5 of the best road trips in Devon and which cars to drive them in

Looking for something different to do this Easter weekend? Why not get behind the wheel and take a trip along some of Devon's most beautiful roads. You won't be disappointed!

Who doesn't love a road trip? We pick our top Devon drives and the cars you need to tackle them in.

The Easter weekend will soon be upon us and, for the purposes of this article, we'll gloss over the potential of any unwanted traffic and skip straight to the good stuff. Namely, what we here at Murray Group think are the 'must drive' roads of our beautiful county.

Weather permitting (yes, we'll also ignore the typical state of the British climate) there's nothing better than hitting the road in your chosen car and taking a leisurely drive through some of the most beautiful parts of the South West, nay country! Whether you're cruising along the stunning coastlines in a convertible or driving the winding lanes of Dartmoor, the views will be unrivalled and the driving experience will be unforgettable. There's also the opportunity to take in quintessentially English seaside towns, local attractions and sample the wealth of local produce that Devon is famous for - so it's perfect for travellers of all ages.

1. Atlantic Highway

Otherwise known by it's less romantic name of the A39, Atlantic Highway is a 2 hour 30 minute epic trip that takes you from the market town of Barnstaple in North Devon to Cornwall's up and coming creative town of Falmouth. From your starting point, there's plenty to take in such as Exmoor Zoo and the Broomhill Sculpture Garden. The town also boasts its own museum, in which history buffs can learn more about life through the ages in the area.

The next top on your trip will be Bideford, the home of Hartland Abbey and Gardens and the only town in existence to have it's own punctuation - Westward Ho! If time is no object, a slight detour to Lundy Island is a must. Slightly further along, you'll find the postcard perfect village of Clovelly and several secluded beaches on your way.

Continue along the Hartland Peninsula a breath taking journey through an AONB, into the realms of the Cornish coast. Here, you'll find the charming town of Bude, which is flanked by some stunning beaches such as Widemouth Bay and Sandymouth Bay.

If you're keen to stretch your legs, a stop at Whalesborough Wood offers the chance to take in the beautiful forest area on foot or bike. Continue on Bodmin and as well as the infamous jail, you can explore the Lanhydrock House and Gardens and, if you're so inclined (I am) Camel Valley Vineyard.

En route to your destination, there are plenty of interesting places to explore. From the bustling town of Truro to the water sports hub at Penryn and the historical Perran Iron Foundry and Perranarworthal.

From here, you will arrive at Falmouth, where you'll find a host of beautiful beaches, Penndennis Castle, various music and theatre venues and numerous independent shops and eateries.

Best vehicle to hit the Atlantic Highway in: Hyundai IONIQ 5

The IONIQ 5 embodies almost everything you need out of a road trip car, it pairs a spacious interior, seating 4 adults comfortably with a compact exterior that means it won't feel huge and unwieldy on country roads.

Even in entry-level 63 kWh spec the IONIQ 5 has plenty of power to make travelling the Atlantic Highway a breeze and with range starting from 273 miles on a full charge you'll have enough juice to travel from Barnstaple to Falmouth and back . Meaning you can spend more time exploring and down time at the charger.

Learn more about the IONIQ 5 here

2. The B3212 - Yelverton to Dunsford

Undulating hills, tight bends and spectacular views - just some of the things you can expect to encounter as you travel along the B3212, which snakes it's way right through the heart of Dartmoor National Park. Begin your journey at the village of Yelverton on the south western edge of Dartmoor and follow the road right the way to Dunsford, just outside of the bustling city of Exeter.

The route is around 40 miles in total and takes about 45 minutes to an hour to drive. Trust us though, there's so much to see on the way, that you'll want to set aside a decent amount of time to fit it all in. The B3212 is a truly breath-taking drive, with the road flanked by rugged vegetation on either side and peppered with foreboding forests and picturesque hamlets. Ancient stone tors tower above the ground, dominating the skyline, which, if you catch it on a clear day is stunning.

You will be truly spoiled for choice if you want to stop and stretch your legs. There are countless places to walk, tors to climb and villages to explore. The famous Bronze Age clapper bridge at Postbridge makes an excellent picnic spot, with it's tranquil water and grassy verges. Park your car opposite the hotel at Two Bridges and head off the beaten track to Wistman's Wood, an ethereal forest, filled with small, twisted oak trees and boulder-strewn slopes.

Your drive will take you through the eerily bleak and perpetually misty Princetown, where the eye can't help but be drawn to the imposing high granite walls of Dartmoor Prison. The fully operational, category C men's prison is a formidable presence in the otherwise quite normal town but it is quite bewitching to behold. The town boasts a museum, so if you are interested in finding out more about the prison, it's a good place for a pit stop.

