Planning a road trip can feel tricky. With so many routes, stops, and places to stay, it’s hard to know where to begin. Plus, you want to make sure everyone has a great time along the way!
But here’s the thing—you’d be missing out on one of England’s most stunning road trips if you let the planning hold you back. With its rugged coastlines, charming villages, and winding country lanes, Devon is the perfect getaway.
So, let’s make it easy! In this guide, I’ll show you how to plan a memorable road trip from London to Devon.
Things to prepare before you go
- Car Essentials: Full tank, spare tyre, breakdown cover, and maps
- Packing Tips: Waterproof clothing, walking shoes, picnic supplies, and a phone charger
- Safety: Check weather forecasts, especially for coastal and moorland areas
Popular route options
- Via M4 and M5: The fastest option is to go via M4 and M5. It takes you through Bristol and is estimated to take 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- Via A303: This is a picturesque drive passing Stonehenge and charming countryside, with an estimated journey time of 4 to 5 hours.
What to do along the route from London to Devon
Stand before the mystery of Stonehenge
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Address: Amesbury, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Contact: +44 370 333 1181
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun, 9:30 AM – 5 PM
Pricing: ££
It’s truly amazing to see Stonehenge up close. It is one of the most iconic and mysterious places in the world, and you really should not miss getting pictures here.
This ancient stone circle, built over 4,500 years ago, still leaves us guessing—was it a temple, a calendar, or something else?
We recommend visiting the visitor centre before or after going to the actual Stonehenge. It features fascinating exhibitions, a reconstructed Neolithic village, and interactive displays that bring its history to life.
Admire the grandeur of Salisbury Cathedral
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Address: 6 The Close, Salisbury, Wiltshire
Contact: +44 1722 555120 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon–Sat, 9:30 AM – 5 PM; Sunday, 12 PM – 4 PM
Pricing: £
Salisbury Cathedral is famous for having Britain’s tallest spire (a towering 123 metres!). This 800-year-old masterpiece is filled with incredible details, from medieval stained glass to carved stonework.
Inside, you’ll find the original 1215 Magna Carta, one of the most important documents in history. The world’s oldest working mechanical clock is also here!
If you want a bit of a challenge, you can climb the tower for unbeatable views over Salisbury.
Explore the dramatic landscape of Cheddar Gorge & Caves
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Address: The Cliffs, Cheddar, Somerset
Contact: +44 1934 742343 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon–Sun, 10 AM – 4 PM
Pricing: ££
Cheddar Gorge is a natural wonder, with towering limestone cliffs and ancient caves. Hikers, history buffs, and thrill-seekers will love the cliff-top walks and to go rock climbing or caving.
We recommend wandering through Gough’s Cave. It’s where Britain’s oldest skeleton, “Cheddar Man,” was discovered. You can also test your legs on Jacob’s Ladder, a 274-step climb leading to breathtaking views.
And before you leave, make sure to grab some Cheddar cheese from the village—this is where the world-famous cheese was born!
Climb to the summit of Glastonbury Tor
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Address: Glastonbury, Somerset
Contact: +44 344 800 1895 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Pricing: Free
Glastonbury Tor is a place of mystery, legend, and breathtaking scenery. Rising above the Somerset countryside, this ancient hill is steeped in myths, from King Arthur’s Avalon to tales of hidden energy lines.
A short but steep walk takes you to the top, where the ruins of St Michael’s Tower stand proudly against the sky.
The 360-degree views from up here are absolutely stunning, stretching across three counties.
Immerse yourself in the wild beauty of Exmoor National Park
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Address: Dulverton, Somerset
Contact: +44 1398 323665 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Pricing: Free
Exmoor National Park is a haven for nature lovers. It’s perfect for long walks and quiet moments in nature with its open moors, hidden valleys, and winding rivers.
The famous Exmoor ponies roam freely, and if you’re lucky, you might spot red deer in the distance.
It’s an International Dark Sky Reserve area, making it the best spot for stargazing.
Roam the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor National Park
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Address: Parke, Bovey Tracey, Newton Abbot, Devon
Contact: +44 1626 832093 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Pricing: Free
Dartmoor National Park is home to wild ponies and ancient stone circles, giving it a truly magical feel.
The landscape is rugged and dramatic. It has rolling moors, hidden waterfalls, and towering granite tors that have stood for millions of years.
Hikers can take on challenging trails leading to breathtaking viewpoints, while history lovers can explore eerie ruins and medieval villages frozen in time.
