School's out for May half-term! Whether you're visiting Plymouth over the break or lucky enough to call it home, there's plenty of things to do to make your holiday truly memorable.

Unwind on the waterfront

Kick-start your visit by immersing yourself in Plymouth's fascinating maritime heritage. Take a stroll along the cobbled streets of the Barbican, a charming area filled with picturesque buildings, quirky shops, and delightful eateries and the finest seafood around.

Enjoy the sights as you walk along the waterfront and onto the iconic Plymouth Hoe, overlooking Plymouth Sound National Marine Park with stunning panoramic views. Take a leisurely walk along the promenade, visit the Smeaton's Tower lighthouse, or simply relax on the grassy lawns while enjoying a picnic.

Get out on the water

While we can't guarantee good weather, we can guarantee good times when you're out in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. There is an abundance of things to do on the water, including sailing, kayaking or paddleboarding with Mount Batten Activities and Watersports Centre, exploring the Sound with Plymouth Boat Trips, or stand up paddleboarding with South West SUP, to name just a few.

The award-winning art deco Tinside Lido will open its doors on 27 May, just in time for some family-fun in the pool!

Family-fun at the National Marine Aquarium

A visit to the National Marine Aquarium is a must-do when in Plymouth. Explore the captivating underwater world through interactive displays, tanks filled with over 4,000 animals showcasing a diverse marine life and informative exhibits. Dive into the depths of the ocean, learn about conservation efforts, and even participate in behind-the-scenes experiences.

Indulge yourself at a Food Festival

Flavour Fest is a must-visit if you're a foodie! With over 70 delectable traders with the finest produce from the south west, along with a cookery theatre with top chefs showcasing their culinary prowess, a bar, and live music, you're bound to have a fun time. Flavour Fest takes place in the city centre from 26 to 28 May 2023 and is free to visit.

Try out your animal detective skills

Head to Dartmoor Zoo for Zoodo during half term for the ultimate detective trail! Grab pencil and trail kit on arrival to begin your Zoo snooping, looking for unique and wonderfully wild microscopy images around the park.

Have an enchanted time at Pennywell Farm

Join Pennywell Farm for Magical Unicorn Week for a week of special unicorn-themed experiences to help unleash you inner unicorn!

Hang out with dinosaurs

Visit Central Park for a journey back in time to the prehistoric, where you will get to meet over 40 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs! The event, which is on until 11 June, features a dino trail, a fun zone, food and drink and a range of gift and souvenir stores.

Step back in time

If you would like to discover more of Plymouth's history, there's plenty of places you can visit! Explore the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620, and the Mayflower Museum, sat above the Tourist Information Centre where you can learn more about its fascinating history.

See galleries at The Box which showcase the city's incredible collection with thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size replica woolly mammoth, wonderful works of art, amazing archive film and photography, and fascinating documents, maps and plans. Entry to The Box is free and there is no need to book.

Visit the historic Elizabethan House, which dates back from the late 1500s when Plymouth was a thriving port, and embark on an immersive yet authentic journey through its history.

If you would like to visit these two attractions, as well as Smeaton's Tower, then make use of the brand-new Heritage Pass, which gives you discounted access to all three sites!

Plymouth Trails App

Download the free Plymouth Trails App, available on both the Apple and Google store, and discover Plymouth in new ways. There's plenty of trails to follow around the city, with each stop containing a mix of text, imagery and videos to guide you along.

Events at Mount Edgcumbe 

There's plenty of fantastic family-friendly events coming up at Mount Edgcumbe this May half-term!

Kicking off the summer festivities is the Green Man Festival, a two-day event taking place on 27 and 28 of May. This vibrant celebration will be presided over by a magnificent figure, and it promises an exhilarating experience with live music, a wide range of family activities, delectable food, a bustling marketplace, and captivating entertainment.

Get ready for a sensational experience on Saturday 3 June, as Mount Edgcumbe becomes the ultimate destination for Reggae in the Park. Immerse yourself in the captivating sounds of top Reggae artists while indulging in the flavors of Caribbean Street Food. Sip on exquisite rum from talented distillers and revel in the vibrant atmosphere at the Rum & Cocktail bar and beyond.

On Sunday 4 June, prepare to embark on a thrilling journey to the tropics at the Caribbean Family Fun Day. This action-packed event promises a day filled with Caribbean-inspired festivities, transporting you to a world of excitement and joy.

In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner