When it comes to exciting and unique acitivites, Plymouth will flat out spoil you. Time to grab your friends, or family, pack your bags and head to Plymouth to see out the Summer in style and welcome in the Autumn season.

Here's a guide to helping you plan a quick trip to Britain's Ocean City!

Stay

Situated in the heart of Plymouth, sits the magnificant Duke of Cornwall Hotel, a stunning period hotel brimming with character and style. Built as Plymouth’s first luxury hotel in 1863, the Duke has been lovingly preserved and enhanced so that its unique Victorian Gothic splendour can still be enjoyed by guests today.

The Duke’s luxury extends to its impressive culinary offerings with fine dining in the comfort of the hotel’s elegant restaurant. With an AA rosette and a dynamic team of chefs, its dishes look and taste sensational and with a generous choice of drinks available in the lounge means you can cool off with an ice-cold beverage. We'll raise a glass to that!

The Duke hosts a variety of events throughout the year, including the The Duke Wedding Collection: Live - arriving 25 September.

For a more country style setting, stay at the Langdon Court Hotel, one of Devon's most beautiful Historic Manor Houses dating from the 16th century and now graded as an AA Four Star * Luxury Boutique Hotel and Two Rossette Restaurant.

Furnished in a classical contemporary style with rooms uniquely furnished with modern amenities, the hotel is set within its own grounds and formal walled Jacobean gardens, accessed from a long drive. Set in the beautiful rolling South Hams countryside, within walking distance of Wembury Cove and The National Trust coastal pathway. Langdon Court Hotel and restaurant is the perfect place to get away from it all and indulge yourself.

Eat

From some of the freshest seafood around to quintessentially Devonshire delights of pasties and cream teas, Plymouth has an endless supply of phenomenal eats just waiting just for you.

Start your day off right, with a stop at The Barbican & Sutton Harbour's best kept secret for breakfast, Boston Tea Party. This cafe has been designed in its own unique character with an eclectic mix of up-cycled, salvaged and restored furniture and fittings as well as serving up a mouthwatering selection of breakfast and brunch options.

Be sure to save some room for a trip to the City Market and get a taste for Plymouth's culture in every sense of the word. Stroll through the stalls and get a real taste for the local produce, traditional pasties and family run fishmongers specialising in bringing you locally caught fresh seafood, from cod to lobster – and everything in between.

Skip the busy line at Starbucks in favour of washing your treats down with a real italian coffee at Barista Brothers before shopping at the array of boutique and high street retailers.

After a day of exploring, dine al fresco on the terrace of the Royal William Yard's - Le Bistrot Pierre, for relaxed and affordable French dining that always feels special. From here you can pop over to Le Vignoble, a boutique wine lounge housing over 180 wines and champagnes from all around the world.

Or, follow the locals to the cozy, candlelit Seco Lounge - one of our favourite joints for sharing small plates with friends over well-made cocktails or glasses of wine.

If you adventures take you back towards the Barbican & Sutton Harbour, you can dine at the stunning Harbour Seafood Restaurant, which overlooks Plymouth's majestic Sutton Harbour waterfront and is a mere stones throw away from the historic mayflower steps.

Drink

While in town, "study up" on the famous Black Friars Distillery, the working home of Plymouth Gin since 1793, and enjoy a tutored tasting of the range on the Plymouth Gin Distillery tour.

If you want to sample some local ales, the Barbican & Sutton Harbour is host to some historical dwellings where you may also get the odd ghost story or two as you enjoy your pint.

The Admiral McBride, a traditional English pub offers fabulous sea views and a relaxed atmosphere which makes it a great place to socialise with friends. 

You also have the Minerva Inn, which is Plymouth's oldest serving public house, circa 1540. The pub is timber framed which is reportedly timber used from the Spanish Armada Fleet. The spiral staircase leading to the private residence in the centre is from the mast of one of the fleet.

See

Britain's Ocean City may be notorious for its rain and blustery winds, but the city is also home to a thriving arts scene, featuring everything from live music to theatre. If you want to be kept on the edge of your seat, we have just the thing.

Described as "the largest and best attended regional producing theatre in the UK" and "the leading promoter of theatre in the South West", Theatre Royal Plymouth brings thrilling theatrical performances all year round, including classic and contemporary drama, musical productions and the presentation of national opera, ballet and dance companies.

While the venue has a rotating list of productions, each show or performance is unique and sometimes involves audience participation - factored in as part of the fun.

Likewise, on either side of the waterfront are two further auditoriums, Plymouth Pavilions and Barbican Theatre, which host a wide variety of performances, from ground shaking rock concerts to comedic acts that will cause you to laugh until you cry.

If you prefer stadiums to the stage, go see a Plymouth Argyle football match. With green fields and park lands on three sides of their ground, it really has to rank as one of the best placed grounds in the Football League.

Play

Soak up the last of the golden rays and take in the beautiful changing colours of the trees by experiencing the great outdoors. 

Explore beyond the city limits to the stunning waterfront location. Take a fishing trip, a fantastic way to get out on the water, have fun and learn more about the local marine environment. You can also hop on the local ferry's to experience the views of the Devonshire and Cornish coastline as you travel across Plymouth Sound. With services taking you as nearby as the Royal William Yard, to further afield such as the Mount Edgcumbe Country House and Cawsand Beach means you're sure to see first-hand the beautiful views that await.

If you are looking for something a bit more active, book a bike rental or take a hike around the vast countryside and trails that surround this stunning city.

Before you leave town, don't forget to visit the many historic sites. Plymouth has a story to tell at every corner.                                                                    

Whether you want to sample gin, taste incredible cuisine or catch an impressive performance, Plymouth offers an endless array of captivating activities. Spending a weekend in Plymouth over Autumn is the ultimate way to enjoy some relaxing downtime with friends or family.

• Looking for more adventures around town? Check out our 'What's On' page for a ton of fun festivals and events.