Exeter to Plymouth Road Trip: Best Stops and Hidden Gems

The A38 dual carriageway between Exeter and Plymouth runs 48 miles southwest through Devon, hugging the edge of Dartmoor National Park. This route was originally a Roman road linking Isca Dumnoniorum (Exeter) to the naval port at Plymouth. Many drivers ask 'is it worth driving Exeter to Plymouth?' given the scenic alternatives, but the A38 offers efficiency with stunning views.

From the M5 at Exeter, you merge onto the A38 at Kennford and follow it past Haldon Forest and Ashburton. The drive typically takes 50-70 minutes in normal traffic, though summer weekends can add 20 minutes. The key question 'how long to drive Exeter to Plymouth' depends on your stops—but the direct highway time is under an hour.

The drive transitions from the rolling hills of Mid Devon to the granite outcrops of southern Dartmoor. As you leave Exeter, the Haldon Forest ridge offers views of the Exe Estuary. After Ashburton, the landscape becomes more rugged, with the Dartmoor tors visible to the north. This is prime grazing land for Dartmoor ponies—look for them in fields near the road.

• Geographical shift: red sandstone soils near Exeter give way to granite and peat near Princetown.
• Notable viewpoint: the A38 crest at Peartree Cross (50.5081°N, -3.7762°W), elevation 350m, panoramic views.
• UNESCO site: Cornwall and West Devon Mining Landscape (a World Heritage Site) includes Tavistock, 10 minutes from the A38 via A386.

Local commerce along the route: roadside stalls at Bickington sell fresh eggs and honey. The Ashburton Farmers Market (every Saturday) offers Dartmoor lamb and clotted cream. For a deeper dive into finding gems, check out how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities. 'Best stops Exeter to Plymouth' often include Buckfast Abbey (gift shop sells tonic wine) and the Devon Guild of Craftsmen in Bovey Tracey.

The A38 has a mixed safety record: most accidents occur at junctions near Buckfastleigh and South Brent. Driving with headlights on during the day reduces risk on this winding road. 'Things to do between Exeter and Plymouth' for families include the Dartmoor National Park Visitor Centre at Princetown (hands-on geology exhibits) and the South Devon Chilli Farm (edible adventure for older kids). Pet-friendly walks: the River Erme near Ivybridge has a dog-friendly trail with no livestock.

• Safety tips: avoid stopping on the hard shoulder; use designated lay-bys at Haldon, Ashburton, and Ivybridge.
• Fatigue management: the Haldon Forest lay-by (eastbound) has a picnic table and is quiet for a 20-minute nap.
• Hidden off-route spot: the abandoned Haytor Granite Tramway (50.6016°N, -3.7511°W) is a 5-minute detour near Bovey Tracey—a fascinating 19th-century railway.

Culinary infrastructure: the 'Who'd Have Thought It' pub in Cornworthy (2 miles from A38) serves local game pies. For a quick bite, the Ashburton Antiques Centre cafe offers cream teas. 'Best stops Exeter to Plymouth' for pet owners: the Dartmoor Inn at Merrivale welcomes dogs with water bowls. 'Climatic conditions' on this route: the prevailing southwesterly winds can buffet vehicles on the open stretches near Ivybridge; sunset views are best at the Peartree Cross viewpoint around 6 pm in summer.

The A38 is a grade-separated dual carriageway for most of its length, with no tolls and excellent road surfaces. Fuel stations are plentiful: major brands like BP, Shell, and Tesco appear at Exeter, Ashburton, and Plymouth. The hilly topography from Buckfastleigh to Ivybridge increases fuel consumption by about 10% compared to flat driving. For a typical car, 'how long to drive Exeter to Plymouth' translates to roughly 0.8–1.2 gallons of fuel, costing £6–£9 (as of 2025).

• Fuel stops: Exeter (M5 junction 30), Ashburton (A38 eastbound), Ivybridge (Tesco petrol station).
• Diesel more common than electric charging points; rapid chargers exist at Exeter and Plymouth services.
• Driving at 55 mph instead of 70 mph can save up to 20% fuel—advisable on the hilly sections.

No toll roads exist on this route. Road illumination is present only at junctions and through towns; most of the A38 is unlit, so night driving requires caution for deer and livestock. Safety cameras are common near Buckfastleigh and Ivybridge. The 'infrastructure safety' is generally high, but watch for sudden fog banks near Dartmoor.