The park’s misty, mysterious atmosphere even inspired Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s The Hound of the Baskervilles!
Soak up the seaside beauty of the English Riviera
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Address: Vaughan Parade, Torquay, Devon
Contact: +44 1803 211211 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24/7
Pricing: Free
The English Riviera is Devon’s most famous stretch of coastline, packed with sandy beaches, palm trees, and lively seaside towns.
The region is also a UNESCO Global Geopark, offering plenty of chances to discover fascinating rock formations and hidden coves.
With boat trips, watersports, and a thriving food scene featuring some of the freshest seafood in the UK, it’s the perfect place for a classic British seaside adventure.
Where to eat along the route to Devon
Roth Bar & Grill
Media credit: rothbar.somerset
Address: Durslade Farm, Dropping Ln, Bruton, Somerset
Contact: +44 1749 814700 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Wed-Sun, 12 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: ££
Roth Bar & Grill is known for its open-fire cooking. This restaurant serves up perfectly grilled meats, fresh seafood, and seasonal vegetables with a smoky, flame-kissed twist.
The menu changes daily, but their best-sellers include juicy aged steaks and their famous rotisserie chicken. The aged steak was perfectly seared and tender, while the chicken was juicy and well-seasoned.
If you choose to dine here, you can expect a buzzing atmosphere and a strong farm-to-table ethos.
Riverford Field Kitchen
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Address: Wash Farm, Buckfastleigh, Devon
Contact: +44 1803 762074 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Wed-Sun, 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: ££
Riverford Field Kitchen is a farm-to-table restaurant that serves generous sharing platters made from the best seasonal produce, most of which are picked straight from their own fields.
Their vegetable-led dishes are the stars, with roasted squash drizzled in herby yoghurt and crisp, pickled salads. There are also hearty meat and fish options, like slow-cooked lamb and flaky, perfectly seasoned trout.
The Rockfish
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Address: Brixham Fish Market, Brixham, Devon
Contact: +44 1803 850872 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Mon-Sun, 12 PM – 9 PM
Pricing: £
The Rockfish focuses on fresh, sustainable fish. It’s a relaxed waterside restaurant that serves everything from traditional fish and chips to grilled catch-of-the-day straight from the Brixham fish market.
Their best-sellers include buttery Dove sole and perfectly crisp calamari. The Dover sole was incredibly tender and buttery. The calamari was light yet crunchy and had tender, flavourful rings that tasted even better with a squeeze of lemon.
Everything is cooked simply to let the flavours shine, so you know you’re getting top-quality, responsibly sourced seafood.
The Seahorse
Media credit: seahorse.restaurant
Address: 5 South Embankment, Dartmouth
Contact: +44 1803 835147 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Tue-Sat, 12 PM – 3 PM, 6 PM – 10 PM
Pricing: £££
If you’re after seafood with a touch of Italian flair, The Seahorse in Dartmouth is the place to be.
The charcoal-roasted scallops were tender, with a caramelised crust that added a slight smokiness without overpowering their natural sweetness. Their seafood was even cooked over an open flame.
Fresh fish arrives daily from local boats, so you’re always in for a fresh treat.
Where to stay along the route and in Devon
The Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa
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Address: 16 Royal Crescent, Bath
Contact: +44 1225 823333 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: 24/7
Pricing: ££
Royal Crescent Hotel & Spa feels like travelling back in time to Bath’s Georgian era—only with modern luxury at every turn.
This five-star hotel is perfect for a refined and relaxing stopover. Guests can unwind in the spa and stroll through beautifully manicured gardens.
The Pig Hotel
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Address: Hunstrete House, Pensford, Bath
Contact: +44 1761 490490 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: Check-in from 3 PM, check-out by 11 AM
Pricing: ££
If you love good food and relaxed, homey vibe, The Pig Hotel is the perfect spot.
This boutique countryside hotel is set in a charming country house. They offer fresh, locally sourced food, with a kitchen garden supplying most of the ingredients for their rustic dishes.
The rooms are filled with vintage décor and modern comforts.
Lympstone Manor
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Address: Courtlands Ln, Exmouth, Devon
Contact: +44 1395 202040 | [email protected]
Operating Hours: 24/7
Pricing: £££
Lympstone Manor is a five-star country house hotel that is perfect for couples, food lovers, and anyone looking for a luxury escape.
Their Michelin-starred restaurant is the highlight, serving beautifully crafted dishes made with the finest local ingredients.
The elegant rooms and suites are beautifully designed, with some even featuring private terraces or outdoor baths.