The road can be difficult to negotiate, with plenty of sharp bends and narrow parts, so keep your wits about you and don't attempt the drive in a really wide vehicle unless you're confident at reversing! For most of the journey, you will be limited to a speed of 40mph and beware of free-ranging sheep, cattle and Dartmoor ponies, who have right of way and are often found in the middle of the road.

Dartmoor is famous for its inclement weather, so its always worth checking the forecast before you set off and being prepared for a change. In the height of summer, you can expect bright blue skies and exemplary views over the landscape. However, in winter months, driving rain and unexpected snow flurries can pose a serious threat to unsuspecting motorists and be warned - mobile phone signal is non-existent.

Forewarned is forearmed, so by now you've probably got all bases covered and are ready to set off. But there's one more thing about the B3212 that we should mention...the Hairy Hands. Yes, that's right. The road is actually thought to be one of the most haunted in the UK and is steeped in tales of disembodied hands that appear from nowhere and grip your steering wheel. Legend has it that many motorists have seen the apparition of hairy human hands appear in their vehicles, grab the wheel and attempt to force them off the road. Stories abound of instances of this kind but nobody really knows who the hands once belonged to. Some say they are the ghost hands of a long-since departed Bronze Age settler, seeking to steer people away from the moors. Others believe it to be the spirit of an escaped convict, who perished on the moor after fleeing the prison and is doomed to stalk the area, trying desperately to lure others to a similar fate.

Whether you're superstitious or not, one thing's for sure - you wouldn't catch us driving alone at night along the B3212 unless it was absolutely necessary. And if it were, we'd pack a warm coat, a decent torch and we'd be keeping our eyes peeled for those floating hands!

The best vehicle to test your mettle on the moors: The new Golf GTI

Now in its refreshed 8th generation form, the Golf GTI is the original hot hatch, famously designed and marketed as a practical sports car. The newest version hasn't strayed from that brief, blending the versatility and practicality of the standard Golf with performance upgrades that make it perfect for windy Dartmoor roads.

With 262bhp as standard, a 0-62 time of 5.9 seconds, precise steering and class leading chassis control, the GTI is made for B-roads like the B2312 regardless of if you're taking in the sights or enjoying the roads. Visit the Moors on a Sunday morning and you'll likely come across plenty of other petrolheads and GTI owners cruising about, perfect for pulling off in a layby or country pub and talking cars!

Learn more about the Golf 8.5 and 8.5 GTI here

3. Exeter to Seaton via Ottery St Mary

Of all the ways to get from Exeter to East Devon, this is by far the most scenic. Starting in the county's capital, you'll make your way out of the city and onto the A30. The fairly unremarkable length of dual carriageway allows you quick passage to the twisty, tiny roads and narrow lanes that Devon is famous for. Turn off at Aller Road to join the Exeter Road to Ottery St Mary. This charming, chocolate box town is steeped in literary history as the birthplace of 18th Century poet Samuel Taylor Coleridge, who penned many classics including Kubla Kahn and The Rhyme of the Ancient Mariner.

Continue through Ottery and you'll find yourself on the aptly named Yonder Street, finally leaving the town and hitting the famous Chineway Hill, a 191m incline that is the thorn in the side of cyclists everywhere. However, you should be more than fine tackling it from the comfort of your car.

Take the Seaton Road and plunge down into a valley that is flanked on either side by Knapp Copse Nature Reserve, a AONB that incorporates spectacular views of woodlands and meadows. Follow the road all the way to your destination town of Seaton - a quaint harbour town that makes up part of the infamous Jurassic Coast. The milelong pebble beach boasts a stunning view of Lyme Bay and numerous coastal walks. There's also a Tramway that offers a scenic open top ride through protected marshland to the nearby town of Colyton, steeped in history with centuries old stone walls and historic buildings round every turn.

The entire journey is a manageable 23.6 miles and takes around 45 minutes in good traffic conditions. However, as is the case with most roads in Devon, especially in peak season - 'good traffic conditions' cannot always be relied upon, so plan in plenty of time just in case!

The best model to explore East Devon in: Skoda Kodiaq

The Kodiaq is a brilliant family hauler thanks to it's seven seats allowing you to bring all the people and things you need. Whether it's a beach day you've got planned at the other end of the trip or exploring the Jurassic Coast via the many cliffside walking routes the Kodiaq will get you and all your gear there with ease. Petrol-hybrid and diesel power options mean climbing the valleys and hills of East Devon are a breeze with the Kodiaq never feeling out of puff!

Learn more about the Kodiaq here

4. 21 Mile Drive

As the name suggests, this is a gentle 21 mile long drive that takes in the 'Little Switzerland' area of Exmoor National Park, along with some gorgeous coastal views. There's plenty to stop for along the way and many family friendly attractions as well as sections of the South West Coast Path to walk.

