Devon has 27 stations (as of March 2025), with three of its busiest found in the major city of Exeter – including Exeter St David’s, Exeter St Thomas and Exeter Central. Services across its three stations direct routes to other major UK cities like Birmingham and Leeds.
From other stations across the county, namely the ones found in Plymouth and Newton Abbott, commuters can catch direct services to London and Exmouth.
The M5 motorway runs through Devon and connect the county to other destinations in the South West, including Bristol, West Bromwich and Worcester.
The city of Exeter also has its own airport – Exeter Airport – which provides people living in Exeter and the wider Exeter with both domestic flights and short haul flights to a number of European destinations.
Travellers can also catch ferries from Plymouth’s port – with many choosing this option as a way to get to France and Spain.
Major cities and towns in Devon
Exeter
The capital city of Devon, Exeter is arguably the county’s most prominent city, with a storied history that’s fully on display across its intricate architecture and underground passages that remain as a relic of the city’s medieval history.
Notable buildings in Exeter include Rougemont Castle, The House That Moved, St Nicholas Priory and the Exeter Cathedral.
Exeter also has a number of nature reserves - including the Matford Marshes and the Barley Valley Nature Reserve - as well as several parks and gardens – including Duryard and Belvedere Valley Park, Mincinglake Valley Park, Riverside Valley Park, Ludwell Valley Park, and Belle Isle Park.
For families with young children, Exeter is situated near the award-winning theme park - the Crealy Theme Park & Resort - which has over 60 different rides, several animals and regularly puts on family friendly live shows.
Exeter is also home to Devon’s only airport, Exeter Airport, with flights offered including routes to other parts of the UK and Europe.
Plymouth
PWC’s best place to live and work in 2024, Devon’s biggest city, Plymouth, comes with a lot of well-deserved hype.
The coastal port city is home to 5 marinas and offers great commuter links to its residents, with regular trains running from the city to other Devon city, Exeter, as well as to Bristol and other towns and cities and South West England.
Commuters can also catch one of the many ferries departing from Plymouth’s port to France or Spain – operated by Brittany Ferries.
With the M5 running through the city, those looking to drive towards the Midlands will have an easy route to navigate.
In terms of cultural landmarks, Plymouth is home to the National Marine Aquarium – the largest aquarium in the UK – as well as the iconic Smeaton’s Tower Lighthouse, which offers a view of the entire city and can be found in the Plymouth Hoe.
Plymouth is also well known for hosting the annual Flavour Fest. This food festival is the biggest in the South West and sees more than 80 vendors offering local produce.
Dawlish
Dawlish is very much a town built around its stunning sandy beaches, like the typically gentle Dawlish Warren Beach.
A more rural and town, its scenic coastal walks, it famous black swans and its nature reserves are a big part of the town’s appeal, with many choosing to commute from Dawlish to Exeter for work but opting to stay in Dawlish due to its natural beauty.
Dawlish is about half an hour’s drive from Exeter, and it can take as little as 11 minutes to get there by train. It should also be noted that there several trains running from Dawlish to London Paddington too, getting you into the capital in a little under 3 hours.
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