Best Day Trips from Plymouth by Taxi

Plymouth sits in an enviable position on the south Devon coast, surrounded by stunning countryside, charming coastal villages, and world-class attractions. Whether you're a local looking for a stress-free day out or a visitor wanting to explore beyond the city, taking a taxi for your day trip offers comfort, flexibility, and door-to-door convenience that public transport simply can't match.

In this guide, we've compiled the best day trips from Plymouth by taxi, complete with journey times, what to see, and tips for making the most of your adventure. No parking hassles, no bus timetables to worry about - just sit back and enjoy the Devon and Cornwall scenery.

Why Choose a Taxi for Day Trips?

Before we dive into the destinations, let's talk about why a taxi makes sense for day trips from Plymouth:

• Door-to-door service - Get picked up from home and dropped right at your destination
• No parking stress - Popular spots like Salcombe and Padstow have nightmare parking in summer
• Flexibility - Stay as long as you like without watching the clock for the last bus
• Comfort - Travel in a clean, air-conditioned vehicle
• Local knowledge - Our drivers know the best routes and can offer recommendations
• Perfect for groups - Often cheaper than multiple bus tickets for families

"Taking a taxi for day trips means you can enjoy a glass of wine with lunch, take the scenic route home, and never worry about finding a parking space. It transforms a day out into a proper treat."

Dartmoor National Park

The wild, rugged beauty of Dartmoor is right on Plymouth's doorstep, yet many locals rarely explore it. A taxi day trip lets you experience multiple Dartmoor highlights without the stress of navigating narrow moorland roads.

Top Dartmoor Stops

• Princetown - Visit the Dartmoor Prison Museum and grab lunch at a cosy pub (25 mins from Plymouth)
• Haytor - One of Dartmoor's most iconic tors with panoramic views (40 mins)
• Widecombe-in-the-Moor - The quintessential Dartmoor village with a famous church (45 mins)
• Becky Falls - Beautiful woodland waterfall, perfect for families (40 mins)
• Two Bridges - Historic inn and excellent walking starting point (30 mins)

Our drivers can create a custom Dartmoor route hitting multiple spots, waiting while you explore each one. A full Dartmoor day trip typically takes 4-6 hours depending on how many stops you want.

Book a Dartmoor Day Trip

The Eden Project

Cornwall's world-famous Eden Project is one of the UK's top attractions, featuring massive biomes housing plants from around the globe. Located near St Austell, it's an easy day trip from Plymouth.

Eden Project Details

• Distance from Plymouth: 35 miles
• Journey time: 45-50 minutes
• Recommended visit time: 4-5 hours
• Best for: Families, nature lovers, photography enthusiasts

The Eden Project has limited and expensive parking, making a taxi the smart choice. We'll drop you at the entrance and pick you up when you're ready - no long walks from distant car parks.

Salcombe & the South Hams Coast

The South Hams coastline is arguably Devon's most beautiful stretch, and Salcombe sits at its heart. This upmarket sailing town offers boutique shopping, excellent seafood restaurants, and stunning estuary views.

South Hams Itinerary

1. Salcombe (40 mins from Plymouth) - Browse the shops, take the ferry to East Portlemouth beach, enjoy fresh crab for lunch
2. Kingsbridge (35 mins) - Market town with independent shops and cafes
3. Slapton Sands (30 mins) - Dramatic shingle beach with WWII memorial
4. Dartmouth (45 mins) - Historic naval town with castle and steam railway

Parking in Salcombe during summer is notoriously difficult and expensive. A taxi lets you enjoy the town without the stress, and you can even have a drink with lunch!

Padstow & North Cornwall

Famous for Rick Stein's restaurants and beautiful harbour, Padstow makes for an excellent day trip from Plymouth. The journey takes you through the Cornish countryside, arriving at one of Cornwall's most charming fishing towns.

Padstow Day Trip

• Distance: 50 miles
• Journey time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• What to do: Fresh seafood lunch, coastal walks, Prideaux Place house, ferry to Rock
• Nearby: Newquay beaches (30 mins further), Port Isaac/Port Wenn (20 mins)

Consider combining Padstow with a stop at the picturesque village of Port Isaac - filming location for Doc Martin (known as Port Wenn in the series).

Looe & Polperro

These twin fishing villages in South East Cornwall offer traditional Cornish charm without the crowds of more famous spots. They're close to Plymouth, making them perfect for a relaxed half-day or full-day trip.

Looe & Polperro Details

• Looe: 20 miles, 35 minutes - Sandy beach, fishing harbour, great fish & chips
• Polperro: 25 miles, 40 minutes - Car-free village, smuggling museum, harbour walks

These villages are perfect for combining into one trip. Spend the morning in Polperro, lunch in Looe, and be back in Plymouth for dinner.

Saltash residents are even closer - it's just 25 minutes to Polperro from the Cornish gateway town.

Totnes & the River Dart

Known as Devon's "alternative" town, Totnes offers independent shops, a fascinating castle, and access to beautiful River Dart cruises. It's a favourite with those seeking something different from typical tourist spots.

Totnes Highlights

• Distance: 25 miles
• Journey time: 35 minutes
• Must-see: Totnes Castle, independent high street shops, Rare Breeds Farm
• River Dart: Take a boat to Dartmouth for a circular day trip

"We can drop you at Totnes, you take the river cruise to Dartmouth, explore for a few hours, then we pick you up from Dartmouth. It's the perfect stress-free day out."

Planning Your Day Trip

Here are our top tips for planning a day trip by taxi from Plymouth:

Before You Book

1. Decide on your destination - Use this guide to choose based on your interests
2. Consider the weather - Coastal trips are best on clear days; Dartmoor is atmospheric in any weather
3. Book in advance - Especially for weekends and school holidays
4. Think about timing - Early starts beat the crowds at popular spots

What to Tell Us When Booking

• Your destination(s) and how long you want to spend at each
• Number of passengers
• Any mobility requirements
• Whether you want recommendations from our drivers

Day Trip Pricing

All our day trips come with transparent, fixed pricing. You'll know the cost before you travel, with no surprises. For multi-stop trips, we charge a combination of mileage and waiting time, which we'll quote clearly when you book.

For a group of 3-4 people, a taxi day trip often works out similar to or cheaper than train tickets plus local buses, with infinitely more convenience.

Ready to explore Devon and Cornwall in comfort? Contact us for a custom day trip quote, or use our online booking system for instant pricing to popular destinations.