Category: Things to do, Arts and Culture, Food and Drink, Accomodation

English Tourism Week is back from 14–23 March 2025, celebrating the diversity and vibrancy of England’s tourism industry. This annual campaign raises awareness of tourism's vital role in local economies and communities, making it the perfect time to explore all that Plymouth has to offer. Here’s your guide to the best places to stay, eat, explore, and how to make the most of English Tourism Week in Plymouth.  

Top places to stay | Top Restaurants | Top things to do | Behind the scenes access

                                                    

Top places to stay in Plymouth:  

Boringdon Hall Hotel 

Situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Boringdon Hall Hotel is five-star hotel which offers a blend of history, luxury, and modern comfort. With beautifully decorated rooms and suites, including four-poster rooms and luxury wellness suites, it provides an unforgettable experience. Guests can enjoy access to the award-winning Gaia Spa, which features a range of treatments and facilities such as a Finnish sauna and crystal salt steam room.  

Moxy Hotel 

A vibrant, modern hotel situated in Millbay, Moxy offers a social atmosphere complete with a stylish bar and communal areas designed for both working and socialising. Expect cosy rooms equipped with smart TVs and comfortable beds. They are also pet-friendly, meaning your furry friend doesn’t have to miss out either! 

The Crowne Plaza  

Offering panoramic views of Plymouth Hoe, The Crowne Plaza hotel features a fitness centre, indoor pool, as well as a Marco Pierre White Steakhouse on the penthouse floor. It’s perfectly located for those looking to explore the waterfront while staying close to the city centre. 

Leonardo Hotel 

This modern hotel is ideally situated near Drake Circus Shopping Centre and Plymouth's city centre. The Leonardo offers contemporary rooms, a fitness centre, and an on-site restaurant, making it a great base for exploring the city. 

Mariners Guesthouse  

A charming guesthouse in the Plymouth Hoe area, Mariners Guesthouse is known for its personalised service and homely atmosphere. Enjoy comfortable rooms, a delicious home-cooked breakfast, and easy access to Plymouth's waterfront cafes and restaurants.  

Bovisand Lodge Heritage Apartments 

Nestled in a secluded cove,  Bovisand Lodge Heritage Apartments offer a tranquil escape with stunning coastal views. Enjoy direct access to Bovisand Beach and coastal paths including the Southwest Coast Path. It’s the perfect place to stay for nature lovers or those seeking a peaceful retreat.  

                                                               

Top restaurants to eat at in Plymouth:  

 Àclèaf Restaurant 

Set in the luxurious Boringdon Hall Hotel, Àclèaf offers an exquisite fine dining experience. It is the only Michelin-starred restaurant in Plymouth, and with head chef Scott Paton at the helm, it’s not hard to see why. Each dish is an innovation in British cuisine, using only local, seasonal ingredients. 

Hook & Line 

Located in the historic Royal William Yard, Hook & Line is a seafood restaurant that is a must-visit for its quirky, rustic interior and delicious dishes. The seafood served comes directly from its own fishing boats, and not only that but it is also home to Plymouth’s only speciality rum bar.  

Jolly Jacks 

A stunning dining experience which offers views over Mayflower Marina, Jolly Jacks is a waterside bistro featuring a delicious menu. Featuring locally sourced ingredients, Jolly Jacks menu focuses on the finest catches of the day. Visit here and you are sure to be in for a special treat!  

The Boathouse 

Just a stone’s throw from the iconic Mayflower Steps, The Boathouse offers gorgeous views across the water. The Boathouse’s speciality is the fresh fish and shellfish, caught with their own day boats, along with a selection of meat, vegetarian and vegan dishes - all made using locally sourced, seasonal produce. 

             

Top things to do in Plymouth:  

Gaia Spa at Boringdon Hall Hotel  

Nestled in the heart of Boringdon Hall Hotel, Gaia Spa is a serene spa offering only the most luxurious experience.  The spa has a range of wellness facilities including a hydrotherapy pool, crystal salt steam room, laconicum herbal sauna and shower experiences. This is the perfect setting to unwind and rejuvenate in-between exploring Plymouth and all it has to offer.  

