Plymouth Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Plymouth, England with our comprehensive travel guide. Explore cultural attractions, outdoor adventures, food scene, accommodation options, and more.


A Comprehensive Travel Guide to Plymouth, England

Plymouth is a historic port city located in the southwestern part of England, in the county of Devon. It is known for its maritime history, cultural heritage, and natural beauty. With a wide range of attractions and activities, Plymouth is an ideal destination for travelers looking to explore the West Country.

List of Places to Visit in Plymouth

Here’s a list of places to visit in Plymouth that you shouldn’t miss:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • The Plymouth Gin Distillery
  • The Barbican & Sutton Harbour
  • Mayflower Museum
  • Plymouth Hoe
  • Royal William Yard
  • The Box

Natural Attractions of Plymouth: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Dartmoor National Park
  • Plymouth Sound and Estuaries
  • Tinside Lido
  • Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
  • South West Coast Path
  • Saltram House and Gardens

Hiking/Biking Routes of Plymouth

Some of the popular hiking and biking routes in Plymouth are:

  • The Plym Valley Trail
  • The Sutton Harbour Heritage Trail
  • The South West Coast Path
  • Burrator Reservoir Circular Walk

Best Things to Do in Plymouth: Activities and Tours

Here are some of the best activities and tours to do in Plymouth:

  • Boat Tours & Water Sports
  • Plymouth Citybus Sightseeing Tours
  • Devonport Naval Heritage Site
  • Plymouth Gin Distillery Guided Tours
  • Cliffhanger Rooms Escape Game

Week-Long Itinerary for Plymouth

Here’s a week-long itinerary for Plymouth:

Day Itinerary
Day 1 Explore the Barbican & Sutton Harbour
Day 2 Visit the Mayflower Museum and the Plymouth Gin Distillery
Day 3 Hike the South West Coast Path or bike along the Plym Valley Trail
Day 4 Take a boat tour or water sports activity
Day 5 Visit the Royal William Yard and Saltram House and Gardens
Day 6 Explore the historic sites of Plymouth Hoe and the Box
Day 7 Visit Dartmoor National Park and Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park

Food and Drink Scene of Plymouth

Plymouth has a vibrant food and drink scene. Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Plymouth:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Plymouth Gin-and-Tonic Battered Fish
  • Crab Sandwich
  • Cream Tea
  • Devonshire Cream Tea

Local Beverages

  • Plymouth Gin
  • Devon Cider
  • St Austell Brewery Ales

Where to Stay in Plymouth: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Plymouth has a wide range of accommodation options for travelers. Here are some of the top hotels, hostels, and guesthouses in Plymouth:

  • The Duke of Cornwall Hotel
  • Jurys Inn Plymouth
  • The Grosvenor Plymouth
  • Kynance House
  • Tudor Guest House

What to Buy in Plymouth: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the souvenirs and local products to buy in Plymouth are:

  • Plymouth Gin
  • Devon Cider
  • Fudge
  • Local Art and Crafts

Local Culture and Customs of Plymouth

Plymouth has a rich cultural heritage that is reflected in its architecture, art, and cuisine. The city is known for its maritime history, particularly its association with the Mayflower ship that sailed to America in 1620. The people of Plymouth are friendly and welcoming to visitors.

Best Time to Visit Plymouth

The best time to visit Plymouth is during the summer months of June to August when the weather is mild and sunny. The city is also busy during the Christmas and New Year season when there are various festive events and markets.

Do’s and Don’ts of Plymouth

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Plymouth:

Do:

  • Visit the historic sites and museums
  • Sample the local food and drink
  • Take a boat tour or water sports activity

Don’t:

  • Litter
  • Dress inappropriately for historic sites or religious places
  • Behave recklessly during outdoor activities

Safety and Health

Safety in Plymouth

Plymouth is a safe city for travelers, with low levels of crime. However, it is always advisable to take precautions such as keeping valuable items out of sight and staying aware of your surroundings.

Health in Plymouth

Plymouth has good medical facilities, with several hospitals and clinics available for emergency and non-emergency care.

Getting to Plymouth: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Plymouth

The nearest airports to Plymouth are Exeter International Airport, Bristol International Airport, and Newquay Cornwall Airport. From there, visitors can take a bus, train, or taxi to Plymouth.

