeter Quayside
A tranquil finish along Exeter's 17th-century Customs House, red-brick canal warehouses, antique cellars, and riverfront pubs before departing.
Budget
ON TARGETTarget
$2,000
Estimated
$1,940
Difference
$60
Trip Balance Score
How well this trip will actually work
Prioritized traveler fit, experience mix, and realistic single-track lane transit pacing over high-volume sight density.
What works well
- Smooth geographic progression forming a logical loop starting and finishing around Exeter without backtracking.
- Balanced culinary picks featuring regional seafood, farm shops, and heritage cider houses while keeping within the $2,000 couple budget.
- Realistic pacing that accounts for narrow country lanes and preserves relaxed morning routines.
What we would improve
- Driving single-track lanes in Dartmoor and Exmoor requires patient reversing into passing bays.
- Parking at coastal hotspots like Woolacombe and Beer can be competitive on sunny weekend afternoons.
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