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If you're looking for things to do in Plymouth there is plenty to get excited about this year. From iconic unmissable events, mesmerising cultural moments, live music performances and sporting activities, there is so much to rave about in 2025! Check out our 25 reasons why.
1. Dance to live music on the Hoe
Plymouth Hoe will transform into an unforgettable music venue in June with Plymouth Summer Sessions, where James, Pendulum, The Corrs and Snow Patrol take to the stage, with the Sound as their backdrop.
2. British Fireworks Championships
The British Firework Championships return on 13 and 14 August for a blockbuster year of ‘Champion of Champions’, where six previous winners will compete in two explosive nights to be crowned the best of the best!
3. Encounter Plymouth's wildlife
Encounter animals from around the world at Plymouth’s top wildlife attractions.
The National Marine Aquarium, the largest in the UK, offers stunning underwater exhibits with over 4,000 animals to discover.
Dartmoor Zoo offers up-close encounters with big cats, wolves, and more, and Paignton Zoo is a must-visit and promises a day filled with animal adventure.
Visit Pennywell Farm to cuddle miniature pigs and other farm animals, perfect for families.
4. Discover Plymouth’s art scene
A visit to The Box is a must-do for art. It features galleries dedicated to the Plymouth's past, along with diverse exhibitions showcasing global art. The 2025 program will include works by renowned artists like John Lyons and Jyll Bradley and more.
In addition to The Box, the city is home to several public galleries, including MIRROR, Arts University Plymouth, KARST, Real Art Make Print (RAMP) at Ocean Studios, as well as independent art galleries on the Barbican.
Discover the city’s street art, from the Poseidon mural on Plymouth Hoe to artwork outside Civic Centre, in the North Cross underpass
5. Stay in Plymouth
Make the most of your time in Plymouth by staying the night. Stay in cosy B&Bs right on the waterfront, or stay in hotels right in the centre like Moxy, Crowne Plaza, New Continental, Duke of Cornwall, or head further out for 5-star accommodation at Boringdon Hall Hotel.
Plymouth is also home to delightful serviced-stays, as well as Caravan and holiday Parks.
6. Embrace the outdoors with scenic walks
Discover Plymouth’s natural beauty and historical charm on foot.
Stay local and stroll through one of Plymouth’s parks and gardens or go further afield and explore the rugged landscapes of Dartmoor.
You can explore Plymouth’s stunning coastline as part of the South West Coast Path
Download the free Plymouth Trails App to guide you along trails highlighting key historical sites, and coastal paths.
7. Explore Plymouth’s flourishing music scene
You can catch world-class artists at Plymouth Pavilions this year with names including Bowling for Soup, You Me At Six, Gabrielle, Olly Murs, Chase & Status, Fisherman’s Friends and more.
There’s plenty of music events to enjoy; from RUCKUS 25 at Plymouth Albion, to Alive, Relive and Live at Argyle at Plymouth Argyle, evening concert at Plymouth Armed Forces Day and plenty more.
There are multiple venues hosting everything from jazz, electronic dance to indie, at venues including The Depo, Steel Brew Co, Blues Bar, Junction, Roundabout and Bread and Roses, to name a few.
8. Enjoy retail therapy
Treat yourself to luxury at Drake Circus in the city centre, Plymouth’s premier shopping destination with over 70 of the UK’s top brand names. Discover stylish stores like Levi’s, Mango, Rituals, Oliver Bonas, plus high-end jewellery like Allum & Sidaway, Breitling, Fraser Hart, Omega, TAG Heuer and more.
The city centre is also home to the West End and and 150-stall Plymouth Market where you can pick up unique gifts from independents. The Barbican is a treasure trove of independent boutiques and art galleries, and Royal Wiliam Yard is a hub for retailers including fashion, beauty, and art.
9. Have a taste of Plymouth’s food & drink scene
Dive into Plymouth’s fantastic food and drink offering. There are well established national chains, a vibrant independent scene and a selection of restaurants which reflect all the major cuisines of the world.
Plenty of eateries offer waterfront dining with stunning views of Plymouth Sound, or overlooking the Barbican.
Plymouth is the home to several top celebrity chefs; local boys Chris and James Tanner run the hugely popular Barbican Kitchen restaurant and Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse Bar & Grill in the Crowne Plaza on The Hoe.
