Welcome to Plymouth
Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City
Steeped in seafaring history Plymouth is a stunning city in a beautiful waterfront setting. Sandwiched between the rugged landscape of Dartmoor and the incredible South West coastline there is something for everyone.
With a vast array of shopping, arts, vibrant nightlife, top notch restaurants and entertainment Plymouth has everything you are looking for in a holiday destination. With the water surrounding Plymouth Sound, the marina is the ideal location for an array of water activities from sailing to canoeing, water-skiing to windsurfing, give it a go!
Plymouth is surrounded by the rugged beauty of Dartmoor to the north which is an area of outstanding natural beauty, the South Hams to the East and the unspoilt beauty of Cornwall to the west. The English Rivera is also close by.
Plymouth Attractions
We highly recommend the following most popular attractions and numerous activities in Plymouth.
The Barbican
With its narrow cobbled streets, over 200 Tudor and Jacobean Houses and old world vibes the Barbican is a beautiful part of Plymouth to visit. There are plenty of eateries and independent shops to explore, along with fantastic views of Sutton Harbour.
Plymouth Gin
Discover gin that has been crafted for 200 years. Plymouth Gin was first made back in 1793 and is still as popular today as it was back then. Take a tour around the gin distillery followed by lunch in the amazing Barbican Kitchen.
National Marine Aquarium
The National Marine Aquarium is the largest public aquarium in the UK. It is home to the deepest tank in the UK with over two million litres of water and home to over 4,000 marine animals from sharks to jellyfish to turtles!
The Hoe
The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth with breath-taking views across the sound. The vast open space and unspoilt landscape have remained unchanged over the years. Standing on the Hoe you feel a sense of it’s history everyone from Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin, Sir Winston Churchill to the Beatles have all been here.
Smeaton’s Tower
A centrepiece on Plymouth’s Hoe, Smeaton’s Tower has become one of the South West’s most well-known landmarks. Standing at 72 foot high, Smeaton’s Tower offers fantastic views of Plymouth Sound and the city from its lantern room which, along with the rest of the building, has been painstakingly restored to its original glory.
Tinside Lido Pool
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the sea at the tip of Plymouth Hoe and voted one of the top 10 best outdoor pools in Europe, Tinside Lido is an attraction not to be missed. Built in 1935, Tinside is a slice of the quintessential British seaside from a bygone era. The Lido is a wonderful example of art-deco style and is Grade II listed. As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun.
City Centre
Home to a wide range of modern and high street shops, from M&S to Primark to Next, this metropolis is a must for any shopper. The indoor shopping centre at Drakes Circus is the best place to start!
Barcode
Barcode is a newly developed £53 million entertainment venue with a Cineworld, Paradise Island Indoor Golf & plenty of brand-named eateries.
Plym Valley Railway
The Plym Valley Railway is a heritage railway which runs from Marsh Mills to Plym Bridge. There is a railway centre where artifacts from a bygonne era can be found. They also run seasonal special trains.
Royal Citadel
A dramatic 17th century fortress built to defend the coastline from the Dutch, and keep watch on a recently rebellious town, the Royal Citadel is still in use by the military today. Due to its nature as an operational military establishment, tours may be suspended or cancelled without prior notice. There are strict regulations for entrance.
The Box Museum
The Box is a major new museum, art gallery and archive for Plymouth and the South West. They are led by Plymouth City Council and supported by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Arts Council England.
Mayflower Museum
The Mayflower Museum, is set over three floors and explores the story of the voyage of the Pilgrims and their journey aboard the Mayflower to the New World.
Saltram House
Home of the hit film Sense & Sensibility this Grade I listed mansion is stepped in history and intrigue. Explore the impressive house full of treasure or lose yourself in the secret garden. Dog friendly.
Mount Edgcumbe
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park covers over 865 acres and 17.9km of coastline and is the earliest landscaped park in Cornwall. This impressive estate offers a great way for visitors to soak up the incredible views of Plymouth Sound in the grounds of the famous historic house.
Dartmoor Zoo
Located just 15 minutes outside Plymouth Dartmoor Zoo is the inspiration behind ‘We Brought a Zoo’. There is an array of animals including jaguars, tigers and tapir.
