Itinerary Planner

Historic Plymouth

10am: Make your first port of call the historic Sutton Harbour setting of the Barbican, watch the comings and goings of boats in the Sutton Harbour, wander the ancient cobbled street – little changed from Elizabethan times – and browse the shops and galleries.

Whilst you're here visit the Elizabethan gardens and neighbouring Tudor Tea Rooms on New Street or Plymouth Mayflower Museum, in the Tourist Information Centre, which houses an exhibition on the city's history with experienced staff on hnd to provide further information.

11am: From the visitor centre wander across the road to the Mayflower steps where in 1620 the Pilgrim Fathers embarked on the Mayflower voyage to the Americas. Take a picture and drink in the stunning setting of marinas and cobbled streets. From here, head across the footbridge and explore the underwater world of the National Marine Aquarium – the UK's largest aquarium.

Lunch: Wander back over the footbridge towards the Barbican and just past the Mayflower Steps you'll find the Barbican Landing Stage where a short water taxi ride will take you across Plymouth Sound – with stunning views of the city from the sea – to Royal William Yard, a former victualling yard for the Royal Navy.

Open to the public, Royal William Yard is home to a fantastic range of Cfe's, bars and restaurants. You'll find Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's River Cottage Canteen and Deli here – perfect for a spot of lunch (advance booking advisable).

2pm: Take the water taxi back to the Barbican and head to the Gin Distilary for a Plymouth Gin Tour where you can see how the World famouse tipple is made and enjoy some tasters yourself.

3pm: Exit the Plymouth Gin Distillery onto Southside Street and explore the fabulous shops, btiques and galleries that line the cobbled streets. The antique shops on New Street are well worth a visit, with a mesmerising collection of curios artefacts and collectables alll for sale at the right price.

4.30: From the Barbican you are just 5minutes walk away from the stunning Plymouth Hoe. The City's waterfront park, the Hoe is the heart of the city an offers breathtaking panoramic views across Plymouth Sound over towards Mount Edgcumbe and the Cornish coast. The tended gardens of the Hoe are home to the iconic Smeaton's Tower Lighthouse and the Royal Citadel, home to the Royal Artillary – both open to the public – as well aas the city's wr memorials and the famouse green where sir francis drake played bowls awaiting news of the Spanish Armada.

Dinner: Plymouth is a food lovers delight – cooking with fantastic locllay sourced produe in restaurants in stunning locations. For fine dining try the award-winning Barbican Kitchen run by local celebrity chefs Chris and James Tanner, located in the Plymouth Gin Distillary or try the Greedy Goose located in the Prysten House, one of the oldest buildings in the city – exquisite food in a wonderful atmosphere setting.