The Golden Hop 122

Journey Overview

Open top buses resume in Spring/Summer 2023

If any scenic route epitomises the bliss of a seaside vacation in the UK, it’s the Golden Hop 122 which combines the amazing Devon Coast scenery with the fun-packed Torbay holiday destinations, of great places to visit and things to do.

Lifetime memories are made on a trip to Torbay and this is open top route makes it happen as it encompasses many of the area’s most popular hotels and attractions including Babbacombe’s Theatre, Cliff Railway and Model Village. Views from the top deck are stunning, featuring plenty of photo opportunities of some of the bay’s most beautiful scenery. Here, customers can hop off for Torbay Leisure Centre, Splashdown Quaywest and Goodrington plus much more! It’s the ultimate staycation destination The Golden Hop 122 traverses the heart of this magical coastline and associated great adventures.

Gateway to The Golden Hop 122 – By train to Torquay or Paignton.    www.nationalrail.co.uk

Alternatively, by Megabus from Plymouth, Bristol or London to Exeter.

A Fab Day Out!

The journey on The Golden Hop 122 takes just under an hour, but there’s so much to see and do, you can make a relaxing and thrilling day of it! Boarding at Hoburne Bay, the coastline is simply stunning and arriving at Paignton, a trip on the Paignton to Dartmouth Steam Railway really is a ‘must-visit’ – 6.5km between Paignton and Kingswear on the former Kingswear branch line of the old Great Western Railway. It’s back to the bygone age of steam trains with their lovely smells and sounds as this scenic route glides over the Broadsands and Hookhills viaducts and through the Greenway Tunnel. On a clear day, you can see all the way across Lyme Bay to Portland Bill, the scene of two other Great Scenic Journeys in our fascinating collection of routes.

Back at Paignton and after a look around the marvellous shop at the Steam Railway, it’s fun to take a brief stroll down the promenade and sample the fresh cockles, welks and other seafood treats before boarding The Golden Hop 122 again, this time to Torquay Harbourside, the capital of the English Riveria. Not only is Torquay the quintessential classic ‘bucket and spade’ location, but this thriving seaside resort has so much to see and do – from iconic palm trees, upbeat shops, a bustling harbour and international marina with glitzy boats and a colourful mix of continental style cafes and eateries, cocktail bars and nightlife overlooking crystal clear sea and a sandy beach! After some chilling out time or maybe a brisk walk, it’s back on the Cliff Railway and The Golden Hop 122 home or maybe one stop further for a show at the Babbacombe Theatre, to cap the ultimate action-packed, fun-filled day out.

Back on The Golden Hop again and its around afternoon now and up to the top of the cliffs and a visit to the simply marvellous Babbacombe Model Village with its 4 acres of award-winning gardens and hundreds of unique, hand crafted model scenes, portraying Britain and its landscapes through the decades with wit and enlightening tales and puns. There’s a chance for a game of crazy golf and then a short walk to the Babbacombe Cliff Railway. For over 90 years this funicular railway has taken folk down the steep climb to Oddicombe Beach, a secluded, gem with its picturesque rouge cliffs and sand.