Imagine a journey that takes you from the dramatic red cliffs of a World Heritage Site, through rolling Devonshire countryside, and drops you right in the heart of a Roman city. The Stagecoach South West Route 9A does exactly that.
Connecting the seaside town of Seaton to the vibrant city of Exeter, this route offers more than just a commute; it’s a front-row seat to some of the finest scenery in East Devon. whether you are a local looking for a stress-free day out or a visitor wanting to explore the Jurassic Coast without a car, the 9A is your ticket to ride.
What makes this route special
The 9A is a route of contrasts. It begins with the salt air of the English Channel and ends with the bustle of a cathedral city. But the real magic lies in between. This service cuts through the East Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), offering elevated views over high hedges that you simply can’t get from a car.
Operated by Stagecoach South West, the route frequently utilises double-decker buses. If you can snag the front seat on the top deck, you are treated to a panoramic tour that rivals any dedicated sightseeing coach. It is a journey that celebrates the slow lane, winding through ancient villages and past river valleys, connecting communities that date back centuries.
A route breakdown of key locations
The journey begins in Seaton, a gateway to the Jurassic Coast. Before you board, you might want to visit the Seaton Tramway or take a stroll along the pebble beach to see the white chalk cliffs of Beer Head in the distance.
As the bus leaves the coast, it heads inland through the lush greenery of the Coly Valley. You will pass through areas near Holyford, a hidden gem known for its ancient woodlands. Keep your eyes peeled as you travel along the A3052; this stretch of road offers sweeping vistas of the patchwork farmland that defines Devon.
One of the most popular stops on the route is the famous Donkey Sanctuary near Salcombe Regis. The bus stops right by the entrance, making it incredibly easy to hop off and visit the resident donkeys—a perfect detour for families.
The bus then descends towards the sea again, arriving at Sidford and then into the majestic town of Sidmouth. Known for its Regency architecture and dramatic red Triassic cliffs, Sidmouth is the bustling mid-point of the route. The bus usually stops at ‘The Triangle’, which is just a short, flat walk to the esplanade. It is the perfect place to break your journey for a cream tea or a walk along the Connaught Gardens.
Leaving Sidmouth, the route climbs out of the Sid Valley and heads towards Newton Poppleford. Here, the route crosses the River Otter. If you are a wildlife enthusiast, this is a great place to alight for a walk along the riverbanks, where you might spot beavers or kingfishers.
As you approach the city, the landscape shifts. You will pass through the villages of Farringdon and Clyst St Mary, before entering the outskirts of Exeter via Sowton, Exeter and the historic suburb of Heavitree, Exeter.
Finally, you arrive in Exeter. The bus station is centrally located, putting you within walking distance of the magnificent Exeter Cathedral, the Roman wall, and the independent boutiques of the Quayside.
When does the route run
The 9A is a vital lifeline for East Devon and runs seven days a week, making it reliable for both weekend explorers and weekday commuters.
- Monday to Saturday: The service is generally hourly from Seaton. However, between Sidmouth and Exeter, the 9A joins forces with the Route 9 (coming from Honiton), providing a combined frequency of approximately every 30 minutes.
- Sundays and Bank Holidays: The service continues to operate, though with a slightly reduced frequency. It is always best to check the latest timetable before travelling, especially for early morning or late evening connections.
Service frequency and connections
Because the 9A interlinks with the Route 9 at Sidmouth, passengers travelling the popular stretch between Sidmouth and Exeter enjoy excellent flexibility. You rarely have to wait long for a connection to the city.
For those looking to go further afield, the Exeter Bus Station offers connections to services across the entire South West, while Exeter St David’s railway station connects you to the rest of the UK. At Seaton, you can also connect with the ‘Jurassic Coaster’ services for travel further east along the coast towards Lyme Regis.
Value for money
Travel on the 9A is currently exceptionally affordable. Under the national fare cap scheme in England, single journeys are capped at just £2. This means you can travel the entire length of the route—from the seaside in Seaton to the high street in Exeter—for less than the price of a coffee.
For families or those planning to make multiple journeys in a day (perhaps hopping off at the Donkey Sanctuary and then continuing to Sidmouth), a Stagecoach ‘Explorer’ day ticket offers unlimited travel on their network, providing great value and flexibility.
Top tips for the journey
- Sit Upstairs: If a double-decker arrives, head straight for the top deck. The high hedgerows of Devon lanes can obscure the view from a car or the lower deck, but upstairs, the views of the rolling hills and coastline are uninterrupted.
- The “Triangle” Stop: In Sidmouth, the main stop is “The Triangle”. It is much closer to the town centre and seafront than the stops on the outskirts, so stay on board until you reach this hub.
- Combine with Walking: The 9A runs parallel to sections of the South West Coast Path. A popular option is to take the bus to Seaton, walk the coast path to the picturesque village of Beer, and catch a connecting bus back.
Planning a day out on this route
A perfect day on the 9A might look like this: Start your morning in Seaton with a breakfast overlooking the waves. Hop on the 9A and head to the Donkey Sanctuary for a morning of meeting the rescued animals.
Around lunchtime, catch the bus into Sidmouth. Grab some fish and chips and eat them on the pebbled beach under the red cliffs. In the afternoon, continue the journey into Exeter for a spot of shopping or a visit to the Royal Albert Memorial Museum, before taking the bus back as the sun sets over the Devon hills.
Year-round appeal
While the summer months offer sparkling seas and blooming hedgerows, the 9A is truly a route for all seasons. In autumn, the woods around Holyford and the Otter Valley turn a spectacular golden brown. In winter, the cosy tea rooms of Sidmouth and the Christmas markets in Exeter make for a festive day out, all without the worry of winter driving or parking.
Whether you are a hiker, a shopper, or a sightseer, the Jurassic Coast 9A offers a reliable, scenic, and sustainable way to experience the best of East Devon.
