Car-free day trips away from the city

From picturesque beaches to quirky towns, the south west has loads of places to visit, all within reach from Plymouth by public transport
Students at Rame Head and Whitsand Bay in Cornwall
Sometimes you just need to take a break
A day out to blow away the cobwebs and regain some perspective. Or maybe you just want to get to know your new home a little better. Whatever your motivation there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy an affordable adventure.
 
With Plymouth's railway station situated close to our main city campus and a network of scenic branch lines connecting interesting locations across Devon and Cornwall, exploring the local area by rail is a cost-effective and sustainable option.

St Ives
St Ives
A little over two hours by train will take you to St Ives, a picturesque seaside town where traditional fisherman’s cottages nestle around the harbour. Enjoy the beaches, visit the iconic Tate St Ives and enjoy an ice cream
Panorama of Devon town Totnes including the Norman motte and bailey castle.
Totnes
A short 25-minute train ride from Plymouth and you'll find yourself in Totnes, a town full of character, set on the picturesque River Dart. With plenty of independent shops, unusual boutiques and an award-winning food market, it's worth exploring.
We explore. After you apply. Students walking up from the beach with surfboard
Newquay
A little under two hours will take you to the popular surf resort of Newquay. Blessed with 11 golden sandy beaches and some of Europe’s best surfing conditions, Newquay is a bustling town at any time of year.
 
For something a little closer to home, take advantage of one of the local foot ferry services that enable you to explore the coast to the east and west of the city.
Plymouth Hoe and Tinside - full bleed

If you don’t have a car, taking a boat trip from the Barbican is a great way to explore. One of the most popular trips is to Cawsand, a tiny fishing village. We found a tapas place with a stunning view, and the village itself is very cute. When we got back to the beach lots of people were swimming in the sea and enjoying the sunny weather.

A small Peninsula in a body of water - Mount Edgcumbe at Plymouth, England
Mount Edgcumbe
Accessible via the Cremyll Ferry, the Mount Edgcumbe estate feels a million miles away form the city. Open all year round with large areas free to access, the estate offers plenty of opportunity for walks in all weathers.
Bovisand Beach
Mountbatten and beyond
A short hop across to Mount Batten from the Barbican opens up a world of coastal walks, cosy pubs, cafes and watersports. Follow the coast path to Bovisand for a dip in the sea, or take a ten minute stroll to the quaint village of Turnchapel.
Cawsand. Getty Images
Kingsand and Cawsand
The picturesque Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand offer sheltered beaches, spectacular walks and a lovely spot to unwind. Accessible by boat from the Barbican (summer), by foot from Mount Edgumbe or bus from the city centre (Citybus 70, 70A, 70B).