Plymouth is not short of days out celebrating everything-food. Flavour Fest in May brings over 80 stalls with delicious food to the city centre, whilst Seafest in September brings seafood and family activities to the Barbican.
10. Top quality theatre
Visit Theatre Royal Plymouth for unforgettable performances in 2025, including ballets, plays, and musicals like Mary Poppins, Dear Evan Hansen, and Hamilton. The Theatre also hosts a variety of creative workshops.
Experience independent theatre at community-focused venues like the Barbican Theatre, which highlights emerging artists, and the Devonport Playhouse, home to the Plymouth Theatre Company. Or visit The Quad Theatre at Marjon University for a dynamic line-up of events.
11. Explore National Trusts
Plymouth and the surrounding area has many National Trusts to explore with the family.
Step into history at Saltram House, a stunning Georgian mansion with its original contents, set in a beautiful country estate perfect for walking, cycling, or running.
Explore Cotehele, a medieval house with Tudor additions, featuring four floors of history and gardens ranging from formal designs to a wild valley.
Discover Buckland Abbey, filled with treasures that tell the story of the Cistercians and Sir Francis Drake, along with meadows, a cider house, and a great barn.
12. Railway 200
Railway 200 will be a year-long celebration of 200 years of the modern railway. There will be a wide variety of activities and events planned in and around Plymouth to celebrate rail’s remarkable past, its role today, and its importance to a sustainable future.
13. Get stuck in with family fun
Plymouth is packed with family-friendly attractions. Take a swing at Paradise Island Adventure Golf two 18-hole adventure golf courses, or visit Continue Arcades, Plymouth’s go-to arcade destination, with a huge number of retro games.
Get stuck into some healthy competition in axe throwing or work as a team in escape rooms at TimberVault or enjoy one of four themed rooms in Escapism Plymouth and hunt clues, crack codes and solve puzzles to escape in time.
Check out the full list of family-friendly activities in Plymouth.
14. Explore Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Embrace the outdoors in the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, a haven for water sports and marine wildlife.
Head to Mount Batten Centre and try water sports like stand-up paddleboarding, kayaking. Enjoy open-water swimming in Plymouth Sound, or simply relax at Tinside Lido for a refreshing day by the water.
15. Take a Day Trip to Dartmoor and Cornwall
Plymouth’s location makes it the perfect base for day trips. Wander the wild landscapes of Dartmoor, where you can hike, spot wildlife, and explore charming villages. Or, venture further afield to Cornwall’s sandy beaches and picturesque coastal towns, ideal for a scenic getaway.
16. Mark Plymouth’s military
Celebrate Plymouth’s military legacy during Armed Forces Week. The week kicks off with the Armed Forces Flag Raising ceremony, honouring the bravery and service of military personnel. The Strength of Spirit Games Rehabilitation Triathlon is an inspiring event showcasing the strength of wounded veterans on Plymouth Hoe. The week culminates with Armed Forces Day, a grand celebration of the Armed Forces community.
Take a tour around the Royal Citadel, a dramatic 17th century fortress and still in military operation today.
2025 also marks two 80-year anniversaries with VE Day on 8 May and VJ Day on 15 August. On Sunday 9 November, Plymouth will pay tribute to those who have served in the Armed Forces with a Remembrance Day at the War Memorial on Plymouth Hoe.
17. Watch sports
Cheer on Plymouth Argyle FC at Home Park Stadium, where breathtaking action is guarenteed at every home match. Feel the energy as the Green Army sings the iconic Janner Song before kick-off.
Experience the thrill of rugby at Brickfields Stadium with Plymouth Albion RFC. Enjoy a lively atmosphere, delicious pasties, and refreshing pints while watching top-tier National League One action.
Catch the excitement of basketball at Plymouth Life Centre, home to Plymouth Raiders. Witness high-energy games in Division Three of the National Basketball League.
18. Go running
In May, the Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival returns, where runners will take to the city in a Half Marathon, 10k or 5k option.
There are plenty of Fun Runs throughout the year, including the Pirates Fun Run in May, and festive Santa Fun Run through the Barbican and Reindeer Fun Run through Central Park in December.
Head to Mount Edgcumbe in June for the Rame Head Race, with a single loop 10.5k run with stunning views of the peninsula.
Plenty of festive fun runs take place, including the Santa Fun Run around the Barbican and the Reindeer Fun Run in Central Park, both in December.