China Fleet Country Club 

A short trip across the border into Cornwall sits China Fleet Country Club. Located into a stunning estate, the expansive complex offers a relaxing spa, fitness centre and pool as well as various sporting activities such as Woodland Adventure Golf.  

National Marine Aquarium 

As the UK’s largest aquarium, the National Marine Aquarium houses diverse marine life from local waters and tropical oceans. With over 4,000 aquatic animals on display, there’s plenty to see. All tickets include complimentary year-long passes so you can return whenever you like! 

Plymouth Argyle Football Club 

Home Park Stadium is home to the iconic Plymouth Argyle Football Club. Catch a match or take a stadium tour to learn about the club's history while exploring behind-the-scenes areas. It’s a fantastic experience for any sports fan! 

Continue Arcades 

Located conveniently in the city centre, Continue Arcades is the ultimate gaming destination. Pay once for unlimited access to both retro classics and modern games - a fun way to spend an afternoon bringing out your competitive side! 

Plymouth Boat Trips 

Plymouth Boat Trips offer various excursions ranging from short tours to longer coastal adventures. It’s an excellent way to see Plymouth from a different perspective while learning about its maritime history. Enjoy stunning views of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and surrounding coastlines during your trip. 

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Stroll along The Barbican’s cobbled streets before visiting England’s oldest working gin distillery. At Plymouth Gin Distillery you can take part in guided tours where you’ll learn about gin-making and even create your own personalised gin.  

Plymouth Golf Centre

Features a 16-bay driving range, practice greens, and a golf simulator. Plymouth Golf Centre is suitable for golfers of all levels, from beginners to experienced players. Improve your swing or simply enjoy a fun day out with friends and family. 

                    

Behind the scenes access

Plymouth is celebrating English Tourism Week by offering exclusive behind-the-scenes experiences at some of the city's largest businesses. These tours provide a unique opportunity to learn about the inner workings of each establishment.  

Theatre Royal Plymouth 

  • 18 March, 9:30am-11am  

[Fully Booked] 

As the largest and best-attended regional producing theatre in the UK, Theatre Royal Plymouth boasts a team of over 300 highly skilled staff. Visitors will get to go behind the scenes and get a backstage peek at the theatre's operations while the highly anticipated production of Mary Poppins is in the city 

Find out more here.  

Duke of Cornwall 

  • 18 March, 2pm-4pm  

The Duke of Cornwall Hotel is a defining figure in Plymouth’s past and its present. A landmark hotel built in 1863, behind the scenes participants will learn about the various skills required to run this historic venue.  

Check out more here.  

China Fleet Country Club  

  • 19 March, 10am-12pm  

[Fully Booked] 

Located just across the border in Cornwall, China Fleet Country Club is a resort, wellness centre and golf course. Join us in visiting this prestigious venue and find out about the range of careers that it takes to successful run a premises with events, fitness, hospitality and wellbeing facilities.  

Find out more information here.  

The Box 

  • 19 March, 3pm-4:30pm  

The Box is a state-of-the-art museum and cultural centre will provide access to behind-the-scenes areas not usually open to the public. Visitors will learn about the skills and attributes needed to work and volunteer in this venue.  

Check out more information here. 

Plymouth Gin Distillery 

  • 20 March, 2pm-4pm  

The Plymouth Gin Distillery is the oldest working distillery in England. It has been making Plymouth Gin according to the original recipe since 1793. Join us for an in depth talk about the distillery itself, Plymouth Gin and the wider brand family that it is part of and the worldwide opportunities available.  

Get your tickets here.  

Moxy Plymouth 

  • 21 March, 11am-1pm  

The Moxy Hotel is a modern hotel located in Millbay. Come and speak with hiring employers looking for talented individuals and passionate kitchen staff. Discover your next opportunity as part of Welcoming Plymouth's English Tourism Week activity.  

Find ticket information here. 

For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.

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

0 Comments

Comments

Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?

Leave a Reply