Devon is the only county in England with two separate, non-contiguous coastlines, meaning wherever you travel from, the sea is never far away. With sandy beaches to the north and coves waiting to be explored in the south, this is the perfect county for a weekend escape. Catching a train to Devon with CrossCountry is the first step to discovering its many wonders.
Train tickets to Devon
CrossCountry serves multiple locations across Devon, all possessing unique and inviting reasons to visit on a day trip. Below are the key stations you can reach on a CrossCountry train:
We always recommend booking an Advance Ticket for your journey; it’s a sure-fire way to guarantee flexibility.
Devon is perfect for a family holiday, but have you sorted your Family & Friends Railcard? You could be missing out on a 1/3 off travel for yourself and 60% off for the kids!
Experience Devon
Places to eat in Devon
Crave in Exeter makes full use of its proximity to the sea by combining ocean flavours with locally sourced meat and veg. Visitors can enjoy an enticing spread of small plates bursting with colour, from orange grilled carrots to rich red aubergine parm to green charred courgettes. Or, if you prefer to go big, try the Goan pasted mackerel straight from Brixham market, it’s served with minted potatoes and chilli yoghurt.
One of the draws of Devon is the seaside, so let’s head straight to the coast for our next recommendation. Harbour Light can be found on Paignton’s beautiful waterfront; they do fish well here. Rain or shine, Harbour Light is a beacon for food lovers, offering a refuge next to a cosy fireplace in winter and an inviting suntrap of a dining room on clear days. Menu highlights include brown crab & prawn linguine, southwest fish of the day and chips, and the West Country sirloin steak.
Looking for some fuel on the go in Devon? There are hundreds of great coffee shops and bakeries all over the county. The Dovetail Café in Exeter is attached to an antique shop and mirrors its eclectic and quirky ambience. Come for a spot of antiquing and stay for their award-winning cake. The coffee is smooth, the food is beautifully presented, and you can even say hello to the café’s friendly puppy, Darwin.
Places to stay in Devon
The Grand Hotel in Torquay sits above Corbyn beach, taking in the coastal views of the English Riviera for over 140 years. The hotel rooms are a cut above the rest, particularly the Prince William suite, with its uninterrupted views of the sea and golden finery. Unwinding at The Grand is delightfully simple; just head to the spa for a relaxing massage or a rejuvenating facial.
Langstone Cliff Hotel in Dawlish harbours beautiful views of the sunset over the water. It’s the perfect family hotel boasting an indoor and outdoor pool, cabaret-style entertainment, and a calendar full of kid-friendly events. Adults can also pay a visit to the therapy lounge for a range of spa treatments or enjoy a beverage in one of the hotel's welcoming bars.
Please note: CrossCountry is unable to support with any hotel related queries or booking requests. For further information, please contact the hotels mentioned directly.
Heritage & culture in Devon
In the heart of the county’s capital, Exeter Cathedral holds centuries of history ready to be observed, appreciated, and wondered at. Its magnificent stone vaulting, carved angels, watchful gargoyles and grotesques, and stunning stained glass speak to a bygone time we are lucky to witness.
For a quirky day out, you must visit Babbacombe Model Village in Torquay. Upon entering, you’ll suddenly be 100ft tall, looking down at a miniature world below. This tiny town may be small, but it’s still vast, covering 4 acres of gardens and playing home to more than 13,000 teensy residents.
Also in Torquay, right by the sea, is the Princess Theatre, which brings a medley of concerts, ballet shows, musicals, and plays to South Devon. It’s perfectly placed for a promenade by the sea, followed by a West End matinee and a delicious pizza from Pizza al Teatro.
Finally, one of the most wholesome activities in Devon is undoubtedly the Tarka Trail. Inspired by Henry Williamson’s novel Tarka the Otter, this scenic route takes walkers and cyclists along unspoilt countryside, estuaries, and charming market towns. Keep an eye out for otters around the River Torridge!
Shopping in Devon
There’s always a reason to shop in Devon, whether you’re exploring bustling Exeter or discovering independent businesses in one of the county’s towns and villages. Exeter is ideal for a shopping spree, with major retail destinations such as Princesshay and Guildhall Shopping Centre offering a wide range of popular brands.
Head to Totnes for charming local markets, including the Friday and Saturday market in Civic Square, an artisan market in the Civic Hall, and regular food and craft markets, which are also held in the square.
Meanwhile, Torquay combines classic seaside gift shops with well-known high street names at Fleet Walk Shopping Centre, giving visitors the best of both coastal browsing and convenient retail.
FAQs
CrossCountry serves several stations in Devon, including Exeter St Davids, Plymouth, Dawlish, Teignmouth, Torquay, Paignton, Newton Abbot, and Totnes.
The largest airport in Devon is Exeter Airport, which serves international flights to countries like Greece, Portugal, and Spain.
Travel at off-peak times to save on ticket costs, and don’t forget to sign up for a Railcard and save 1/3 on every journey – if you’re eligible. Our cheap tickets page has more hints and tips on finding cheaper train tickets to Devon.
Trains to Dartmoor
Visit Dartmoor National Park with CrossCountry, one of the most historic and naturally beautiful landscapes in England.