Start your journey at Lynton Town Hall and venture into the Valley of the Rocks - not, as you might think a Sci-fi themed musical but a stunning valley that runs parallel to the North Devon coastline. The area boasts some of the highest cliffs around and is renowned for its geology. There are tea rooms aplenty, so you can tuck into a traditional cream tea (cream first, naturally) or carry on your journey to Lee Bay or Woody Bay - both of which are fantastic wild swimming spots.

Leave Woody Bay and you'll find yourself in the beautiful National Trust site of Heddon Valley. Here you can embark on a number of walks of varying length and difficulty, which ultimately lead you to the lime kilns and beach of Heddon's Mouth. From here, continue on Killacott Road to the A39, which will eventually bring you to the Lynton and Barnstaple Railway.

Far from a boring stretch of concrete, the A39 will take you past a wealth of interesting places, including the cascading waterfalls and rocky pools of Hoaroak Water and the Iron Age fort at Watersmeet. As the road winds towards Countisbury, you'll be treated to stunning view of the Brendon Valley, where a quick stopover to walk to the Foreland Lighthouse is highly recommended.

Finally, your trip will come to an end in Lynmouth, where you can soak in the view from the famous cliff railway.

Best vehicle for a trip along 21 Mile drive: Volkswagen T-Cross or Kia Stonic

Given the tight roads and incredible views we'd recommend a compact utility vehicle such as the Kia Stonic or Volkswagen T-Cross. These cars have a small footprint with surprisingly spacious interiors, raised ride height and great visibility, meaning you can get the benefit of an SUV without the drawback of their often large size.

Learn more about the T-Cross here

Learn more abut the Stonic here

5. Dartmouth to Kingsbridge via Slapton

Starting in the idyllic harbour town of Dartmouth, famed for it's regatta, food festival and being the home of the Britannia Royal Naval College, you'll have plenty to explore before you set off on your road trip. The town has beautiful views across to Kingswear and a boutique feel, with plenty of interesting shops and cafes to explore. When you've had your fill of town life, hop in your car and motor off along the A379 towards your destination.

The road is typical of the county, with twists and turns and narrow bits along the way as you leave the suburban outskirts of Dartmouth behind and head towards the coast. You'll drive through the pretty little village of Stoke Flemming before hitting the open road that follows closely to the coast, with eye-wateringly sheer drops and views over Blackpool Sands.

The coastal views continue as you wind your way further along the A379 towards another Devonian village Strete. From here, you'll drop down towards the pebbly shores of Strete Gate - a stunning beach with a great coffee van. A quick turn right will take you to a small car park. Families can enjoy the entire stretch of beach but be warned - the area that extends beyond the public toilets is a designated naturist beach, so avoid if that's not for you.

Staying on the road, you'll veer around to the left and we defy you not to be blown away (literally if it's a windy day) by the sheer beauty of the Slapton Line - an exposed bar of shingle that is straddled by the open blue ocean on one side and the 3000 year old Slapton Ley on the other. The A379 runs the length of the line from Strete Gate to Torcross and is probably the closest you can get to the sea in your car. It's a truly beautiful stretch of road but is at risk of extreme damage from winter storms, so choose your moment to drive.

Slapton is well known for being the practice site for the D-Day landings in 1944 owing to it's similarity to the French beaches soldiers would find themselves on. A Sherman Tank stands proud in one of the public car parks to commemorate the 946 men who lost their lives in Operation Tiger and it's not uncommon for the coast guard to be called out to findings of unexploded bombs.

In the summer, the beach can get busy but there's plenty of space and ample parking. However, if you find yourself sharing the space with a seal or two, be respectful and keep your distance - they aren't as cuddly as they look.

From here, you have two options - either turn off just before the Ley and wend your way up through the narrow streets of Slapton Village. From here, you can take to the country roads to explore villages of Moreleigh and Diptford where you can either turn right on to the Plymouth Road and take yourself to the quirky market town of Totnes or carry on through Avonwick. From here, you'll join the A38, where you can access local towns such as South Brent and Ivybridge, eventually ending up in Plymouth - Britain's Ocean City.

Alternatively, stay on the A379 at Slapton and continue on to Torcross. Here, the road swoops round to the right and takes you through the villages of Stokenham, Chillington and Frogmore. Drop down through East and West Charleton and you'll find yourself crossing the Kingsbridge estuary at Bowcombe Bridge - a great spot for kayaking and swimming before hitting Kingsbridge itself.

Best vehicle for Dartmouth to Kingsbridge: Kia EV9

Dartmouth and Kingsbridge are both well known boltholes for the wealthy especially in the summer, so it's firmly full-size SUV territory. So why not live like the locals and travel in ultimate comfort with all the space and toys you could ever need! With space for seven passengers and a silky smooth EV powertrain the EV9 makes a great alternative to expensive luxury SUV's.

With up to 349 miles of range the EV9 will see you from Dartmouth to Kingsbridge, with plenty of charge left to get you home or on your way to another adventure.

Learn more about the EV9 here

Published: 14 April 2022