Skip to main content

Why we love Plymouth

Plymouth is a cultural hub filled with award-winning museums and waterfront attractions. Dive into the depths of Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium, be immersed in the wonders of the National Marine Park and stroll through the cobbled streets of its picturesque old port, the Barbican. From discovering Pilgrim life aboard the Mayflower to embracing the natural world, there’s a wealth of adventure to be had in Plymouth.

Things to do in Plymouth

Pick up a paddle and take to the open water as you explore Plymouth’s coastline on a stand-up paddleboard.

Take to the water with South West SUP

Photo by: Jay Stone

Location: Plymouth, England

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth
South West SUP

Whether you’re a natural on the water, or wanting to try something new, make a splash at this activity centre.

Feel the adrenaline rush with watersports

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A person paddling a kayak off the coast of Mount Batten in Plymouth
Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre

Hear the roar of lions, spot playful otters and cute capybaras as you explore this animal kingdom.

Book a trip to Dartmoor Zoo

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A lion and lionness looking at each other in Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo

Travel back in time with the exhibition which shares the story of the Mayflower, an English ship that carried the Pilgrims.

Learn about maritime history at the Mayflower Museum

Photo by: Destination Plymouth/Dom Moore

Location: Plymouth, England

People looking at exhibits inside the Mayflower Museum in Plymouth
Mayflower Museum

Take time out in one of the country’s top spas. With stunning hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas, this adults-only space is total bliss.

Unwind at Boringdon Hall

Photo by: gaiaboringdon

Location: Devon, England

Gaia Spa
Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall

Look out across Plymouth Sound and visit the iconic lighthouse alongside shoreside views.

Visit Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A long view of Smeatons Tower in Plymouth, Devon
Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower

Visit the UK’s first National Marine Park that brings together water sports, maritime history, and a whole host of events.

Explore Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A long overhead view of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Meet the farmyard animals of the city with rides, play areas, pig racing and more for all the family!

Head to Pennywell Farm

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A child petting a pig at Pennywell Farm near Plymouth, Devon
Pennywell Farm

Pick up a paddle and take to the open water as you explore Plymouth’s coastline on a stand-up paddleboard.

Take to the water with South West SUP

Photo by: Jay Stone

Location: Plymouth, England

People paddleboarding near a dock in Plymouth
South West SUP

Whether you’re a natural on the water, or wanting to try something new, make a splash at this activity centre.

Feel the adrenaline rush with watersports

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A person paddling a kayak off the coast of Mount Batten in Plymouth
Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre

Hear the roar of lions, spot playful otters and cute capybaras as you explore this animal kingdom.

Book a trip to Dartmoor Zoo

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A lion and lionness looking at each other in Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo

Travel back in time with the exhibition which shares the story of the Mayflower, an English ship that carried the Pilgrims.

Learn about maritime history at the Mayflower Museum

Photo by: Destination Plymouth/Dom Moore

Location: Plymouth, England

People looking at exhibits inside the Mayflower Museum in Plymouth
Mayflower Museum

Take time out in one of the country’s top spas. With stunning hydrotherapy pools, steam rooms and saunas, this adults-only space is total bliss.

Unwind at Boringdon Hall

Photo by: gaiaboringdon

Location: Devon, England

Gaia Spa
Gaia Spa, Boringdon Hall

Look out across Plymouth Sound and visit the iconic lighthouse alongside shoreside views.

Visit Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A long view of Smeatons Tower in Plymouth, Devon
Plymouth Hoe and Smeaton’s Tower

Visit the UK’s first National Marine Park that brings together water sports, maritime history, and a whole host of events.

Explore Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A long overhead view of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park
Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Meet the farmyard animals of the city with rides, play areas, pig racing and more for all the family!

Head to Pennywell Farm

Photo by: Destination Plymouth

Location: Plymouth, England

A child petting a pig at Pennywell Farm near Plymouth, Devon
Pennywell Farm

Places to stay in Plymouth

City Centre

Filled with internationally recognised hotel brands, restored historic buildings and budget-friendly options, a stay in Plymouth’s city centre is a must for all culture vultures.

The Waterfront

From the renowned Royal William Yard to the cobbled streets of the Barbican, the Waterfront is the perfect blend of history and vibrant city living.  

Tamar Valley

Escape into the wild with a stay in this Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty. From farm stays, camping and rooms in countryside homes, there’s something for everyone.

Explore nearby

Renowned for its glorious countryside, striking coastline and unique attractions.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Surfer in a wetsuit surfing a large wave on a red surfboard

With tangled oak forests and looming peaks, it can feel like the edge of the world.

Photo by: VisitBritain/Ben Selway

Horses and riders trotting through the shallow water.

A masterpiece in the making, filled with beaches, clifftops, cities and nature.

Photo by: South West Coast Path/Roy Curtis

A person on a footpath on the coastal path near sea

Explore the spectacular scenery of England's south west corner on this five day itinerary.

Photo by: VisitBritain

Location: Cornwall, England

Women looking through shop window of a coffee shop

Getting to Plymouth

Located in southwest England, the port city of Plymouth sits on the south coast of Devon. Plymouth is easily accessible by road, rail, ferry, and air.

Bristol Airport is the nearest major international flight hub, connecting to more than 100 destinations. Brittany Ferries also serve the city from France and Spain. Train services from London to Plymouth via Great Western Railway take around three hours, while Stagecoach offers connections to surrounding areas, including Bristol Airport and Exeter. Flixbus also operates a route between Plymouth and London.

Getting around

By foot

Exploring the city and beyond by foot is a great way to see the sights at your own pace.

By water

Plymouth’s Waterlinks have taxis and ferries that run to areas including the Mayflower Steps.

By Bike

Bike and scooter hire provide a different way to get in some sightseeing. Download the Plymouth Cycle Map as a handy guide.

Want to know more?

Head to Visit Plymouth for insider tips on Plymouth from those in the know.