Best things to do in Plymouth
With its historic core intact, a revitalised waterfront area and a handful of absorbing sights, not to mention its supremely panoramic location, Plymouth holidays guarantee a fantastic time.
Viewpoints and panoramas
Plymouth Hoe: This historical grassy esplanade offers glorious, occasionally bracing panoramas over Plymouth Sound and the city. It was here that Sir Francis Drake played his famous game of bowls before taking on the Spanish Armada.
Smeaton’s Tower: This iconic red-and-white striped lighthouse offers the loftiest view over Plymouth Sound from its lantern room, around 72ft high – a terrific climb in itself.
The best districts
The Barbican: The heart of old Plymouth, with shops and restaurants lining the main Southside Stree. The town’s quay at Sutton Harbour is still used by Plymouth’s sizeable fishing fleet and is the scene of a boisterous early-morning fish market.
Royal William Yard: The navy’s old victualling depot, dating from the early 19th century and boasting the largest collection of Grade I-listed military buildings in Europe, has been cleaned up and now provides a smart harbourside locale for some great cafés and restaurants.
Museums
The Box: This is an amazing transformation of the original Edwardian city museum and art gallery, extended and amalgamated with the former city library to become a new museum, gallery and archive all rolled into one.
Parks and gardens
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park: Just a boat ride from the city, this house and its landscaped gardens lie within an expanse of country park, with woodlands and stunning coastal walks all around.
Historical monuments
Mayflower Steps: Visit the spot where the Pilgrims set sail for America in 1620; an inscription lists the names and professions of the 102 Puritans.
Royal Citadel: An uncompromising fortress constructed in 1666 to intimidate the populace of the only town in the southwest held by the Parliamentarians during the Civil War.
Day trips from Plymouth
Plymouth is ideally situated for exploring some of the most charming and picturesque towns in Devon and Cornwall. Here are some top destinations for day trips, each offering unique attractions and experiences. For accommodation options, check out the links provided.
Dartmoor National Park: nature and adventure
Just a short drive from Plymouth, Dartmoor National Park is perfect for those who love the great outdoors. With its rugged landscapes, ancient woodlands, and scenic walking trails, Dartmoor offers endless opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The charming villages of Princetown and Tavistock within the park are also worth a visit. Explore hotels in Dartmoor for a comfortable stay.
Salcombe: coastal charm
Salcombe, about an hour's drive from Plymouth, is a beautiful coastal town known for its stunning beaches, clear waters, and vibrant sailing scene. Enjoy a day of water sports, boat trips, or simply relax at the seaside cafes and shops. Discover cheap hotels in Salcombe to make the most of your visit.
Totnes: historic and eclectic
Totnes, located approximately 45 minutes from Plymouth, is a historic market town with a bohemian vibe. It boasts a range of independent shops, cafes, and art galleries, as well as the impressive Totnes Castle. The weekly market is a great place to find local crafts and produce. For accommodation, check out deals on hotels in Totnes.
Looe: picturesque fishing village
Looe, a quaint fishing village in Cornwall, is just a 40-minute drive from Plymouth. Known for its sandy beach, bustling harbour, and fresh seafood, Looe is a delightful destination for a relaxing day by the sea. Explore the narrow streets lined with shops and eateries, and consider staying at hotels in Looe.
Fowey: literary and scenic
Fowey, about an hour from Plymouth, is famous for its connections to the author Daphne du Maurier and its picturesque harbour. The town offers beautiful coastal walks, boat trips, and a variety of shops and restaurants. For your stay, look for cheap hotels in Fowey.
These nearby towns offer a variety of experiences, from historic sites and cultural attractions to stunning natural landscapes and coastal beauty. Each destination provides its own unique charm, making them perfect for enriching day trips from Plymouth.
Activities for families in Plymouth
Whether it’s discovering the city’s rich maritime history, inspecting the local marine life or getting out and about on a boat, Plymouth ranks highly for family entertainment.
Parks and gardens: Central Park is the one to aim for, its play areas, open spaces and splash park more than ample entertainment for the little ones. There’s also the Hoe, another great space for picnics and games.
Interactive museums: The fantastic new Box museums and gallery have everything and more to keep kids (and adults) entertained; you can bank on a good half day spent here.
Aquariums: A variety of aquatic environments are imaginatively recreated at the brilliant National Marine Aquarium, one of Europe’s top marine museums. Kids will particularly love the interactive touch pools.
Boat trips: What family doesn’t love a little jolly on the water? The Barbican Landing Stage is the starting point for a range of boat trips ranging from one-hour tours around the Sound and Devonport naval dockyard to a four-hour cruise up the Tamar to the Cornish village of Calstock.
Free things to do in Plymouth
If you're looking to keep that wallet firmly tucked away, there’s no shortage of free things to see and do in Plymouth.
Beaches: Plymouth may not be readily associated with beaches, but make no mistake there are some good ones here, such as Bovisand and Wembury – and of course, they’re free.
Parks and gardens: The top choice is the 16th-century Elizabethan Gardens, whose colourful flowers and fragrant herbs have been arranged in a traditional Elizabethan style. For families, there’s also the Seven Continents Adventure Playground with dino swings, climbing frames, a large pyramid net and sound wheel.
Free events: Big free happenings include the Plymouth Seafood Festival and Bonfire Night celebrations on the Hoe, which many rate the best in the southwest.
Free guided tours: Join a free walking tour with the Plymouth Tour Guides for insights into the city’s rich history and heritage. Tours are often tips-based and cover a range of topics from architecture to local legends.
Nature and outdoor activities in Plymouth
The city's coastal setting and proximity to many of Devon's (and Cornwall’s) sublime natural landscapes provide a wealth of opportunities to explore the great outdoors.
Hiking and walking: Dartmoor National Park, just a short drive from Plymouth, offers magnificent landscapes, picturesque villages and a superb network of hiking trails, ranging from gentle strolls to challenging hikes up tors like Haytor and Hound Tor.
Water sports: Inevitably, Plymouth’s coastal location makes it a prime destination for water sports. with kayaking and paddleboarding on hand in Plymouth Sound. For a more thrilling experience, try coasteering, which involves climbing, swimming and jumping along and off the rocky shorelines.
Cycling: The best of the city’s cycling routes is the Plym Valley Trail, which offers a scenic, traffic-free ride through wooded valleys, while the challenging Dartmoor Way ups the ante thanks to its tough terrain.
Swimming: Tinside Lido, on the seafront below the Hoe, is a rare example of the saltwater lidos that were all the rage in the 1930s. Much work has gone into renovating its original Art Deco style, preserving its sleek lines and it’s now a fantastic spot for a dip.