Bus Stations Near Plymouth

Plymouth has a central bus station that connects the city to various parts of the region and the country.

Other Options

There are also trains and ferries available to reach Plymouth from different locations.

How to Get Around Plymouth

Plymouth has a well-connected public transportation system that includes buses, ferries, and trains. Biking and walking are also popular options for short distances.

Where to Go Next from Plymouth: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions that can be visited from Plymouth:

  • Totnes
  • Looe
  • Tavistock
  • Paignton
  • Exeter

Conclusion

Plymouth is a charming and historic city that offers a range of activities and attractions for travelers. From cultural heritage sites to natural wonders, the city has something for everyone. The food and drink scene, accommodation options, and transportation system make it a convenient and enjoyable destination for visitors.

Plymouth Hoe from Staddon Heights, showing water of Plymouth Sound. Plymouth Hoe from Staddon Heights, showing water of Plymouth Sound. Smeaton's Tower – Plymouth Hoe Smeaton's Tower – Plymouth Hoe Fishing boats on the Barbican in Plymouth Fishing boats on the Barbican in Plymouth Location of Plymouth, shown within Devon and UK Location of Plymouth, shown within Devon and UK The Royal Navy's base in Plymouth, HMNB Devonport, on the waters of the Hamoaze (i.e. estuary of the River Tamar) The Royal Navy's base in Plymouth, HMNB Devonport, on the waters of the Hamoaze (i.e. estuary of the River Tamar) Buildings at St Andrew's Cross, Plymouth, constructed as part of the 1950s reconstruction. Building on left contains the main Post Office. Buildings at St Andrew's Cross, Plymouth, constructed as part of the 1950s reconstruction. Building on left contains the main Post Office. View over Plymouth Sound, showing Tinside Lido View over Plymouth Sound, showing Tinside Lido Royal William Yard Royal William Yard Plymouth railway station. Behind is InterCity House - use this landmark to help you find the station. Plymouth railway station. Behind is InterCity House - use this landmark to help you find the station. Many bus routes call at Royal Parade in the city centre. Many bus routes call at Royal Parade in the city centre. Plymouth Hoe Plymouth Hoe Shorefront at Plymouth, Hoe Road. Shorefront at Plymouth, Hoe Road. The Mayflower Steps, seen from the water The Mayflower Steps, seen from the water Barbican New Street Barbican New Street Royal Citadel, Plymouth Royal Citadel, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery City Museum and Art Gallery Southside Street in the Barbican area - showing Plymouth Gin distillery Southside Street in the Barbican area - showing Plymouth Gin distillery Waterfront of marina at the Barbican, Plymouth Waterfront of marina at the Barbican, Plymouth Freedom Fields park, with view toward Plymouth Sound, as in Seth Lakeman's 2006 album ''Freedom Fields''. Freedom Fields park, with view toward Plymouth Sound, as in Seth Lakeman's 2006 album ''Freedom Fields''. University of Plymouth, Roland Levinsky building University of Plymouth, Roland Levinsky building Cornwall Street, Plymouth Cornwall Street, Plymouth Drake Circus shopping centre Drake Circus shopping centre Plymouth City Markets, on Cornwall Street Plymouth City Markets, on Cornwall Street Independent shops in the Barbican area, Southside Street Independent shops in the Barbican area, Southside Street Cornish pasty, whole. Could be any filling. Makes a satisfying lunch. Cornish pasty, whole. Could be any filling. Makes a satisfying lunch. Cornish pasty, cut open (though usually eaten with fingers, by holding the thick crust). Traditional filling shown. Cornish pasty, cut open (though usually eaten with fingers, by holding the thick crust). Traditional filling shown. Armada Way - billboard shows part of a well-known painting by artist Beryl Cook, who adopted Plymouth as her home. Poster shows part of a work entitled ''Clubbing in the Rain'', painted in her distinctive style. Armada Way - billboard shows part of a well-known painting by artist Beryl Cook, who adopted Plymouth as her home. Poster shows part of a work entitled ''Clubbing in the Rain'', painted in her distinctive style. On Dartmoor On Dartmoor The Royal Albert Bridge, by Isembard Kingdom Brunel, takes the railway from Plymouth across the River Tamar into Cornwall. The Royal Albert Bridge, by Isembard Kingdom Brunel, takes the railway from Plymouth across the River Tamar into Cornwall. A38 A38