Devon’s best Instagrammable road trips

Don't miss these picture-perfect routes on your next Devon adventure

Devon is a treasure trove of stunning backdrops, winding roads and breathtaking scenery just waiting to be explored.

Whether you're hunting for a challenging 10-mile hike or a charming pub for a spot of lunch, Devon delivers something for everyone. From the dramatic rolling hills of Dartmoor to the glistening coastline of Dartmouth, this county is a driver's paradise.

Some of the most Instagram-worthy roads in the UK can be found right here in Devon, so we've rounded up our favourites to inspire your next road trip.

If you've just picked up the keys to your brand-new lease car, it's time to charge your camera, pack a picnic and hit the road. These breathtaking spots will have your followers green with envy – and your weekend plans sorted.

Where to stop on a road trip in Devon

Valley of Rocks, Lynton

You could easily mistake the Valley of Rocks for a sunny European getaway when the Devon sun is shining.

This picturesque coastal route in Lynton, Exmoor, is a must if you want to combine a road trip with a hearty walk. The stunning rock formations make for the perfect backdrop in what is widely considered to be one of the best spots to visit in Devon.

This fascinating U-shaped dry valley runs parallel to the sea, about half a mile west of Lynton.

The dramatic landscape has inspired famous writers such as William Wordsworth and Devon-born Samuel Taylor Coleridge – and it's easy to see why when you experience the views yourself.

What is there to do in the Valley of Rocks?

• Visit Mother Meldrum's Cafe for refreshments
• Spot the wild goats that roam freely on the jagged cliff edges
• Take the relatively level 2.9-mile Coast Path from Lynton – perfect for a scenic stroll

The path is suitable for people with impaired mobility and pushchairs, plus it's one of the top dog walks on the South West Coast Path – making it an adventure the whole family can enjoy.

Getting there

The drive from Exeter is approximately 51 miles and takes around 1 hour 17 minutes – a beautiful journey that's part of the adventure itself.

Public toilets and a picnic area are available at the Lynton end of the valley if you're planning to make a day of it.

Labrador Bay, Shaldon

In between Torquay and Teignmouth, Labrador Bay is the perfect pit stop for your next road trip. This picturesque location offers views across to Torquay and on a sunny day, over to Teignmouth.

It's a trip that's best reserved for a sunny day, so you can take full advantage of the ice cream van that is often stationed there.

From there, you're only a few minutes in the car from Shaldon, where there's lots to explore, including Ness Cove Beach and local eateries and cafes.

What is there to do at Labrador Bay?

• Stop for an ice cream
• Perfect pitstop on your way to Teignmouth or Dawlish
• Venture down into Shaldon

Nature lovers might be interested in the just over four mile walk through the RSPB Nature Reserve. The route passes through farmland which can be wet and muddy, so good footwear is recommended.

This high-level walk has a lot of ascent and descent, some of which is steep and can be slippery, but the stunning coastal views make it worth the effort.

Labrador Bay is part of a working farm grazed by cattle in the summer and sheep in the winter. The RSPB reserve is home to the rare cirl bunting, along with peregrines, buzzards and yellowhammers.

Getting there

The drive from Exeter is approximately 17 miles and takes around 27 minutes.

Dartmoor National Park, Pork Hill

Dartmoor National Park offers countless breathtaking sights, but Pork Hill stands out as one of the most picturesque areas on the moors. Perfect for a family road trip adventure, it features a convenient car park from which you can explore miles of stunning Dartmoor landscape.

With its collection of historic tors, you're guaranteed picture-perfect shots in every direction. The area's natural beauty has inspired generations of visitors, and it's easy to see why once you experience the dramatic landscape yourself.

You're never far from excellent refreshments either, with Eversfield Organic farm shop nearby serving delightful local produce.

Once you've finished exploring, you're just a 10-minute drive from the historic market town of Tavistock if you're looking to extend your road trip adventure.

What is there to do at Pork Hill?

• Embrace the open space and enjoy a long walk across the moors
• Visit the remarkable tors – Pew Tor and Feather Tor are especially worth seeing
• Look out for the historic Windy Post Cross, a 16th-century marker
• Travel into nearby Tavistock for shopping and more dining options
• Stop off at Eversfield Organic for delicious local food

If you're feeling adventurous, try the three-mile circular route that takes you past Pew Tor (great for photography and views over Tavistock), Feather Tor, and the ancient Windy Post Cross before returning to the car park.

