Nestled on the south coast of lovely Devon, Plymouth is a historic metropolis with a whole bunch of years of maritime historical past. Not solely that, there’s a heap of spots to see and the perfect issues to do in Plymouth that make it an excellent little metropolis break while exploring wider Devon.
Over the centuries, Plymouth has seen its justifiable share of histories; all of which has formed town of the years. Dwelling to England’s largest seaports and naval bases, town basks in wealthy maritime historical past, which incorporates its function within the defeat of the Spanish Armada.
These days, you don’t want to fret about any crusing armadas and you’ll stroll town with ease! So, that can assist you get probably the most out of your journey, I needed to share some beautiful spots you shouldn’t miss whenever you go to Plymouth.
Have a look, under, at the perfect issues to do in Plymouth in Devon. Have an incredible go to.
1.) Plymouth Hoe
Plymouth Hoe, or just “the Hoe”, is taken into account the centre and beating coronary heart of town.
Perched excessive above the harbour, this beautiful park affords breathtaking views of town and the broader space round Plymouth Sound. These are completely gorgeous, particularly on a sunny day!
As you stroll, you’ll spot the Naval Struggle Memorial and the Armada Monument which is designed with the coats of arms of the cities that aided within the battle within the 1500s.
After strolling the Promenade, make your approach over to the artwork set up referred to as the “Beatle Bums”. It serves as a reminder of the time when The Beatles got here to Plymouth again within the Sixties.


Oh, and don’t neglect the Tinside Lido, an out of doors swimming pool that’s value visiting on a heat summer time day.
You’ll additionally get some picture-perfect spots from the viewing platform of the Smeaton Tower, an impressive red-and-white striped lighthouse that stands proudly.
Read more: Best places to visit in Devon
2.) Plymouth Sound
The Plymouth Sound, or regionally referred to as “The Sound”, is a pure harbour that stretches from the southwest nook of Penlee Level in Cornwall as much as the southeasterly level of Wembury Level in Devon.
This six-kilometre bay space is the proper spot for a stroll alongside the paths. The truth is, I’d say it’s the most effective issues to do in Plymouth should you fancy slightly stroll away from town itself.
You see, from right here, you possibly can be part of the famed South West Coastal Path. It’s one of many large ones to affix (so prep properly) or simply select sections to walk (like we are inclined to do).
Plus, you’ll get some beautiful views from Mount Edgecumbe Nation Park. It’s simply accessed by way of the Cremyll Ferry and properly value a stroll.
Read more: Best hikes in England
3.) Royal Citadel
Proper subsequent to Hoe Park, the Royal Citadel is a historic fortress that has defended the shoreline because the seventeenth century.
These days, you possibly can head inside to discover the citadel and go to spots just like the Royal Chapel of St. Katherine-upon-the-Hoe. Plus, from right here, you’ll additionally get some very good views of Plymouth Sound (from close to the ramparts that are nonetheless armed with cannons).
It’s an iconic a part of Plymouth and might’t be missed.
The guided two-hour excursions within the Royal Citadel are open on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays from April to September.
4.) Plymouth Gin Distillery
Fancy a tipple? Then the Plymouth Gin Distillery must be your port-of-call!
It is likely one of the most historic gin distillers, producing its well-known nectar since 1793. The gin product even grew to become the liquor that was recurrently equipped to the Royal Navy officers for hundreds of years.
As we speak, you possibly can hop on a guided tour within the facility and be taught all concerning the gin distilling course of itself. You’ll additionally get to be taught extra about its reference to a few of the key items of Plymouth’s historical past. Such because the Mayflower and the Pilgrims.
Better of all, you’ll even get to strive a number of!
Read more: Best places to visit in the South of England
5.) Wembury
Heading east, throughout the South Devon Space of Pure Magnificence (AoNB), is the coastal village of Wembury.
