For somewhere really scenic try Noss Mayo 30 min drive from Plymouth, a plutocratic ex-fishing village with a couple of well-sited up-market foody pubs by the river.
Try taking a boat from the Barbican in Plymouth to Cawsand, a small village in Cornwall 30 minutes. Cawsand has a small stony beach and nice pubs and cafes. From there you can walk through the beautiful Mount Edgcombe country park about 3-4 miles and take the Cremyl ferry back to Plymouth. A fantastic day out on a nice day.
Take a bus to Wembury and walk back into Plymouth along the South West Coastal Path.
Try the beautiful coastal walk from Polperro to Looe or vice versa.
The cathedral cities of Truro, in Cornwall 1hr 30 drive, from 1hr train - from £8.00 adult return, and Exeter 40 min drive/ 1hr train - £7.00 adult return or 'fast' bus from Plymouth taking around 1hr 20 are worth a visit.
About a 20 minute drive North will take you into Dartmoor National Park, where some fantastic views and walks are to be had. A good first stop would be in Princetown where the tourist information office will give you details on some recommended walks close by.
Tavistock is a nearby quiet town and is a good place to set as a hub for visiting Dartmoor. It can be reached by taking the 83,84 or 86 bus. It also has an amazingly good cheese shop, (http://www.countrycheeses...).
Dartmouth a scenic town