The path can be uneven in places with a couple of streams to cross, but the stunning views make it well worth the effort.

Getting there

The drive to Pork Hill from Exeter is approximately 32 miles and takes around 51 minutes. The car park sits on the Tavistock to Princetown road and makes an excellent starting point for walks of various difficulties.

Wistlandpound Reservoir, Exmoor

Another beautiful spot within Exmoor National Park, Wistlandpound Reservoir is a must-visit destination on your Devon road trip.

If you didn't know any differently, this tranquil setting could easily be mistaken for a beautiful river somewhere in North America, such is its peaceful charm.

The tight country roads might limit your photo opportunities while driving, but that first glimpse of the reservoir as you approach is a moment you won't want to miss.

Built in 1956, this 40-acre lake supplies fresh drinking water to Combe Martin, Ilfracombe and Barnstaple, holding up to 1,550 megalitres when full and reaching depths of 22 metres in places.

There's affordable all-day parking (just £3 for the whole day), wheelchair and pushchair accessible paths, and activities that all ages can enjoy to make a full day out of your visit.

The two main paths that wind around the perimeter of the lake cater to different preferences – the lower path is easy, flat and accessible, while the upper path through Forestry England land offers a slightly more adventurous route.

What is there to do at Wistlandpound Reservoir?

• Fishing for brown trout (available during fly-fishing season from 15 March to 12 October)
• Birdwatching from the dedicated hide – you might spot a great white egret in winter
• Enjoy dog-friendly walks through peaceful woodlands
• Explore the nature reserve with its species-rich grassland where orchids grow
• Watch for wildlife including waterfowl, coots and mallards

When water levels are low, you might even glimpse part of the old Lynton and Barnstaple railway, which ran through the valley before it was flooded to create the reservoir.

Getting there

The drive to Wistlandpound Reservoir from Exeter is approximately 47 miles and takes around one hour and three minutes – a scenic journey through some of Devon's most beautiful countryside.

Please note that there are no facilities at this lake, so remember to bring along a picnic!

Bigbury on Sea, Kingsbridge

One of the most popular beaches across the county, there is so much to do at Bigbury on Sea. Perfect for all sorts of activities, it's a location where you can really make a day of it on your Devon road trip adventure.

Stealing the show on the list of things to do is most certainly Burgh Island, an eye-catching hotel located on its own private island.

This distinctive feature is connected to the mainland by a tidal causeway that you can walk across at low tide. As the tide rolls in, the sea covers the causeway, creating a sense of isolation for those on the island, which then becomes accessible only by sea tractor or boat.

With endless views of the English Channel, coastal clifftops and stunning beaches, there are photo opportunities everywhere you look. The beach itself boasts golden sands and clear waters, making it ideal for families, sun-seekers, and water enthusiasts. The gently sloping shoreline provides safe and shallow waters for paddling and swimming.

There are plenty of spots to stop and grab a drink or a bite to eat, including the popular Pilchard Inn on Burgh Island and Venus Cafe on the beach, which offers organic refreshments.

Dogs are welcome from October through until May, something to consider depending on what time of year you visit. For year-round dog walking, the beach to the west of the causeway welcomes dogs throughout the year.

What is there to do at Bigbury on Sea?

• Visit Burgh Island and its award-winning hotel
• Enjoy water activities including boat hire, paddle boarding, surfing and windsurfing
• Explore Hope Cove nearby
• Take coastal walks for breathtaking views of the English Channel
• Relax on the golden sands with facilities including toilets, showers, and refreshments nearby

Getting there

The drive to Bigbury on Sea from Exeter is approximately 42 miles and takes around 53 minutes. When you arrive, you'll find parking on site with easy access to the beach from the car park.

The beach has good accessibility features including disabled access and toilets for disabled visitors. From May to September, lifeguards are on duty to ensure a safe environment for all beachgoers.

Devon truly offers some of the UK's most picturesque driving routes, from dramatic coastal landscapes to ancient moorland vistas.

With driving times ranging from just 27 minutes to around 1 hour 20 minutes from Exeter, these stunning locations are all easily accessible for a day trip or can be combined to create a longer adventure through Devon's diverse landscapes.

Pack your camera, plan your route, and make the most of your lease car by exploring these hidden gems. The perfect road trip isn't just about reaching a destination – it's about the journey itself and the memories you'll make along the way.

So, what are you waiting for? Your next Instagram-worthy adventure awaits on Devon's spectacular roads.