Enchanting Escapes
27th October 2026
OM Magazine 210 November 2026
27th October 2026
Christmas in Plymouth is a little more magical when you leave the car at home, hop on the bus and make the journey part of the day with Stagecoach.
With festive lights, Christmas markets, shopping, great food and plenty of entertainment to discover, Plymouth has everything you need for a memorable Christmas day out. With Stagecoach services, including park and ride options connecting the city centre with communities across Plymouth and beyond, getting there by bus can be part of the fun.
Morning
Start with Christmas shopping…
Make your first stop the city centre and get those Christmas lists underway. Stagecoach services including the 1, 19, 38 and 80 bring you into the heart of the city, just a short walk to Drake Circus which is home to more than 70 shops and eateries, while Plymouth’s West End and historic Barbican are ideal for discovering independent shops, boutiques and unique gifts and reachable by Stagecoach services 1, 3, 38 and 80. Travelling by bus means you can shop without worrying about parking and there’s no need to squeeze your bags into the boot!
Lunchtime
Follow the festive flavours…
By lunchtime, it’s time to refuel. Head towards Plymouth Market, where you’ll find a wide variety of food and independent traders, Stagecoach services 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 27, 30/31, 38 and 80 serve the city centre, with buses arriving around Royal Parade. If you’re visiting between 26th November and 20th December, make time for the new Plymouth Christmas Market. With up to 50 festive chalets, you can browse artisan gifts while enjoying seasonal street food, sweet treats and festive drinks.
Afternoon
Add some festive magic at the theatre…
Once the shopping is done, why not make an afternoon or evening of it? This Christmas, take your pick from the following Stagecoach services 1, 2, 3, 4, 13, 27, 30/31, 38 and 80 which arrive at Royal Parade, where Theatre Royal Plymouth is staging Cinderella from 4th December to 3rd January, packed with comedy, spectacular scenery, costumes, music and all the traditional panto ingredients. Alternatively, simply take a festive wander around the city, soak up the Christmas lights and head towards the Barbican or Plymouth Hoe on services 1, 3, 38 and 80 – for some fresh sea air before your evening plans.
Evening
Eat, drink and be merry!
Round off your day with dinner or drinks. From restaurants and pubs around the Barbican to the city’s independent eateries, there’s plenty of choice for a festive meal or celebratory drink and the 1, 3, 38 and 80 Stagecoach buses will get you there. Then comes one of the best parts of the day, getting back on the bus and heading home. No driving after dinner, no searching for the car and worrying about navigating unfamiliar streets. Just sit back, relax and chat about everything you’ve seen and done.
Stagecoach’s network connects Plymouth city centre with destinations across the area, while services such as Route 1 provide convenient connections between Plymouth, George Park & Ride and Tavistock. Stagecoach currently has two Park & Ride sites in Plymouth where you can leave the car and save on the hassle of parking, with plenty of room for all that Christmas shopping:sea air before your evening plans.
PARK & RIDE
George Junction Park and Ride – Served by Stagecoach services 1 and 1A, connecting via Derriford and into Plymouth city centre.
Coypool Park and Ride – Served by Stagecoach service 200, connecting Coypool with Plymouth city centre.
So, this Christmas, make the journey part of the adventure. Hop on the bus, enjoy Plymouth and let the festive magic unfold along the way!
