Plymouth & Surrounding Area
Sightseeing
A breath-taking panorama, no trip to Plymouth is complete without a visit to Plymouth Hoe. With unbeatable views across Plymouth Sound, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day, enjoying a picnic on the grass or taking a dip in the art deco Tinside Lido.
Standing tall on the luscious green-lawned expanse of the Hoe is the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse - which is currently having a restoration for Mayflower year. Gaze down at the shoreline and you’ll see the glorious Tinside Lido, open to the public for bathing during the summer months.
It is here where Sir Francis Drake, intrepid explorer and local hero, is immortalised in a statue, situated just a few metres from the green where he finished his game of bowls before heading out to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.
At the eastern end of the Hoe you’ll find The Royal Citadel, the most impressive 17th century fortress in Britain and for many years England’s most important defence against attack from the sea. The Citadel has been in constant military occupation since it was built and today it is home to some of Plymouth’s modern heroes – the troops of 29 Commando Royal Artillery.
81 locals recommend
Hoe Park
4 Osborne PlA breath-taking panorama, no trip to Plymouth is complete without a visit to Plymouth Hoe. With unbeatable views across Plymouth Sound, it’s the perfect place to spend a sunny day, enjoying a picnic on the grass or taking a dip in the art deco Tinside Lido.
Standing tall on the luscious green-lawned expanse of the Hoe is the iconic Smeaton’s Tower lighthouse - which is currently having a restoration for Mayflower year. Gaze down at the shoreline and you’ll see the glorious Tinside Lido, open to the public for bathing during the summer months.
It is here where Sir Francis Drake, intrepid explorer and local hero, is immortalised in a statue, situated just a few metres from the green where he finished his game of bowls before heading out to defeat the Spanish Armada in 1588.
At the eastern end of the Hoe you’ll find The Royal Citadel, the most impressive 17th century fortress in Britain and for many years England’s most important defence against attack from the sea. The Citadel has been in constant military occupation since it was built and today it is home to some of Plymouth’s modern heroes – the troops of 29 Commando Royal Artillery.
Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall.
Whether you are searching for a venue for a family outing or group visit, enthused by the magnificent Grade I Cornish gardens and famous historic house, combining your visit with a cruise of the River Tamar, looking for a civil wedding venue or viewing the national collection of camellias you are invited to come and explore, enjoy, learn its history or even dream awhile.
144 locals recommend
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall.
Whether you are searching for a venue for a family outing or group visit, enthused by the magnificent Grade I Cornish gardens and famous historic house, combining your visit with a cruise of the River Tamar, looking for a civil wedding venue or viewing the national collection of camellias you are invited to come and explore, enjoy, learn its history or even dream awhile.
The garden at Saltram is open and you’ll need to book tickets online or by calling 0344 249 1895 by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking.
Car park open for booked garden visits only. You will be turned away if you do not have a booking. Check What's On for more info and to book. Tickets are released every Friday for the following week.
A magnificent Georgian mansion and tranquil garden lie at the heart of this historic parkland.
One of the Trust's hidden treasures, Saltram makes for a perfect family day out: close to Plymouth and yet in a world of its own. The magnificent house with its original contents gives a fascinating insight into rich and sophisticated country-estate life.
A much loved green space of Plymouth, Saltram Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Whether they cycle, stroll, picnic, spot wildlife or give their four-legged friends a good run, all will agree that that this beautiful space is very special.
62 locals recommend
National Trust - Saltram
The garden at Saltram is open and you’ll need to book tickets online or by calling 0344 249 1895 by 3pm the day before your visit. Members can book for free, while non-members will need to pay when booking.
Car park open for booked garden visits only. You will be turned away if you do not have a booking. Check What's On for more info and to book. Tickets are released every Friday for the following week.
A magnificent Georgian mansion and tranquil garden lie at the heart of this historic parkland.
One of the Trust's hidden treasures, Saltram makes for a perfect family day out: close to Plymouth and yet in a world of its own. The magnificent house with its original contents gives a fascinating insight into rich and sophisticated country-estate life.
A much loved green space of Plymouth, Saltram Park welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors every year. Whether they cycle, stroll, picnic, spot wildlife or give their four-legged friends a good run, all will agree that that this beautiful space is very special.
