All About Plymouth

Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is one of Europe’s most vibrant waterfront cities, with so much to explore. There’s something for every traveller to experience in this historic city, however long you have to stay around.

Located in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable, Plymouth is sandwiched between the incredible South West coastline and the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park.

There’s everything you’d expect to find in a cool, cultural city here, with great shopping, arts and entertainment.

But there’s also hundreds of years of history to uncover, from Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada to the Mayflower sailing in 1620, to a city rebuilt following the Blitz during World War II.

Visit the Barbican and Sutton Harbour for quaint cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour and wealth of independent shops and restaurants. Here you’ll also find the National Marine Aquarium – the UK’s largest with more than 4,000 animals and the perfect place to while away a rainy day.

History fans should stop by the Mayflower Steps and nearby Mayflower Museum. Learn all about the departure of the Pilgrims on the Mayflower ship, who sailed from the UK to the US in 1620 in search of religious freedom. 

A short walk from this historic heart of the city is Plymouth Hoe – to describe it as a park doesn’t do it justice. It’s a broad vista that overlooks the beautiful Plymouth Sound and is home to many events throughout the year. It’s also one of the most popular places to stroll or sunbathe.

The Hoe is home to the striking red-and-white striped former lighthouse, Smeaton’s Tower, the art-deco, open-air swimming pool Tinside Lido and a number of statues and memorials.  

Shoppers should make a beeline for the impressive architecture of the city centre, rebuilt following World War II. Visit Drake Circus for big brand name, or the West End for more unique independent stores. Here you’ll also find the unmissable Plymouth Market. A grade II listed building, it’s home to more than 100 stalls and eateries (with some of the best-rated in Plymouth amongst them).

Another unmissable spot is the historic Royal William Yard. Formerly a Royal Navy Victualling Yard, it’s a grand and imposing sight, and the largest collection of Grade I Listed military buildings in Europe. The Yard has now been transformed into one of the coolest spots to be, home to an array of restaurants, cafes, shops and galleries.

You can even navigate the city by boat – unsurprisingly, as Britain’s Ocean City, one of the best ways to appreciate this wonderful place is on the water. The waterlinks are impressive, joining up the Barbican, Mount Batten, Royal William Yard and even further afield into Cornwall, with regular ferries running to Mount Edgcumbe and Cawsand.

If you’d rather be active on the water, you can hop aboard a fishing trip or try your hand at water sports. Alternatively, relax on a Harbour Cruise with Plymouth Boat Trips, sailing up to see the Royal Navy dockyard.  

Rain or shine, Britain’s Ocean City is home to breath-taking views, plenty to see and do and lots of fresh, sea air. Explore the waterfront, shop ‘til you drop or experience world-class events. There’s nowhere quite like it – let us show you around!

Check out our itineraries for more inspiration, see the top things to do, or explore further afield.

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