Plymouth holidays

Good to know for Plymouth holidays

Planning a trip to Plymouth? Here are some essential tips and useful information to help you make the most of your holiday in this historic and vibrant coastal city.

Getting to Plymouth

• By train: Plymouth is well-connected by rail, with regular services from London Paddington, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours. The train station is conveniently located near the city centre, making it easy to start your exploration upon arrival.

• By car: Plymouth is accessible via the A38 Devon Expressway, which links to the M5 motorway. Be aware that parking in the city centre can be limited and may require payment, so plan accordingly.

• By air: The nearest major airport is Exeter International Airport, about an hour's drive from Plymouth. From there, you can take a train or coach to Plymouth.

• By ferry: Brittany Ferries operates services to Plymouth from Roscoff in France and Santander in Spain, making it a convenient option for travellers from Europe.

Getting around

• Walking and cycling: Plymouth is a compact city with many attractions within walking distance of each other. The city is also bike-friendly, with several cycle hire options available.

• Public transport: Local bus services cover most areas of Plymouth and its surroundings. The main bus operator is Plymouth Citybus, providing frequent services throughout the city.

• Taxis and ride-sharing: Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available for convenient travel around the city.

Best time to visit

• Weather: Plymouth has a mild maritime climate, with warm summers and cool winters. The best time to visit is between late spring and early autumn (May to September) when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities are in full swing.

• Events: Plymouth hosts a variety of events throughout the year, such as the British Firework Championships in August and the Plymouth Seafood Festival in September. These events offer a unique way to experience the city's vibrant culture and community spirit.

Accommodation

• Variety: Plymouth offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets, from luxury hotels and boutique B&Bs to budget-friendly hostels and self-catering apartments. The waterfront area and the Barbican are particularly popular locations to stay, offering scenic views and easy access to major attractions.

• Booking tips: It’s advisable to book your accommodation in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons and major events to secure the best options and rates.

Local attractions

• Historic sites: Visit the iconic Plymouth Hoe, where you can enjoy stunning views of the Plymouth Sound and explore Smeaton’s Tower. The Mayflower Steps commemorate the departure point of the Pilgrims in 1620.

• Museums and galleries: Explore the city’s rich maritime history at the Mayflower Museum and the National Marine Aquarium, the UK's largest aquarium. The Box is another must-visit, offering a blend of art, history, and culture.

• Outdoor activities: Plymouth offers various outdoor activities, including paddleboarding with South West SUP and visiting the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre. Tinside Lido, an art-deco outdoor swimming pool, is perfect for a refreshing dip in the summer.

Dining and shopping

• Food: Plymouth has a diverse culinary scene, with fresh seafood being a highlight. The Plymouth Gin Distillery offers tours and tastings in one of the city’s oldest buildings. The indoor Plymouth Market is great for sampling local delicacies and international cuisines.

• Shopping: The city centre has a range of shops, from high-street favourites to independent boutiques. The Barbican area is particularly known for its unique shops and galleries.

Practical tips

• Currency and banking: The currency in Plymouth is the British Pound (£). ATMs are widely available, and most establishments accept credit and debit cards. Currency exchange services can be found at banks and dedicated exchange offices.

• Language: English is the primary language spoken in Plymouth. Most locals are friendly and willing to help with directions or recommendations.

By keeping these tips in mind, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy your holiday in Plymouth, immersing yourself in the city’s rich history, culture, and stunning coastal scenery.

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.

Best beaches near Plymouth

Plymouth, with its stunning coastal location, offers easy access to some of the most beautiful beaches in Devon and Cornwall. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly spot, a quiet retreat, or an adventure-filled day, there’s a beach for everyone. Here are some of the best beaches to visit near Plymouth, along with accommodation options.

Wembury Beach

Located just a 20-minute drive from Plymouth, Wembury Beach is known for its beautiful scenery and excellent rock pooling opportunities. The beach is part of the Wembury Marine Centre, making it a great spot for exploring marine life. It's perfect for families and those interested in nature. Facilities include a café, toilets, and parking. For accommodation, check out hotels in Wembury.

Bovisand Beach

Bovisand Beach is another nearby gem, located approximately 7 miles from Plymouth. This sandy beach is popular for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. The beach is backed by cliffs and offers stunning views of Plymouth Sound. It's an ideal spot for a relaxing day by the sea.

Bigbury-on-Sea

About 40 minutes from Plymouth, Bigbury-on-Sea is famous for its vast sandy beach and the unique Burgh Island, which can be reached by a causeway at low tide or the sea tractor at high tide. The beach is popular for water sports, including windsurfing and kayaking. It’s a family-friendly beach with plenty of facilities, including a café, toilets, and parking. Explore cheap hotels in Bigbury.

Whitsand Bay

Whitsand Bay offers three miles of stunning golden sands and is a favourite among locals. Located about 10 miles from Plymouth, the beach is perfect for walking, surfing, and exploring the rugged coastline. The cliffs provide breathtaking views, and there are several access points with car parks and cafés.

Bantham Beach

Bantham Beach, roughly a 45-minute drive from Plymouth, is a beautiful sandy beach perfect for families and surfers. It offers stunning views of Burgh Island and has a variety of amenities, including a surf school, café, and toilets. The shallow waters make it ideal for swimming and paddling.

Jennycliff Beach

Just a short drive from Plymouth city centre, Jennycliff Beach is a small, secluded spot perfect for a quiet escape. The beach is surrounded by cliffs and offers spectacular views of Plymouth Sound. It's a great place for a peaceful walk or a picnic, with a nearby café providing refreshments.

These beaches offer a variety of experiences, from family-friendly activities to serene natural beauty, making them perfect for day trips from Plymouth.

Local dishes in Plymouth

For a small, fairly provincial city, the town’s food scene is strong, and holidays to Plymouth will incorporate some good eating, but often the joy lies in the simpler pleasures, like a Devon cream tea.

Some typical dishes

• Devon Cream Tea: The most important thing to remember when sampling this waist-expanding delight is that the cream is spread on each half of the scone, then the jam is dolloped on top; it’s the opposite in Cornwall.

• Devon Pasties: Not dissimilar to the Cornish pasty, those here are filled with beef, potatoes, onions and swede, all wrapped in a delicious pastry. And as anyone in Devon will delight in telling you – the first pasty was created here!

Fish and seafood dishes

• Fish and chips: A seaside staple, enjoy freshly battered fish with chunky chips slathered in salt and vinegar at one of Plymouth’s many fish and chip shops.

• Scallops: Fresh, locally sourced scallops are something else here, especially when pan-seared and smothered in garlic butter.

Street food

• Barbican street food market: Dive into a world of street food vendors serving everything from gourmet burgers to oriental dishes.

Sweets and desserts

• Clotted Cream Fudge: A rich and creamy fudge made with clotted cream from Devon’s dairies, this is the perfect sweet treat or souvenir to take home. Also worth sampling (although you can’t take it home) is Devonshire Ice Cream, produced using the region’s rich milk and cream.

Local drinks

• Plymouth Gin: The world-famous Plymouth Gin owes its unique flavour to its “magnificent seven botanicals” and soft Dartmoor water, and comes in varying strengths, ranging from 100 percent proof (57 percent ABV) to the less daunting 41.2 percent ABV version.

• Cider: Devon is famous for its orchards, the pick of which is Sandfords, whose drinks – from ice-fermented cider to a spiced Pomona's Cask – are delicious.