Explore Further Afield
Slightly further afield than Plymouth, is the national park of Dartmoor. Dartmoor has it all, you can ramble across the wilds of the park, go letterboxing or rock climbing, see the famous Dartmoor Ponies, visit places of interest such as Widdecombe in the Moor, Haytor or even Dartmoor Prison! It’s great granite Tors and heather covered moorland, deep wooded gorges, beautiful reservoirs and tumbling rocky rivers, Dartmoor National Park covers an area of 368 square miles, the largest, and wildest, area of open country in southern England.
The South Hams is an area of exceptional beauty and contrast with river estuaries, rolling hills and thatched cottages surrounding the lovely old towns of Dartmouth, Totnes, Kingsbridge, Salcombe, Modbury and Ivybridge. The South Hams has some of the most beautiful, safe, clean and best managed beaches you’ll find anywhere.
Exeter is the regions capital and it’s not hard to see why. This university city offers everything from a thriving high street, to a stunning waterfront area along the river, to cultural diversity we defiantly recommend the underground passages of Exeter! Exeter shines with colourful character and offers a delightful mix of high quality attractions, restaurants and shops, in a setting of architectural splendour.
Cornwall is the gem of the the UK. You could easily make the mistake that stepping onto the sand on a beach in Cornwall is like stepping onto the sand in the Caribbean. Combined with the quaint fishing villages and small towns, it is a perfect day out. The unspoilt coast is ideal for a stroll, picnic and swim in the sea. With the warmest climate in the South, the sun will hopefully be shining warming up the bustling towns such as Newquay, Falmouth or St Ives.
Eating Out
There are many culinary delights to be found in Plymouth. Being on the coast locally fresh caught seafood is a speciality for most restaurants.
Below is a list of amazing restaurants we do recommend that you pre-book your favourite to avoid disappointment.
Bistrot Pierre
French style food and drink restaurant in picturesque surroundings.
Tel: 01752 262318
Wildwood
A pizza, pasta and grill restaurant in the Royal William Yard with a modern and light decor.
Tel: 01752 967444
Rockfish
Great fish and chips at Mitch Tonks café overlooking the harbour. Also a takeaway.
Tel: 01752 255974
Wagamama
An Asian inspired feast with everything from noodles to rice to duck and prawns.
Tel: 01752 663200
Seco Lounge
A relaxing and welcoming stop for food or drinks. Watch the world go by on their large sun terrace which faces out to the harbour.
Tel: 01752 229375
Positano
A family run traditional Italian restaurant on the Barbican. Beautiful fresh food that is made with love.
Tel: 01752 661290
Lorenzos
A Spanish restaurant and Tapas bar. A warm welcome awaits with a good selection of wine, beer, cocktails and sangria.
Tel: 01752 201522
Platters
A locals favourite. A family run seafood restaurant located on the barbican. Serving fresh fish from the Plymouth Fish Market daily.
Tel: 01752 227262
Prezzo
Italian dining at it’s best with a wide range of pasta, pizza & grill dishes.
Tel: 01752 261120
The Waterfront
A contemporary pub and restaurant with fabulous outside space overlooking the water.
Tel: 01752 226961
Corinthian Sailing Club
Situated in a fabulous location this is the place to go on a Sunday for a fantastic carvery.
Tel: 01752 664327
Marco Pierre White
Steakhouse Bar & Grill offers food you would expect from a traditional steakhouse as well as a full Afternoon Tea Menu.
Tel: 01752 639937
Barbican Kitchen
Housed inside the famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, Barbican Kitchen takes full advantage of the superb larder here in the Westcountry.
Tel: 01752 604448
Miller & Carter Steakhouse
‘Masters of steak’, this is the place to go for all those meat eaters!
Tel: 01752 661592
Boston Tea Party
A modern tea rooms, with a contemporary feel, they do great breakfasts. Also dog friendly.
Plymouth Takeaway Delivery Service
Chinese
Indian
Pizza & Grill
Thai
Fish & Chips
West Hoe Fryers
Open 7 Days a Week
Takeaway Only No Delivery
01752 221409