19. Explore Plymouth’s history
Step into the past at Plymouth’s top historical sites of maritime heritage and local history.
Visit The Box, Plymouth’s free-to-visit award-winning museum and gallery, which showcase the city’s incredible collections with thousands of natural history specimens.
Discover the iconic Mayflower Steps which commemorates the departure point of the Pilgrims, or head across to the Mayflower Musuem, sat above the Tourist Information Centre, and experience a journey through time to explore the Mayflower story
Climb Smeaton’s Tower, a historic lighthouse on Plymouth Hoe offering stunning views and a glimpse into maritime history, or explore the Elizabethan House, a beautifully restored 16th-century residence that brings Plymouth’s rich history to life.
Real Ideas will be running a programme of activities to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Devonport, culminating in a spectacular light event in March.
20. Relax at Plymouth’s and its neighbouring beaches
Plymouth offers easy access to beautiful beaches, each perfect for a few hours escape, no matter the season. Stay local and visit Plymouth Hoe beach, where the relatively flat waters make it ideal for paddleboarding.
If you feel like exploring further afield, there are plenty of beaches close by, each with something unique to offer. Bovisand boasts stunning views over Plymouth sound and is perfect for watching the sunset. Wembury is not much further and offers plenty of rockpools which are great for exploring. For a sandy paradise, head to Mothecombe, it’s ideal for swimming and building sandcastles.
Check out the best beaches near Plymouth.
21. Go swimming
Plymouth is home to many swimming spots. Outdoor swimming includes Tinside Lido on Plymouth Hoe or Firestone Bay at Devil’s Point or Mount Wise, in the colder months you can swim indoors at Plymouth Life Centre.
In the summer months, the pontoons will be in Plymouth Sound for swimmers to take a pit stop
22. Watch on the big screen
For the classic experience, catch the latest blockbusters at Cineworld in The Barcode, featuring 12 state-of-the-art screens, including IMAX and 4DX for an immersive experience.
Experience luxury at Everyman Cinema in Royal William Yard, where you can enjoy films with velvet sofas, a bar, and food & drinks delivered to your seat.
For independent films and classics, visit Plymouth Arts Cinema which also host festivals, events, and special guests from the film industry.
In January, enjoy the Plymouth Drive in Cinema at Harpers Plymouth. Drive in, park up, and watch classics like Mamma Mia and Grease from your car.
Step into the Immersive Dome Experience at Market Hall, the largest dome in Europe and watch breathtaking shows from ocean depths to lunar adventures.
23. Experience Plymouth’s thriving nightlife
Plymouth’s award-winning nightlife scene is bustling – from drinks on the waterfront to city centre nightclubs, there’s plenty of places to let your hair down and dance the night away.
There are plenty of bars by the water, taking in the stunning surroundings of Plymouth Hoe or waterside views on the Barbican. Or for a party night, enjoy nightclubs such as Popworld, Revolution, Fever & Boutique or The Depo for electronic dance music.
Check out more pubs and bars in Plymouth.
24. Make time for yourself
Enjoy the ultimate spa experience at Gaia Spa, set within the elegant Boringdon Hall Hotel with a range of facilities including a Finnish sauna, a crystal salt steam room, and a hydrotherapy room. Just across the bridge, China Fleet offers its aqua spa, which is equipped with experience showers, saunas, and aroma steam rooms. Hálogi in Royal William Yard, is home to ice baths and a wood-fired sauna – perfect for refreshing both body and mind.
For a unique way to relax, visit the Market Hall Dome with yoga sessions under the mesmerising Northern Lights display or head to National Marine Aquarium for yoga set against the Eddystone Reef display.
For something different, visit Plymouth Golf Centre for state-of-the-art golfing technology, practice on our virtual range or on multiple real golf courses from around the world, or use TrackMan for the perfect on-range companion
25. Experience something new
There’s plenty of experiences in Plymouth that you won’t find anywhere else.
Animal experiences include the National Marine Aquarium which hosts snorkelling experiences, sleeping with sharks, feed the turtle and more. Or visit Dartmoor Zoo where you can feed the otters, be a zoo keeper, and meet animals up close. Take a trip to Mount Edgcumbe and enjoy walks with alpacas.
Become a Gin connoisseur in the Gin Masterclass at Plymouth Gin, or undertake a Beekeeping course at Boringdon Hall.
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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner.
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