to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
Soak up the sun in Plymouth this summer at one of the many venues to drink at next to the water. As ever, in Britain's Ocean City, there are so many bars by the water where you can go for a drink or two in the sunshine.
Check out some of our top picks, you won't be disappointed. Cheers!
Discover bars by the water on The Barbican | The Hoe/Across The Waterfront | Royal William Yard
The Barbican
Plymouth's historic quarter, The Barbican, has been a place to visit, gather and catch up for centuries. Home to narrow, authentic streets, gorgeous waterside views and plenty of bars it's a great venue for live music and a drink. Here are some places we recommend visiting.
The Boathouse
Situated just yards from the iconic Mayflower Steps, and with views to the entrance to Sutton Harbour, you can easily chill out at The Boathouse Cafe next to the water on a hot sunny day. If you fancy a bite to eat as well their menu boasts locally caught seafood and other delicious bites.
Admiral Macbride
With indoor and outdoor seating available the Admiral Macbride is a traditional Plymouth pub overlooking the water. The pub has been a mainstay on the Barbican for generations, and did you know, legend has it the actual 'Mayflower Steps' are located in the female toilets at the Admiral Macbride Pub.
The Stable
With gorgeous views across Sutton Habour from the rooftop terrace and outdoor seating area, The Plymouth Stable is a terrific sun trap.
Traditionally, the venue specialises in cider, and what better way to explore the drink than by having one of their cider-tasting boards? Whether you like your cider, still, sparkling, scrumpy or sweet, there's A cider for all tastes here.
Rakuda
One of the many bars dotted along the main strip of The Barbican. Rakuda is a popular location with the locals with plenty of drinks on offer as well as live music performances right next to the water.
Honkytonk Wine Library
Sip wine beside the water at Honkytonk on Sutton Harbour. Try sublime wines from all over the world with a stunning view to match.
Three Crowns
The much-loved pub on the corner of Sutton Harbour has an expansive outdoor area and basks in the sun all afternoon and evening on a good day. The Three Crowns is also one of the venues in the city showing the Euros this summer. Find out where else you can watch the football in Plymouth.
Cider Press
Another of the bars along the busy Barbican. The Cider Press has regular live music, outdoor and indoor seating and a number of drinks in the bar to try.
The Ship
The newly renovated Ship Pub on The Barbican is the start of a string of pubs beside the water. A great venue to catch up with friends, there's seating aplenty inside and outdoors under the large umbrellas next to the harbour.
Rust and Royal
Another of the favourites on the harbourside area of The Barbican. Rust and Royal has a wide selection of cocktails, spirits, beer and wine. We specialise in food platters, cheese and charcuterie boards.
Armado Lounge
Part of the Lounge Chain, the Armado Lounge looks across the many boats on Sutton Harbour. Serving up several popular drinks, there are numerous seating options both inside and outside on the cobbled streets of The Barbican.
Plymouth Hoe/Across the Waterfront
Plymouth's beautiful waterfront is (in our opinion) the best place in the world to sit beside the sea. Take a stop at one of the many bars and gaze out over The Sound with a drink in hand. There's always something happening on the water, whether it's paddleboarders, swimmers venturing out to the pontoons or ferries coming into dock. Check out some bars where you can relax and watch all this unfold.
The Terrace
Under new ownership and with a new look for Summer 2024, The Terrace boasts a prime position on the Hoe. Just moments from Smeaton's Tower, the bar has some of the best views in Plymouth out to the Sound across its two levels.
Ocean View at The Dome
Ocean View at the Dome offers a luxurious vibe to enjoy a drink at on the seafront. Their picturesque bar is home to an extensive range of beers, cocktails and a wine list that spans across the globe, meaning that a drink is available to suit all tastes.
The Waterfront Pub
The grade two listed pub on the side of West Hoe is a great venue for a drink beside the water. Newly renovated for 2024 the drinks terrace is an unrivalled spot to enjoy a drink. The cute twinkly lights donning the garden make The Waterfront Pub it a gorgeous venue for a drink in Plymouth.
Maritimo
Maritimo Wine and Tapas Bar offers spectacular views across Plymouth Sound. If you are feeling hungry they have light tapas bites to try bringing the taste of Spain to accompany your drinks.
Pier One
Situated over three levels on The Hoe, Pier One boasts indoor and outdoor terrace seating with fabulous views across the water.
Jolly Jacks
Further around the water's edge is Jolly Jacks at the Mayflower Marina. The snug beer garden is an ideal sun trap when the skies are blue, and there are stunning views across the water to the Royal William Yard.
Royal William Yard
Standing tall beside the sea, the iconic former Royal Naval buildings of the Royal William Yard are now a vibrant area to explore in the city. With plenty of bars, restaurants and sublime waterfront views, it's one of the top places in the city to explore. If you're looking for a drink next to the water, we've picked out some choices for you. Take a look:
Seco Lounge
Sit on the cobbles and sip away at the Seco Lounge at the Royal William Yard. Located next to the serene harbour entrance to the Yard, the lounge's diverse menu means there is always something to suit all drinking tastes.
Hook and Line
Rum connoisseurs Hook and Line have a quaint seating area overlooking the water in the Yard. Grab a seat at the popular bar and choose from their varied rum collection, wine menu or try a pint of its very own Hook Line and Sinker beer!
Discover more places to eat and drink in Plymouth
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