Plymouth

Known as Britain’s Ocean City, Plymouth is one of the most vibrant waterfront cities in Europe.

Top places to visit in Plymouth

  • Smeaton’s Tower
  • Tinside Lido
  • Plymouth Hoe
  • The Barbican
  • Mayflower Steps
  • Royal William Yard

Explore Plymouth

What to see in Plymouth

Visitors travel from all over to see the Barbican and Sutton Harbour. Famous for quaint cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour and a wealth of independent shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants line the water's edge. This part of town is also home to the Elizabethan Gardens and a bit of American heritage, the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrim fathers set sail on their first voyage across the pond. The Barbican’s Historic Quarter is a lure for any art fans, where you can pick up unique pieces of art or just marvel at the talent on display.

Things to do in Plymouth

With world class shopping, incredible night life, live music, history and heritage and just about everything else you expect a city to offer, there is never a dull moment in Plymouth. Here, conservation, history and culture are at the forefront, so immerse yourself and experience the true joy of Plymouth.

What you need to know:

  • The Mayflower carrying pilgrims heading to the New World set sail from Plymouth
  • Olympian Tom Daley hails from Plymouth
  • Plymouth has a mainline train station

Plymouth Highlights

The Mayflower

The Mayflower was a ship that transported pilgrims from England to the New World and started the various colonies that now make up the United States of America. It set sail in 1620 and after 10 weeks at sea, landed at Cape Cod Massachusetts. Learn more about the Mayflower by visiting the city’s museums and the Mayflower Steps, in the Barbican area of Plymouth, which is believed to be near the spot the ship set of from, the original steps no longer exist, but you can find a granite block marking the site. The steps today are flanked by the British and American flags, so you can’t miss them!

Looking to trace your ancestry from America to Plymouth? Head to the Barbican area of Plymouth – there are a host of museums and artefacts to explore here.

Also stop off for some gin at England’s oldest gin distillery which is in the city and still uses the same traditional recipes. Bottles of their gin made its way to the New World with the pilgrims!

Sir Francis Drake

Devon-born, Sir Francis Drake spent many years in Plymouth and started his career as a sailor and explorer from here. To learn more, visit Plymouth Hoe, where he set off to engage with the Spanish Armada.

You’ll even find his namesake if you look out over the bay – Drake’s Island.

Plymouth’s Royal William Yard

Build in the 1800s, Royal William Yard is considered to be one of the most important historic military buildings in the country and features the largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings in Europe.

Where to park in Plymouth

Frequently Asked Questions

See more from Plymouth

SeaFest set to sail into Royal William Yard this September

  • 5 minute read

The celebration of Plymouth’s waterfront is back – bigger and better this year thanks to a new partnership between Plymouth City Council, Plymouth Sound National Marine Park and Plymouth Waterfront Partnership – and the festival will return to Royal William Yard, with a packed programme planned.

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New Afternoon Tea at Historic Devon Hotel Fit for Royalty

  • 2 minute read

A new Champagne Afternoon Tea experience will be served at Boringdon Hall Hotel this summer letting visitors indulge in the British teatime tradition. Bookings are open now for the experience which runs until Saturday 31st August. Take tea outside on the lawn or inside the Great Hall at 5-star…

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Shark arrives at Royal William Yard

  • 3 minute read

A shark has been spotted approaching Royal William Yard in Plymouth, much to the surprise of swimmers, paddleboarders and onlookers. With its distinctive dorsal fin cutting through the water, the sizeable shark swam along the coastline, before turning to head inland towards Firestone Arch at Royal…

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