Plymouth Boat Trips is the South West’s premier cruising, ferry and fishing company. From sight-seeing cruises, private charters and party nights to connecting ferries and fun packed fishing trips – there’s something for everyone! Located on the Barbican, where our boats depart, the Plymouth Boat Trips booking office and The Boathouse Cafe next door, provide the perfect place to meet before you set sail……
Ferries
Hop on board one of our foot ferry services, connecting the city of Plymouth and Devon and Cornwall.
Take the historic Cremyll Ferry, just an eight-minute crossing from Admirals Hard to Cremyll in Cornwall. Or try the new Barbican, Royal William Yard & Mount Edgcumbe ferry service, linking three iconic destinations on the water. Experience the restaurants, bars and boutique shopping at Royal William Yard, the historic house and acres of stunning Country Park at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall and Plymouth’s historic Barbican, a short walk from the city centre.
Providing both seasonal and year-round crossings, whether you are a local commuter or an explorer wanting to see further afield, our ferry crews offer a warm welcome on board.
Cruising
Explore local history and heritage and soak up the sights aboard our one-hour harbour cruise. Take your time, sit back and relax on one of our longer half day trips to Cotehele, Calstock or River Yealm, as we journey along the River Tamar, flanked by the stunning Devon and Cornish coasts.
19 locals recommend
Plymouth Boat Trips
Madeira RoadPlymouth Boat Trips is the South West’s premier cruising, ferry and fishing company. From sight-seeing cruises, private charters and party nights to connecting ferries and fun packed fishing trips – there’s something for everyone! Located on the Barbican, where our boats depart, the Plymouth Boat Trips booking office and The Boathouse Cafe next door, provide the perfect place to meet before you set sail……
Ferries
Hop on board one of our foot ferry services, connecting the city of Plymouth and Devon and Cornwall.
Take the historic Cremyll Ferry, just an eight-minute crossing from Admirals Hard to Cremyll in Cornwall. Or try the new Barbican, Royal William Yard & Mount Edgcumbe ferry service, linking three iconic destinations on the water. Experience the restaurants, bars and boutique shopping at Royal William Yard, the historic house and acres of stunning Country Park at Mount Edgcumbe in Cornwall and Plymouth’s historic Barbican, a short walk from the city centre.
Providing both seasonal and year-round crossings, whether you are a local commuter or an explorer wanting to see further afield, our ferry crews offer a warm welcome on board.
Cruising
Explore local history and heritage and soak up the sights aboard our one-hour harbour cruise. Take your time, sit back and relax on one of our longer half day trips to Cotehele, Calstock or River Yealm, as we journey along the River Tamar, flanked by the stunning Devon and Cornish coasts.
The Cawsand Ferry service provides regular daily crossings between the Barbican Landing Stage on Plymouth's famous Barbican and the beautiful beaches and Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on the Rame peninsula.
Our spectacular half hour crossing is the perfect way to see this beautiful part of Cornwall or to go sight-seeing and shopping in and around Plymouth. A wonderful boat trip in itself, The Cawsand Ferry offers a truly fantastic day out!
13 locals recommend
The Cawsand Ferry
The BarbicanThe Cawsand Ferry service provides regular daily crossings between the Barbican Landing Stage on Plymouth's famous Barbican and the beautiful beaches and Cornish villages of Cawsand and Kingsand on the Rame peninsula.
Our spectacular half hour crossing is the perfect way to see this beautiful part of Cornwall or to go sight-seeing and shopping in and around Plymouth. A wonderful boat trip in itself, The Cawsand Ferry offers a truly fantastic day out!
Beautiful surroundings and lovely walks. You'll need to check directly on the National Trust website what restrictions are in place due to Covid.
51 locals recommend
Buckland Abbey
Beautiful surroundings and lovely walks. You'll need to check directly on the National Trust website what restrictions are in place due to Covid.
There is a walking/cycling trial here following the old railway line called Drakes Trail. A lovely place for a long walk or cycle in a fully traffic free area. To walk along the Walkham valley go down the hill from Horrabridge on the a386 and turn left into a large car park just before the bridge. With the river on your right set off along the foot path when you reach the next bridge walk over it and go left after 50m along another footpath and eventually you will reach Double Waters.