It’s one other little gem that’s properly value visiting and seems like stepping again in time. These days, the village is preserved and supervised by the Devon Wildlife Belief, which suggests it’s properly protected for us all to get pleasure from.
Take slightly stroll across the cosy village and you’ll want to spend a while on the shoreline. It’s very quiet and serene and the proper spot to go to should you fancy a quieter day away from town. The views from round Mill Cottage are simply beautiful, particularly at sundown.
Read more: Best places in Cornwall to visit
6.) Royal William Yard
Simply on the shoreline, to the west of Hoe Park, is Royal William Yard – a powerful Naval constructing from the nineteenth Century that stands proudly on the waterfront.
Right here, you’ll get to wander the transformed buildings which might be full of little outlets, eating places and stalls that line the route. You may even spot a few of the artwork studios throughout the yard, too.
In the event you fancy a wider stroll, head as much as close by Satan’s Level which has some beautiful views down Firestone Bay.
If that’s not your factor, head over to Crownhill Fort – simply outdoors town centre itself. Established within the 1860s, the fort is taken into account to be the best-preserved stronghold amongst Lord Palmerston’s ‘Ring of Hearth’ which protected town of Plymouth through the Victorian period.
As we speak, the Landmark Belief manages the Crownhill Fort and opens it to the general public each final Friday of every month. You’ll be able to scout the fort’s ramparts and mysterious tunnels throughout guided excursions, and relive the recollections of the battleground with historic reenactments. In Spring, Firepower Day is a extremely anticipated occasion whereby the guests can witness the historic artillery weapons in motion.
Along with the excursions, the previous Officers’ Quarters and fully-furnished luxurious suites of the construction are additionally accessible for in a single day stays.
7.) Saltram Home
Among the finest issues to do in Plymouth (that’s simply shy of Saltram Seashore) is visiting Saltram Home and Gardens. This Nationwide Belief property has a whopping 500-acres of an property to discover which is completely breathtaking.
As soon as right here, make sure that to discover the Orangery and pristine gardens earlier than hopping inside to see the collections of ceramics and artwork items within the manor.
Read more: Best places to visit in Devon
8.) The Barbican
Historical past flows alongside the slender cobbled lanes of The Barbican, the circuit of historical streets the place 200 listed buildings of each Tudor and Jacobean structure are perched.
It’s simply one of the crucial iconic spots and the perfect issues to do in Plymouth if you wish to slightly stroll, store or cafes for a chew to eat.
Strolling the world round Sutton Harbour will lead you to the Mayflower Steps.
These are well-known to have been taken by the Pilgrim Fathers upon their departure from England aboard the Mayflower to hunt a brand new life in America in 1620.
Getting hungry? Cease off for lunch at Bonne Santé for his or her yummy firecracker prawns.
9.) Devonport Naval Heritage Centre
In the event you’re focused on exploring extra of Plymouth’s maritime historical past, then head over to the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre.
The museum walks you thru the entire growth of the Dockyardand retains the information of Plymouth’s essential assist to the Royal Navy. All of which’s fairly attention-grabbing.
Not solely that, the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre offers shelter for the decommissioned naval submarine ‘Brave’.
Afterwards, head on over to Fletcher’s Restaurant for his or her yummy seasonal menu. The venison was so good.
Read more: Best places to visit in the South of England
10.) Burrator Reservoir
Simply outdoors the Plymouth is the stunning Burrator Reservoir. It’s a singular and enjoyable escape to the countryside that’s inside simple attain of town and completely beautiful to walk round.
With heaps of woodland and trails, you may even get to identify some deer alongside the way in which! Now, it’ll doubtless take you round two (or extra) hours to completely cowl – so plan your journey prematurely.
Oh, and should you’re in search of parking then head over to Burrator Quarry. It’s most likely the simplest place we discovered to park up.
While you’re again in Plymouth, head over to the Tudor Rose Tea Rooms for a few of their freshly-baked scones. They’re scrumptious.
Read more: Best places to visit in Devon