It’s no surprise that Plymouth is one of Devon’s favourite holiday destinations, with a vast array of attractions, restaurants and entertainment. Known as the UK’s coastal city Plymouth is steeped in seafaring history. This stunning city and its beautiful waterfront setting makes it a dream 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! Here are ten things we recommend doing whilst in the city.
- 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. https://www.plymouthgin.com/en-EN/distillery
- 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! https://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/visit-us/
- 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. https://plymouthactive.co.uk/centres/tinside-lido/
- City Centre Shopping
The city centre is a modern metropolis full of all the high streets names you would expect as well as individually owned shops. Drakes Circus is where you will find many high street shops from Primark to Marks and Spencer to Joules and JD Sports, whatever you are looking for you will find it here. Head over to Barcode where you will find the indoor crazy golf and Cineworld. There are many eateries to choose from when your feet need a rest from Las Iguanas to Zizzi’s to Nando’s and beyond. We recommend a visit to Plymouth Indoor Market as well where you will find unique shops – there is something for everyone.
- 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. https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/royal-citadel-plymouth/
- Mount Edgcumbe House
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. https://www.mountedgcumbe.gov.uk/visit/
- Try A Water Sport
With its fantastic waterfront location, there is no shortage of things to do if you are a water sports enthusiast. Whether you’re looking for adrenaline sports such as wakeboarding or coasteering, or would prefer the slightly more relaxing pace of kayaking or paddleboarding. Plymouth’s main water sport activity centre is the Mount Batten Centre, where they offer a wide variety of activities from sailing, powerboating and windsurfing. The surrounding estuaries, coves and bays are ideal for the more relaxing water sports.
Plymouth Sound has some of the best diving waters in the UK, with a huge variety of sites that include wreck driving though to shallow dives in waters that are home to all sorts of marine life. Diving is not permitted within 150 metres of naval ships and establishments. Diving within channels and anchorages is only permitted with the consent of the Queen’s Harbour Master.
- 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. https://www.mayflower400uk.org/visit/
- Walk Along the Hoe down to the Barbican
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 its history everyone from Sir Francis Drake, Charles Darwin, Sir Winston Churchill to the Beatles have all been here. With the Royal Citadel, Smeaton’s Tower and Tinside Lido Pool the Hoe really is the hub of Plymouth.
From here take the short walk down to 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.
- Go to a Local Beach
With so many beautiful beaches on the South Devon Coast it is hard to choose on to visit!! We recommend travelling a bit further afield and visiting one on the South Hams Coastline, it is an area of exceptional beauty. These are some of the most beautiful, safe, clean and best managed beaches you’ll find anywhere. Head to Mothercombe, Thurlestone, Bigbury on Sea or Hope Cove. Be warned most of these remote beaches are only accessible by driving down narrow country lanes!
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