River Walkham
There is a walking/cycling trial here following the old railway line called Drakes Trail. A lovely place for a long walk or cycle in a fully traffic free area. To walk along the Walkham valley go down the hill from Horrabridge on the a386 and turn left into a large car park just before the bridge. With the river on your right set off along the foot path when you reach the next bridge walk over it and go left after 50m along another footpath and eventually you will reach Double Waters.
National Trust - Saltram
Family attractions
With over 5,000 Ocean animals and awe-inspiring exhibits, explore the National Marine Aquarium for an experience you’ll never forget.
Your Aquarium visit will take you on a journey around the different zones of the world’s Ocean, from the local waters of Plymouth Sound, all the way to the tropical seas of the Great Barrier Reef and everywhere in between!
Home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, our Aquarium provides an opportunity to connect first-hand with the Ocean, what better place to spend your day?
208 locals recommend
National Marine Aquarium
With over 5,000 Ocean animals and awe-inspiring exhibits, explore the National Marine Aquarium for an experience you’ll never forget.
Your Aquarium visit will take you on a journey around the different zones of the world’s Ocean, from the local waters of Plymouth Sound, all the way to the tropical seas of the Great Barrier Reef and everywhere in between!
Home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, our Aquarium provides an opportunity to connect first-hand with the Ocean, what better place to spend your day?
Set in a beautiful location overlooking the sea at the tip of Plymouth Hoe and voted one of the top 10 best outdoor pools in Europe, Tinside Lido is an attraction not to be missed.
Built in 1935, Tinside is a slice of the quintessential British seaside from a bygone era. The Lido is a wonderful example of art-deco style and is Grade II listed. As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun.
Open during the summer months this fantastic outdoor salt water swimming pool.
31 locals recommend
Tinside Lido
Hoe RoadSet in a beautiful location overlooking the sea at the tip of Plymouth Hoe and voted one of the top 10 best outdoor pools in Europe, Tinside Lido is an attraction not to be missed.
Built in 1935, Tinside is a slice of the quintessential British seaside from a bygone era. The Lido is a wonderful example of art-deco style and is Grade II listed. As well as the pool itself, the facility also features a sun deck, which is one of the best places in Plymouth to soak up the sun.
Open during the summer months this fantastic outdoor salt water swimming pool.
Britains Ocean City, with it's fantastic waterfront location, has no shortage of things to do if you're a watersports enthusiast. Whether you're looking for high octane adrenaline sports such as wakeboarding or coasteering, or would prefer the slightly more relaxing pace of kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there is something for everyone.
Plymouth's main water sport activity centre is the Mount Batten Centre offering half day sessions to week-long courses.
15 locals recommend
Mount Batten Centre
70 Lawrence RdBritains Ocean City, with it's fantastic waterfront location, has no shortage of things to do if you're a watersports enthusiast. Whether you're looking for high octane adrenaline sports such as wakeboarding or coasteering, or would prefer the slightly more relaxing pace of kayaking or stand up paddleboarding, there is something for everyone.
Plymouth's main water sport activity centre is the Mount Batten Centre offering half day sessions to week-long courses.
Great for a rainy day. Book a timeslot online via their website.
https://www.paradiseislandgolf.com/Plymouth
AHOY! Adventure golfers, set sail for Drake Circus ’The Barcode’ - Plymouths TEE-rific NEW indoor adventure golf attraction, with two 18 hole adventure golf courses spanning across 16,000 sq/ft of tropical utopia. Take on twists, turns, humps and bumps as you explore the treacherous swamps that await you. Feeling brave? Venture onwards, through the deadly jungle in search of your second mission. Oh and the adventure doesn’t stop there!
8 locals recommend
Paradise Island Adventure Golf Plymouth
14 11 Drake CircusGreat for a rainy day. Book a timeslot online via their website.
https://www.paradiseislandgolf.com/Plymouth
AHOY! Adventure golfers, set sail for Drake Circus ’The Barcode’ - Plymouths TEE-rific NEW indoor adventure golf attraction, with two 18 hole adventure golf courses spanning across 16,000 sq/ft of tropical utopia. Take on twists, turns, humps and bumps as you explore the treacherous swamps that await you. Feeling brave? Venture onwards, through the deadly jungle in search of your second mission. Oh and the adventure doesn’t stop there!
