to add an item to your Itinerary basket.
As the Autumn weather brings with it the odd heavy shower, and you’re looking for some weekend inspiration, this week’s Friday Five is offering just that. From Santa, to mischievous elves, to adventure and fascinating history. Not forgetting some cosy refreshments!
Check out our five suggestions to help you make the most of your weekend.
Family fun at Paradise Island Adventure Golf
If you’re looking for some indoor entertainment, why not take the family on an afternoon full of adventure at the Paradise Island Adventure Golf at Drake Circus The Barcode. With two 18 hole adventure golf courses spanning across 16,000 sq/ft of tropical utopia, you can take on twists, turns, humps and bumps as you explore the treacherous swamps and deadly jungle that await you. If you’re feeling competitive, continue the adventure and take on the 19th hole, where the perfect hole-in-one will reward you with a free game!
Join in the festive celebrations at the Barbican Christmas Lights Switch-on
For an afternoon of free festive fun, head to the Barbican on Saturday (19 November) for the wonderful Christmas lights switch-on event, sponsored by PL1 Events.
With lots of free activities, rides and entertainment from 12pm to 6pm. Children can visit Santa in his grotto from 12pm to 4.30pm and give him a wave as he travels across the water on the RNLI boat. Families can soak up the festive joy of the amazing local choirs and dance groups as they perform on The Parade and Southside Street throughout the afternoon. There will also be face painting, storytelling, craft workshops, plus brilliant street performers and entertainment. The lights will be switched on at 5.30pm, by the Lord Mayor, Santa and the community heroes. Keep an eye out, as the Grinch may be making an appearance too!
Follow the Mischievous Ocean Elves Trail
Head out onto the Barbican and waterfront, on this fun free trail, to seek out the 12 mischievous ocean elves. The Christmas ocean elves have made their way into the shops and cafes across Plymouth’s waterfront. Try to spot the elves in amongst the fabulous festive window displays or hiding inside causing chaos! Track them down by using our helpful list of locations, and start your Christmas adventure in Plymouth.
The trail is available from Saturday 19 November 2022 to Tuesday 3 January 2023, and is a great opportunity to do a bit of Christmas shopping too.
Visit British Art Show 9
With painting, photography, film, sculpture and installation by 37 of Britain’s most exciting artists spread across four different (The Box, KARST, The Levinsky Gallery and MIRROR), you’ll be sure to find something you love in British Art Show 9. Why not go along to a free performance by award-winning artist Alberta Whittle at 4.45pm on Saturday (19 November) at The Box, or take a look at the Made in Plymouth website for loads more information and details of other events?
Check out The Box's blog too for some really useful tips that will help you plan your visit to this blockbuster exhibition.
Explore Dartmoor Prison Museum
Take a drive through the wild expanse of Dartmoor National Park and head to the Dartmoor Prison Museum at Princetown, which tells the story of over 200 years of history. The museum is located yards from the iconic Dartmoor Prison itself. The Museum is based in the old Prison farm dairy and is spread out over two floors with numerous different galleries to explore. Visitors can learn about how the Prison came into existence and the types of prisoners the prison currently houses – it may not be all you believe!
There are plenty of teashops in Princetown, but I would recommend the warm welcome of the The Two Bridges Hotel, with its comfortable lounges, complete with a crackling log fires. Here you can enjoy a tasty lunch or maybe a classic afternoon tea.
Plymouth is easily accessible by train with a wide range of services running from a variety of locations within England. Although some services may require a change or two.
Travelling from London takes around 3 hours with Great Western Railway, if you're coming from the north, the trip from Manchester can take 5 hours 15 minutes.
Alternatively, the recently renovated Night Riviera Sleeper service runs Monday – Friday and Sunday evenings. Visit gwr.com/sleeper for more details on times and how to book.
We recommend using GWR.com to search for the fastest and best route for your journey, and book in advance for the best price.
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