National League South Play-Off Semi-Final Saturday 2 May | Kick-off 12:30pm Plainmoor Stadium, Torquay, TQ1 3PS Get tickets here.
We have 1,500 seats to fill at Plainmoor. After beating Maidenhead United at Meadowbank, the Wanderers are one step from the final – and we need every single one of you down in Devon to make it happen. Here is everything you need to get there, including official coach travel, trains, national coach and accommodation information.
OFFICIAL CLUB COACH
The club will be running an official supporters’ coach from Meadowbank Stadium to Plainmoor. This is the easiest and most sociable way to travel – no changes, no stress, and you arrive together as a proper away end. Return tickets are just £25, with the coach departing from the bus stop opposite the White Horse pub at 6am on Saturday morning.
Tickets are now live at: https://dwfc.ticketco.events/uk/en/e/sct
GETTING THERE BY TRAIN
All rail routes from Surrey and London connect through Reading, then onto a Great Western Railway service to Newton Abbot, with a short local train onward to Torre station – the closest station to Plainmoor. Aim to be on a train that gets you into Newton Abbot by around 11:30am to allow time to reach the ground comfortably before kick-off.
Book in advance at thetrainline.com or gwr.com – Saturday off-peak fares are significantly cheaper when booked ahead.
FROM DORKING Take a train towards Reading, change onto a GWR service to Newton Abbot, then a local train to Torre. There are two journeys from Dorking West on Saturday which will get you to Devon in time for the game. Check times and book at: thetrainline.com/train-times/dorking-to-torquay
FROM GUILDFORD Train to Reading, change onto GWR to Newton Abbot, then local to Torre. Check times and book at: thetrainline.com/train-times/guildford-to-newton-abbot
FROM LONDON PADDINGTON GWR run frequent direct services to Newton Abbot on Saturday mornings. The 08:00 departure will allow plenty of time to reach the ground. Fastest journey is around 2 hours 22 minutes. Check times and book at: thetrainline.com/train-times/london-paddington-to-newton-abbot
FROM REDHILL Train to Reading via Thameslink or Southern, then change onto GWR to Newton Abbot and local to Torre. Fastest journey is around 3 hours 37 minutes. There are two journeys on Saturday which will get you to Devon in time for the game. Check times and book at: thetrainline.com/train-times/redhill-to-newton-abbot
AT THE GROUND END Torre station (one stop before Torquay) is closest to Plainmoor – it is around a 25-minute walk uphill to the stadium. If you prefer a taxi, Price First Taxis are based locally on 01803 322322. Alternatively, Bus 35A runs from Torquay Harbourside to Plainmoor shops, from where the away end is a five-minute walk.
GETTING THERE BY NATIONAL EXPRESS COACH
National Express operate services from London Victoria to Torquay, arriving at Torquay bus station. A good budget option if you are travelling from London – but you will have to go up on Friday in order to make the game. See nationalexpress.com for times and booking.
STAYING FRIDAY NIGHT
Plenty of Wanderers are heading down on Friday to make a weekend of it. Join them. Torquay in early May is warm, lively, and much quieter than in summer.
Search for accommodation at:
• Airbnb: airbnb.co.uk – search Torquay
• Booking.com: booking.com – search Torquay
The best areas to stay are Torquay town centre and harbour, Babbacombe (just up the road from Plainmoor), and the seafront.
MAKE A WEEKEND OF IT – THE ENGLISH RIVIERA
Torquay is one of the best seaside destinations in England and well worth an extra day or two. Here are some highlights:
Torquay Harbour and Marina – lined with restaurants, bars and independent shops. Perfect for a Friday evening gathering. Ferries to the fishing village of Brixham (35 minutes across the bay) run from April.
Babbacombe and Oddicombe Beach – a short walk from Plainmoor. Take the famous cliff railway 300 feet down to a sheltered cove with crystal-clear water.
Brixham – a colourful working harbour town with excellent pubs, fresh seafood and Berry Head Nature Reserve for walkers. Well worth a morning trip.
Dartmouth – take a passenger ferry from Torquay harbour for a stunning day trip to one of Devon’s finest historic towns.
The South West Coast Path – walk from Anstey’s Cove to Babbacombe Downs, the highest clifftop promenade in England. Spectacular on a clear May day.
Dartmoor National Park – just 30 minutes inland, ideal for a Sunday walk before heading home.
Kents Cavern – prehistoric caves near Babbacombe, fascinating for all ages and a great wet-weather option.
SUMMARY – KEY LINKS AND CONTACTS
Club coach booking: dwfc.co.uk Train times and tickets: thetrainline.com or gwr.com National Express coach: nationalexpress.com Match tickets: torquayunited.com or 01803 328666 Accommodation (Airbnb): airbnb.co.uk Accommodation (Booking.com): booking.com Taxis at Torre station: Price First Taxis – 01803 322322 Ground postcode: TQ1 3PS
Come on you Wanderers. Let’s fill that away end and reach the final.