Cinema in the centre of plymouth. Latest IMAX 4DX experience on selected films.
7 locals recommend
Cineworld Plymouth
11 BretonsideCinema in the centre of plymouth. Latest IMAX 4DX experience on selected films.
Beaches
Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
On a good day you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline.
25 locals recommend
Bovisand Beach
Bovisand beach is a sheltered bay of yellow sand with cliffs either side. Located within the South Devon Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, it is popular with locals and families. There is a large expanse of flat sand when the tide is out, ideal for ball games and warms the water with the incoming tide, and is perfect for swimming and snorkelling.
On a good day you can see across to Plymouth sound, and there are plenty of walks to enjoy along the coastline.
Wembury beach is perfect if you’re looking for a great family holiday. It’s set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has enough sand for sunbathing, along with a huge number of rock pools to explore. The waters are clean and have won an award from the Marine Conservation Society and are also fairly shallow, so the kids can enjoy a supervised splash-about. To get a flavour of the local scenery you can take a stroll along the cliff paths, which will take you to Bovisand and Newton Ferrers.
48 locals recommend
Wembury Beach
Wembury beach is perfect if you’re looking for a great family holiday. It’s set in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and has enough sand for sunbathing, along with a huge number of rock pools to explore. The waters are clean and have won an award from the Marine Conservation Society and are also fairly shallow, so the kids can enjoy a supervised splash-about. To get a flavour of the local scenery you can take a stroll along the cliff paths, which will take you to Bovisand and Newton Ferrers.
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bigbury on Sea beach in South Devon is ideal for family holidays. Dusted with sand and lapped by shallow waters, the beach offers safe fun for groups particularly if you’ve got children in tow. In addition, Bigbury on Sea beach is dotted with rock pools, so there’s plenty of entertainment for budding marine biologists who like to explore.
Bigbury on Sea Beach has a wide and varied selection of water sports available to visitors who prefer their holidays to feature a little adrenaline rush. If you want to try something different from the usual bodyboarding or surfing then windsurfing and kite-surfing are popular here, with hire facilities located right on the beach.
103 locals recommend
Bigbury-on-Sea
Located in an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Bigbury on Sea beach in South Devon is ideal for family holidays. Dusted with sand and lapped by shallow waters, the beach offers safe fun for groups particularly if you’ve got children in tow. In addition, Bigbury on Sea beach is dotted with rock pools, so there’s plenty of entertainment for budding marine biologists who like to explore.
Bigbury on Sea Beach has a wide and varied selection of water sports available to visitors who prefer their holidays to feature a little adrenaline rush. If you want to try something different from the usual bodyboarding or surfing then windsurfing and kite-surfing are popular here, with hire facilities located right on the beach.
Nature
Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors.
The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.
The circular walk which follows the lanes around the water is ideal for families as it is easy going and flat. It will take between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete and is approximately 3.5 miles. Parking is possible at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the Dam.
52 locals recommend
Burrator Reservoir
Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors.
The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.
The circular walk which follows the lanes around the water is ideal for families as it is easy going and flat. It will take between 1.5 - 2 hours to complete and is approximately 3.5 miles. Parking is possible at various locations including the Quarry car park, Norsworthy Bridge and the Dam.
A popular picnic spot. Perfect for sunbathing and taking a dip in the river on Dartmoor. This is a very popular spot and spaces are limited in the National Trust car park so i'd advise arriving early.
13 locals recommend
Cadover Bridge
A popular picnic spot. Perfect for sunbathing and taking a dip in the river on Dartmoor. This is a very popular spot and spaces are limited in the National Trust car park so i'd advise arriving early.
Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland on the edge of Dartmoor with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, cheetah, jaguar and lynx (the largest variety of big cats in the region), bear, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoon, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
Home of the Hollywood film “We bought a Zoo”, Dartmoor Zoo is a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and research.
83 locals recommend
Dartmoor Zoo
Set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland on the edge of Dartmoor with some stunning views of the surrounding countryside, Dartmoor Zoological Park is a unique zoo with a fantastic collection of animals. These include tigers, lions, cheetah, jaguar and lynx (the largest variety of big cats in the region), bear, wolves, tapir, capybara, racoon, meerkats, monkeys, a fantastic collection of bugs and reptiles and much more.
