5 days in Devon and Cornwall
Introduction
Devon and Cornwall are two counties with such distinct flavours that you may feel like you’ve discovered a new British nation. This corner of the south-west of England is blessed with miles of golden sand, clear water and (sometimes) glorious weather. Love surfing? Join the vibrant surfing communities. Want more from the great outdoors? Head to the two unforgettable national parks, Dartmoor and Exmoor, to stargaze by night and spot wild ponies by day. Some of the south’s coolest cities are here, too. Like laid-back Plymouth and historic Exeter, marching to the beat of their own drums.
Here’s our pick of the top things to see and do over five days in Devon and Cornwall:
Day 1 – Cornwall
Day 1 - Cornwall
On a hunt for Britain’s best beaches? Then you can’t miss Cornwall. This south-western county is surrounded by white sand and clear water; dotted with hidden coves, charming towns and popular surfing spots. Its landscapes have provided the setting for beloved British TV shows such as Poldark and Doc Martin, but its on-screen beauty is nothing compared to the real thing. Be sure to visit the Eden Project, an indoor rainforest in a magnificent biome.
Things to do in Cornwall
Getting to Cornwall
Cornwall is served by Newquay Airport, a small airport with connections to other major UK airports, plus several destinations within Europe. A bus service connects Newquay Airport with the rest of Cornwall.
If travelling from London, the Night Riviera Sleeper is an overnight train that runs from London Paddington to Penzance, stopping at other Cornish destinations en route. The train is complete with cosy cabins, beds, and an on-board drinks and snacks bar. Great Western Railway also operate regular trains from London to Cornwall, with various destinations and journey times ranging between four to five hours.
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Day 2 – Plymouth
Day 2 - Plymouth
Accurately nicknamed Britain’s ‘ocean city’, Plymouth is centred around its famous waterfront. Wander the narrow, historic streets of the Barbican, Plymouth’s old port, and you’ll discover shops, cafes and restaurants with views of the sparkling southwest coast. Learn about the city’s maritime past, swim in the art-deco Tinside Lido, and greet sea creatures in the National Marine Aquarium, the biggest in Britain.
Things to do in Plymouth
Getting to Plymouth from Cornwall
Plymouth is easily reached by train from several stations in Cornwall. A train from Truro to Plymouth takes around one hour and 15 minutes, while the journey from Plymouth to Penzance takes around two hours.
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Day 3 – Exeter
Day 3 - Exeter
Exeter is a small city with a huge amount of culture. Be it exploring medieval underground tunnels, discovering your new favourite band at the Exeter Phoenix, or having lunch at a secret cafe that’s only accessible by boat, you’re in for plenty of surprises here. Bursting with history but refreshingly cool, your trip to Exeter will combine cathedrals and microbreweries, museums and water sports – so expect the unexpected.
Things to do in Exeter
Getting to Exeter from Plymouth
Trains from Plymouth to Exeter St David’s run roughly every 30 minutes and take around one hour, arriving into Exeter St David’s station. Alternatively, coaches from Plymouth to Exeter take up to an hour 30 minutes.
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Day 4 – Dartmoor and Exmoor
Day 4 - Dartmoor and Exmoor
Two rugged national parks packed with wildlife and adventure, there are endless things to do in Dartmoor and Exmoor. Hike to waterfalls, spot red deer and wild ponies, and camp under the stars of an unobstructed Dark Sky Reserve. Despite being neighbours, each park has its own unique character, so it’s worth visiting both. Expect river valleys and distinctive granite tors in Dartmoor, and peaceful beaches along Exmoor’s 37-mile (60km) coastline.
Things to do in Dartmoor and Exmoor
Getting to Dartmoor and Exmoor from Exeter
Exeter is connected by rail to both national parks. An hourly direct train from Exeter Central to Okehampton in northern Dartmoor takes around 45 minutes.
To reach Exmoor, an hourly direct train from Exeter Central to Barnstaple takes roughly one hour and 15 minutes.
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Day 5 – More of Devon
Day 5 - Rest of Devon
Beyond the cultural buzz of Exeter and the maritime spirit of Plymouth, there’s so much more to explore in Devon. Embrace the ocean, and discover incredible surfing breaks, enchanting islands and waters home to dolphins and seals. Wander through quaint market towns and tiny fishing villages, where you’ll be welcomed with a friendly ‘Alright?’ in the unique Devon accent. It’s an agricultural county, so be sure to taste local delicacies including artisan cheeses, honey, wine, and even home-grown chillies.
Things to do in Devon
Getting to Devon from Dartmoor and Exmoor
Both national parks have direct connections to Devon’s major transport hub, Exeter. The train from Exeter to Okehampton in northern Dartmoor takes around 45 minutes, while the train from Exeter to Barnstaple, close to Exmoor, takes around one hour and 15 minutes.
You can rely on public transport to get around the county, as Devon has an extensive bus, train and coach network. For greater flexibility, consider renting a car to explore some of Devon’s lesser-known spots.
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Ready to discover Devon and Cornwall?
Devon and Cornwall FAQs
Dartmoor National Park is 368 square miles (954km) while Exmoor National Park is 267 square miles (692km). Dartmoor National Park is known for its granite tors, open moorland and prehistoric landscapes, while Exmoor National Park combines moorland, wooded valleys and dramatic coastline. Both offer walking opportunities and scenic drives, but each has its own distinct character.
Yes, Croyde Bay is dog-friendly from 1 October – 30 April and outside of that dogs can still be walked on the dunes above the beach, making it a great option if you’re planning a dog-friendly trip to Cornwall.
The Eden Project is one of Cornwall’s most visited attractions, known for its large biomes containing plants from tropical and Mediterranean climates. Alongside its gardens, exhibitions and seasonal events, visitors can also experience the Eden Project zip wire, also known as the Eden Project zipline, and the weekly parkrun Eden Project route.
Burgh Island is known for its tidal island setting on the South Devon coast and its connection to author Agatha Christie. The island inspired several of her stories and remains a popular visitor destination with historic Art Deco architecture and coastal views.