Verdict — yes, a car will give you much more freedom to enjoy Devon and Cornwall Why rent a car and Plymouth?
- A car is a necessity to enjoy most of Cornwall’s scenic attractions, including the various famous gardens and National trust properties.
- Let’s face it — unless you are an aficionado the 1960s urban planning, Plymouth itself really doesn’t have that much to offer.
- Pop-up and see where Drake famously played bowls, enjoy the stunning view, and then head out of town.
- If you’re planning on visiting the Scilly Isles, it is much easier to get to Land’s End St Just airport by car than it is to take the train to Penzance and get a bus transfer.
- Plymouth airport might be close to the city centre, but it isn’t served by any direct bus routes — you will have to take a 10 minute walk to nearby Derriford roundabout before catching an onward bus.
- Rent a car in Plymouth and explore Dartmoor National Park.
- Brunel’s engineering might be great (see below), but the best way to see his great rail bridge is from the neighbouring road!
Why use public transport in Plymouth?
- Plymouth city airport is situated right on the edge of Plymouth, just a short taxi ride into the city centre.
- The car rental office (Avis) in Plymouth city airport is only open for limited hours.
- The city centre is an easy walk from Plymouth station.
- The main attractions of Plymouth itself are easily walkable from the city centre.
- One of the best attractions in neighbouring Cornwall is the Eden project, and you will get discounted admission if you arrive by public transport (easier to take the train to St Austell, from where a shuttle bus is available to the Eden project site).
- Travelling by train in either direction from Plymouth offers some of the most scenic views in the UK, and makes it easy to visit places such as Exeter and Teignmouth in East, or Truro and Penzance in the West.
- Once in Penzance, easy transfers are available to the Scilly Isles by helicopter or sea.
- Brunel fans will at least have to take a short train ride across the Tamar Bridge (first stop on the other side is Saltash, look out for the Union Jack flag house on the Cornwall side).
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