Plymouth to Torquay Road Trip: Complete Guide to the A379

Did you know that the A379 between Plymouth and Torquay was originally a Roman road connecting the forts at Exeter and the now-submerged settlement of Isca Dumnoniorum? This 38-mile route hugs the stunning South Devon coastline, offering dramatic sea views and a journey through history. The drive typically takes 1 hour 10 minutes without traffic, but allow 2-3 hours to savor the best stops Plymouth to Torquay has to offer.

From the Barbican in Plymouth to the palm-fringed seafront of Torquay, this route traverses a landscape shaped by the Ice Age, complete with fossil-rich cliffs and ancient woodlands. Whether you're wondering how long to drive Plymouth to Torquay or is it worth driving Plymouth to Torquay, this guide provides an exhaustive breakdown of every mile.

Below is a quick reference table for key logistics along the route.

Fuel stations are plentiful along the A379, with major brands like BP, Shell, and Esso in Plymouth, Ivybridge, and Kingsbridge. Expect petrol prices around £1.45 per litre as of 2025. The topography is hilly, so fuel efficiency drops: a typical car achieves 35-40 mpg on this route, costing approximately £12-15 for the full journey.

For electric vehicles, rapid chargers are available at the Plymouth City Centre car parks (50 kW) and at the Tesco in Torquay (22 kW). Plan charging stops wisely, as rural sections have limited infrastructure.

Road quality is generally good, but watch for single-track lanes near Slapton and narrow bridges in Stoke Gabriel. Toll roads are absent, but some car parks in Torquay charge up to £10 per day. Night driving is safe, though sections near Dittisham lack street lighting.

• Estimated fuel cost for petrol car: £12-15
• EV charging stops: Plymouth (50 kW) and Torquay (22 kW)
• No tolls on route
• Narrow lanes near Slapton – drive slowly

Road surfaces are mixed – the A379 is well-maintained, but rural lanes can have potholes after winter. No toll gates exist. Night illumination is good through towns but absent on open stretches; use high beams cautiously. Safety tip: watch for cyclists on the narrow section between Stoke Fleming and Blackpool Sands.

For families, stop at Woodlands Family Theme Park near Totnes (10 minutes off route) or the aquarium in Plymouth. Pet-friendly spots include the dog-friendly beach at Slapton Sands and the café at Coleton Fishacre (National Trust) where well-behaved dogs are welcome on leads.

Rest Zones and Hidden Off-Route Spots

For fatigue management, the Haldon Forest picnic area (on the A380 near Torquay) provides shaded parking and benches. Alternatively, the Dart Valley Trail offers a quiet spot near Staverton Bridge. Hidden off-route: the abandoned medieval village of Hallsands, visible from the cliff path – a 10-minute walk from the east Prawle car park. Also, the site of the original Plymouth Castle (now a car park off Castle Street) is a quick historical detour.

• Family stop: Woodlands Theme Park, Plymouth Aquarium
• Pet-friendly: Slapton Sands beach, Coleton Fishacre café
• Rest zone: Haldon Forest, Dart Valley Trail
• Hidden spot: Abandoned Hallsands village

The route passes just north of the UNESCO Global Geopark at Tor Bay, recognized for its unique Permian red sandstone and fossil beds. While the Geopark itself is a short detour, the A379 offers panoramic views of the Jurassic Coast from Prawle Point to Berry Head. Geological shifts are dramatic: from the grey limestone of Plymouth Sound to the red cliffs of Torquay.

Local farmers' markets in Kingsbridge (Thursdays) and Totnes (Saturdays) sell artisan cheese, fresh seafood, and Devon cream. Pick up a slab of Dartmoor fudge at the roadside shop near Avonwick, or browse vintage antiques in Totnes. For a deeper dive into hidden gems, read how to find the best stops and hidden gems between cities.

Climatic Conditions and Scenic Sunsets

November through March brings gusty southwesterly winds exceeding 30 mph near Slapton Sands. Summer offers gentle sea breezes and long daylight hours. For sunset, pull over at the Warren Point car park in Wembury (grid ref SX518486) – the sky blazes orange over the Yealm Estuary. Winter sunsets are earlier but equally striking.

• UNESCO: Tor Bay Geopark (short detour)
• Geology: grey limestone to red sandstone
• Sunset spot: Wembury Warren Point
• Local products: Dartmoor fudge, Devon cream, artisan cheese