Plymouth’s Christmas Gift Guide: For the Janner in your life

It may be the most wonderful time of the year but Plymouth offers magical experiences all year round. So, if you’re having trouble finding the perfect gift for the Janner in your life, it may well pay to look close to home.

There’s always so much to entertain in Britain’s Ocean City that the options are wide and varied – something for even the trickiest recipient.

We’ve compiled a guide with a few unusual gifts, things you may not have considered, to help give friends and family members the present they deserve this year.

Book an experience

Why not think outside the box this Christmas and instead of a physical gift, treat your loved one to something they can do only in Plymouth?

Choose from a huge range of experiences including: Smeaton’s Tower Experience, the ultimate gin tour, including a climb to the top of the iconic lighthouse, hosted by Plymouth Gin’s master distiller; become a zookeeper for the day at Dartmoor Zoo; meeting some of the ocean’s most stunning animals in a snorkel safari in the National Marine Aquarium’s Atlantic Ocean Tank; and catching your own dinner with a Fish ‘n’ Trips session with Plymouth Boat Trips. 

Find out more on all available experiences to enjoy in Plymouth.

Treat your loved ones (and yourself!) to fine jewellery

Robins Brothers, fine jewellers and very experienced goldsmiths have grown and nurtured a reputation second to none. They design and create their incredible range of high quality jewellery at their premises in Plymouth.

Book tickets to a show 

With Plymouth’s Theatre Royal, one of the UK’s largest and best regional theatres, right on our doorstep we are always in for a real treat. Join soap star and panto legend Shane Richie this Christmas at Theatre Royal Plymouth and make Sleeping Beauty the pantomime of your dreams!

Seats for a show in 2023 are sure to be just the ticket and there are some wonderful performances to choose from, including:  Room on the Broom, the family favourite based on the best-selling book by Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler;  Swan Lake, the hauntingly beautiful ballet featuring Tchaikovsky’s legendary score; Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap, the world’s longest-running play on its 70^th anniversary tour, and Dinosaur World Live, a roarsome interactive show for all the family with a post-show meet and greet.For more information, please visit

Make Christmas extra special with fresh flowers

Offering a huge range of different custom bouquets and high-quality flowers, Fresh Flowers Scent go the extra mile to ensure your special message is conveyed through their creations. Ask about gift boxes, next day delivery and their knowledgeable, friendly, specialised advise that really make a difference.

Indulge in luxury chocolates

Visit Domea Favour in Royal William Yard – this renowned Chocolatier creates a whole range of chocolate-based delights. They also personalise your chocolate gifts and favours, with co-ordinated ribbons to add that extra special touch.

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.