Home of the Hollywood film “We bought a Zoo”, Dartmoor Zoo is a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation, education and research.
City/town information
A nice day out. Lots of coffee shops and independant shopping within this beautiful town.
Tavistock is a thriving, beautifully friendly market town that is worthy of any visitor. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops which are a far cry from today's typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. It is truly a shoppers paradise.
Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor. The Western Moor is magical and fantastic for walking, cycling and riding. Several National Trust properties are in easy reach: Lydford Gorge, Buckland Abbey and Cothele are all nearby.
157 locals recommend
Tavistock
A nice day out. Lots of coffee shops and independant shopping within this beautiful town.
Tavistock is a thriving, beautifully friendly market town that is worthy of any visitor. An ancient stannary town and home of the cream tea, Tavistock is the only town in Devon to hold world heritage status. The vibrancy and uniqueness of Tavistock is undeniable with a range of beautiful local independent shops which are a far cry from today's typical high street. Not to be overlooked is the famous pannier market or the award-winning farmers’ market. It is truly a shoppers paradise.
Tavistock has direct access to Dartmoor. The Western Moor is magical and fantastic for walking, cycling and riding. Several National Trust properties are in easy reach: Lydford Gorge, Buckland Abbey and Cothele are all nearby.
Enchanting streets and a fantastic scenic river location, Dartmouth overlooks one of the finest natural harbours in the UK and has a strong maritime heritage.
Quirky shops and art galleries line the quaint streets.
Dartmouth is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, sightseeing expedition or family break.
378 locals recommend
Dartmouth
Enchanting streets and a fantastic scenic river location, Dartmouth overlooks one of the finest natural harbours in the UK and has a strong maritime heritage.
Quirky shops and art galleries line the quaint streets.
Dartmouth is the perfect spot for a romantic getaway, sightseeing expedition or family break.
Totnes is an historic market town that combines alternative therapies, breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a fascinating history. Sitting in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.
351 locals recommend
Totnes
Totnes is an historic market town that combines alternative therapies, breathtakingly beautiful countryside and a fascinating history. Sitting in the heart of South Devon on the banks of the River Dart, this unique and charming town has an international reputation for its lively and diverse community and relaxed atmosphere.
A quant seaside town to wander around on a sunny day, plenty of places to grab food/drink.
Salcombe town is lined with boutique shops, high street brands and independent producers, as well as local art galleries and gift shops - you can spend hours browsing through the town. Some of the best restaurants and bars are located in Salcombe, serving locally caught fresh seafood and locally farmed produce. Don’t forget to try some delicious Salcombe Dairy Ice-cream or the award winning Salcombe Gin - both have in town shops and distilleries you can visit.
213 locals recommend
Salcombe
A quant seaside town to wander around on a sunny day, plenty of places to grab food/drink.
Salcombe town is lined with boutique shops, high street brands and independent producers, as well as local art galleries and gift shops - you can spend hours browsing through the town. Some of the best restaurants and bars are located in Salcombe, serving locally caught fresh seafood and locally farmed produce. Don’t forget to try some delicious Salcombe Dairy Ice-cream or the award winning Salcombe Gin - both have in town shops and distilleries you can visit.
Food scene
Amazing hidden gem serving pan-Asian street food in a waterfront setting. Advanced booking advised as this restaurant is extreamly popular.
21 locals recommend
Suphas
Marrowbone SlipAmazing hidden gem serving pan-Asian street food in a waterfront setting. Advanced booking advised as this restaurant is extreamly popular.
Turtle Bay
5 Saint Andrews Cross RoundaboutCaribbean food and cocktails. A very wide menu including vegetarian and vegan options.
Wagamama
BrewhouseLocated in Royal William Yard serving asian-inspired & Japanese dishes
A gorgeous wine bar on the waterfront overlooking yachts in the harbour. Perfect for a summer evening.
13 locals recommend
HonkyTonk Wine Library
North East QuayA gorgeous wine bar on the waterfront overlooking yachts in the harbour. Perfect for a summer evening.
Lovely pub, good food. Dogs are welcome in the main bar & the garden.
9 locals recommend
Drake Manor Inn
The VillageLovely pub, good food. Dogs are welcome in the main bar & the garden.