10 Best Things to do in Plymouth, United Kingdom

Plymouth is a port city on the south coast of England, located on the east bank of the River Tamar. It has a long and rich maritime history, and visitors to the area are able to explore its many attractions, including the vibrant city center, the beautiful countryside and stunning coastline. Whether you’re looking for a short break or a longer stay, there’s plenty to do in Plymouth. Here are 10 of the best things to do while you’re in the area.

1. Take a Tour of Plymouth Hoe

Plymouth Hoe is an iconic landmark overlooking Plymouth Sound and the River Tamar. It’s a great place to explore the city’s maritime heritage, with a range of attractions, including the National Marine Aquarium, the Mayflower Steps, Smeaton’s Tower, and the Royal Citadel. There are also numerous local cafes, restaurants, and shops to explore. You can take a guided tour of the Hoe to learn more about its history and significance.

2. Visit the Barbican

The Barbican is one of the oldest parts of Plymouth, and it’s home to a range of interesting attractions, including the Elizabethan House, the Barbican Theatre, and the Mayflower Museum. There are also plenty of pubs, restaurants, and independent shops to explore. Be sure to visit the Plymouth Gin Distillery, where you can learn about the city’s famous gin-making history and even sample some of the local gin.

3. Explore Plymouth’s Beautiful Beaches

Plymouth has some stunning beaches and coves, with golden sands and crystal-clear waters. The most popular beaches include Whitsand Bay, which has a large sandy beach backed by cliffs, and Bovisand, which is perfect for surfing and other watersports. You can also visit Mount Batten, which is a picturesque cove with a beach and a pier, or take a boat trip to the nearby Eddystone Lighthouse.

4. Take a Cruise Along the River Tamar

The River Tamar is a beautiful river that runs through Plymouth and into Cornwall. You can take a cruise along the river to explore the stunning scenery and visit some of the local attractions, such as the Tamar Valley Steam Railway and Cotehele House. There are also plenty of wildlife-spotting opportunities, with seals, dolphins, and birds to be seen.

5. Visit the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery

The Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery is home to a fascinating collection of artifacts and artworks, with something to suit all interests. As well as the permanent exhibitions, the museum also hosts a range of temporary exhibitions throughout the year. There’s also a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat, and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs.

6. Visit the Historic Royal William Yard

The Historic Royal William Yard is a former naval base that is now home to a range of shops, galleries, and eateries. There are also plenty of historic buildings to explore, including the Royal William Victualling Yard, which is now a museum. You can also take a boat trip around the yard, or enjoy a meal at one of the many restaurants.

7. Enjoy the Nightlife in Plymouth

Plymouth is home to a lively nightlife scene, with plenty of bars, pubs, and clubs to choose from. There are also plenty of live music venues, with everything from rock and pop to jazz and folk on offer. If you’re looking for something a bit different, you can also check out the city’s many comedy clubs and cabaret venues.

8. Explore the Natural Beauty of Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor National Park is a stunning area of natural beauty, with its rolling hills, heather-covered moorland, and ancient woodlands. You can explore the park on foot, bike, or horseback, and there are plenty of attractions to visit, including the National Trust properties at Castle Drogo and Buckland Abbey. You can also take a steam train ride on the Dartmouth Steam Railway.

9. Visit the National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Europe, with over 4,000 creatures from around the world. The aquarium is home to a wide variety of sea life, including sharks, turtles, and stingrays, as well as a range of interactive exhibits and displays. There’s also a cafe where you can grab a bite to eat, and a gift shop where you can pick up souvenirs.

10. Take a Trip to the Eden Project

The Eden Project is a world-famous attraction located just outside of Plymouth. The project consists of two huge biodomes filled with plants from around the world, as well as a range of interactive exhibits and displays. There are also plenty of shops and restaurants to explore, as well as a range of activities and events throughout the year.

5 Places to Avoid in Plymouth, United Kingdom

1. The Barbican

The Barbican is a popular tourist destination in Plymouth, but it can also be dangerous due to its high crime rate. The area is known for its high levels of drug use and gang activity, so it’s best to avoid the area at night. Stick to the main streets during the day, and make sure to stay in well-lit areas.

2. Central Park

Central Park is a large park located in the center of Plymouth, but it’s known for its high levels of crime and anti-social behavior. It’s best to avoid the park after dark, and stick to the main roads and pathways during the day. If you do visit the park, make sure to stay in well-lit areas and avoid walking alone.

3. Millbay

Millbay is a dockyard area in Plymouth, and it’s known for its high levels of crime and anti-social behavior. The area is also known for its drug use and gang activity, so it’s best to avoid the area at night. Stick to the main streets during the day, and make sure to stay in well-lit areas.

4. Stonehouse

Stonehouse is a residential area in Plymouth, but it’s known for its high levels of crime and anti-social behavior. The area is also known for its drug use and gang activity, so it’s best to avoid the area at night. Stick to the main streets during the day, and make sure to stay in well-lit areas.

5. North Prospect

North Prospect is a deprived area of Plymouth, and it’s known for its high levels of crime and anti-social behavior. The area is also known for its drug use and gang activity, so it’s best to avoid the area at night. Stick to the main streets during the day, and make sure to stay in well-lit areas.