Exeter - How would you get there?

[Cazz]

I am not sure if I am in the right forum but I am driving down to Exeter in a couple of weeks time and inspite of looking at the trusted Route Planner suggestions I would like to know if anyone has a tried and trusted route?

I am a practiced map reader but I would like some tried and tested guidance.

Thanks Cazz

[catma]

Driving to cornwall I generally go via m4 to m5.

[LauraHW]

M3, a303, a30. Takes about same time and prettier route

[intexasatthe moment]

We always do as LauraHW .

But you can get really good train fares on the Megabus site http://uk.megabus.com/ from Waterloo to Exeter .

[StraferJack]

Depending on what day/time you go I would agree with Laura

If its peak time Friday maybe not but then again you are in trouble either way.

[Pocket]

We do the journey down to Exeter regularly.

Always, always M4 to Bristol then straight down the M5. Wouldn't dream of going down the A303 (unless you like getting stuck behind a tractor, or crawling past Stonehenge).

[Marmora Man]

M3, A303 and A3 does it for me. Slower sometimes but a less industrial journey. Take a break at Hindon, two good pubs - The Lamb and the other one. A stop at Stonehenge once a decade also worthwhile. Slow down, relax and make the journey part of the holiday not a boring but necessary chore.

[Sue]

A303 route is prettier, and much easier since they added more dual carriageway, but depending on the time of day there can be horrendous jams around Stonehenge.

ETA: But if I just wanted to get there quickly I'd do the M4/M5 route. Bit boring though.

[Cazz]

Thank you so much that is the route I liked most looking at the map. I am used to driving to Scotland but not to the west country.

What is the best route to the M3 from East Dulwich?

[Cazz]

Thank you so much I really didn't fancy 2 motorways one after the other. What is the best route to the M3 and any other places you could recommend for a stop off would be appreciated.

[intexasatthe moment]

Sadly getting to M3 from ED is a pain .

There have been previous threads with suggested backdoubles .

I go Clapham ,Wandsworth ,A3 and cut across from A3 to A303 . Cant remember junction ,sorry .

[Marmora Man]

To M3. East Dulwich A205 Clapham Common. A3 thru Wandsworth. Go on / right from Wandsworth to Putney and on via Twickenham to M3. It's a doddle.

[intexasatthe moment]

Route is a doddle but congestion can be bad .

[Sue]

intexasatthe moment Wrote:

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> Route is a doddle but congestion can be bad .

xxxxx

Often a nightmare through Wandsworth.

Depends on the time of day.

But once you've got through that part it isn't usually too bad (apart from the aforementioned Stonehenge stretch ....)

Don't be tempted to do a detour at that point, I tried that once and reckoned it all probably took much longer than just sitting out the Stonehenge jam ....)

ETA: Though maybe easier in these days of SatNavs :)

ETA: There used to be quite a nice pub in Bruton for a stop-off, which did decent pub food, don't know if it's still there or still nice :)

ETA: Don't think it's there any more, I did a google and all I can find is what I think is a different pub three miles outside Bruton, sorry .... or maybe my memory of what it looked like is completely wrong ....

http://www.theoldredlion.org.uk/The%20Old%20Red%20Lion%20Brochure%201.pdf

[Marmora Man]

There's the Angel at Hindon - http://www.angel-inn-at-hindon.co.uk and the Lamb at Hindon http://www.boisdale.co.uk/lamb-at-hindon/

I have enjoyed stop overs at both.