Bath to Plymouth Road Trip: Stops, Views & Hidden Gems

The drive from Bath to Plymouth covers about 145 miles (233 km) via the A39 and A38, taking roughly 3.5 hours without stops. This route traverses the Mendip Hills, Somerset Levels, and Devon’s rolling countryside, concluding on the dramatic Plymouth Sound. The road was once a Roman artery, and today you can still trace ancient pathways on the A39, an old coaching route. For context, the tidal range in the Bristol Channel near the route start is one of the highest in the world, exceeding 15 meters at spring tides. This guide dives deep into every aspect of the journey, helping you plan the perfect trip.

When considering how long to drive Bath to Plymouth, typical travel time is around 3 hours 30 minutes, but attractions between Bath and Plymouth can easily extend that to a full day. The question is it worth driving Bath to Plymouth is answered with a resounding yes, as the scenic diversity and cultural riches along the way are immense. For maximizing your stops, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

The best stops Bath to Plymouth include locations such as Cheddar Gorge, Glastonbury Tor, Exeter Cathedral, and Dartmoor National Park. The journey can be broken into three segments: Bath to Glastonbury (30 min), Glastonbury to Exeter (1.5 hrs), and Exeter to Plymouth (1 hr).

The primary route uses the A39 from Bath to Glastonbury, then the A38 from Glastonbury to Plymouth, with a short motorway stretch via the M5 near Exeter. The A39 is a single carriageway in many sections, requiring patience. Fuel costs for a petrol car average around £30-£40 for the entire journey (approx. 10 L/100 km, fuel price £1.50/L). Toll roads are absent on this route.

• Road Types: Mix of A-roads (A39 scenic, A38 expressway) and short motorway (M5).
• Typical Speeds: A39 40–50 mph, A38 60 mph, M5 70 mph.
• Fuel Stations: Major towns (Bath, Glastonbury, Taunton, Exeter) have 24hr petrol stations; fewer options on A39 between Wells and Glastonbury.
• Rest Areas: Formal services at Sedgemoor (M5) and Exeter; lay-bys on A38.

Route Economics: Driving this distance costs approximately £35 in fuel (petrol) and £5 in potential tolls (none). Parking in Plymouth city centre costs around £10/day. Public transportation alternatives exist (train from Bath to Plymouth ~2.5 hrs, £30-60), but a car offers flexibility for stopping at things to do between Bath and Plymouth.

Infrastructure Safety & Road Quality: The A39 is narrow and winding in parts, with lower safety ratings due to limited overtaking. The A38 is a dual carriageway with good lighting. The M5 is high-speed. In 2022, fatal accident rates were 1.2 per 100 million vehicle miles on A-roads vs 0.4 on motorways. Drive cautiously on the A39 at night.

Fatigue Management & Rest Zones: Plan stops every 90 minutes. Recommended rest points: Glastonbury (45 min from Bath), Exeter (2 hours from Bath), and Plymouth. Official rest areas: Sedgemoor Services (M5 services, fast food), Exeter Services (M5). Better to use town stops for local ambiance.

• Stop 1: Wells (~20 min from Bath) – explore cathedral, refuel.
• Stop 2: Glastonbury – cafe, tourist info, walking trails.
• Stop 3: Exeter – quayside restaurants, cathedral green.

Family and Child Suitability: The route offers many child-friendly attractions. Cheddar Gorge has a cave tour and cliff walks. The Fleet Air Arm Museum in Yeovilton (near A303) is excellent for kids. Dartmoor has easy walks and wild ponies. Plymouth has the National Marine Aquarium (largest in the UK). For nappy changes, petrol stations usually have baby changing facilities.

1. Cheddar Gorge & Caves (caves, kids’ activities)
2. Fleet Air Arm Museum (interactive aircraft displays)
3. Dartmoor Zoo (exotic animals, 30 min detour)

Pet-Friendly Framework: Many pubs in Somerset and Devon welcome dogs. The A39 route is rural, with plenty of lay-bys for dog walks. Dartmoor is dog-friendly but sheep may be present. Accommodations: numerous pet-friendly hotels in Exeter and Plymouth. Always carry water and leads.

Hidden Off-Route Spots: Two hidden gems: the Wookey Hole Caves (near Cheddar, famous witch legend) and the tiny village of Dunster on the edge of Exmoor (detour 20 min). Another spot: the prehistoric stone circle at Stanton Drew (between Bath and Bristol). For a peaceful break, visit the Exeter Canal and River Exe via a ferry.

• Wookey Hole: cave system and paper mill at Wookey Hole, BA5 1BB.
• Stanton Drew: stone circle near Pensford, BS39 4DQ.
• Dunster: medieval village and castle, TA24 6SF.

Culinary Infrastructure: From Bath’s fine dining to Plymouth’s seafood, the route is a culinary journey. Recommended lunch stops: The George & Pilgrims in Glastonbury (historic inn, pies), The Prospect Inn at Topsham (near Exeter, riverside, seafood). For a quick bite, chains abound at services. Stock up on local cheese and cider at farmers’ markets.

Natural Landscapes & Attractions: The route begins in the Cotswolds Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty near Bath. The Somerset Levels, a flat fenland, offer unique wetland views. Further south, the Blackdown Hills AONB and Dartmoor National Park showcase Devon’s rugged heathlands and granite tors. Key geological feature: the Jurassic Coast begins near Axminster, east of the route.

• Cheddar Gorge: limestone gorge with cliffs up to 450 ft.
• Glastonbury Tor: iconic hill with panoramic views.
• Dartmoor: wild ponies, granite tors (e.g., Haytor).
• Plymouth Sound: natural harbour, views from Hoe park.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Bath is part of the “Great Spa Towns of Europe” UNESCO series. The city’s Roman Baths and Georgian architecture are must-sees. The Jurassic Coast (East Devon) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with fossil-rich cliffs accessible via a short detour to Lyme Regis (adds 30 min).

Local Commerce & Culture: Traditional Somerset cider farms (e.g., Burrow Hill Cider) are along the A39. In Devon, visit family-run creameries for clotted cream. Plymouth’s Barbican district features historic gin distilleries (e.g., Plymouth Gin). Weekly markets: Bath’s Farmer’s Market (Saturdays), Exeter’s Quay Market (Saturdays), Plymouth’s Sunday Market.

• Cider tasting: Burrow Hill, near Martock (A37).
• Clotted cream: Riverford Farm Shop, near Buckfastleigh.
• Seafood: Plymouth’s Fish Market (early morning).