From an up-and-coming food scene to a wealth of summer festivals and stand-out museums, Plymouth has lots going for it. Add a stunning coastal location, family-friendly activities and a bit of sunshine to the mix and you’ve got yourself the perfect seaside break.
Plymouth might seem a bit of an underdog when it comes to narrowing down attractive coastal destinations in the southwest, but you’ll be surprised how far the city, straddling the Dorset and Cornwall border, has come in terms of offering the perfect escape for weary city-dwellers.
New investments mean that cool and educational spaces have grown out of the former Museum and Art Gallery, Central Library and St Luke's church buildings; a new six-part BBC documentary will no doubt spark renewed interested in the country’s largest aquarium and the recently launched Plymouth Trails App allows visitors to discover much about the city’s past, present and future.
Indulging in the city’s food scene comes easy too when there’s a wealth of seafood on offer, from simple crab and lobster shacks by the harbour to trendy restaurants, serving up the morning’s catch in creative and inventive ways.
Here are six reasons why Britain’s Ocean City should be at the top of your summer must-visit list.
1. There’s fascinating naval history to uncover
The city’s history is closely linked to its maritime heritage that spans centuries, from the Napoleonic Wars and Darwin sailing around the world aboard HMS Beagle to hosting the largest naval base in Western Europe and serving as the pilgrims’ launch pad for their journey to the New World.
The latter is commemorated at the Mayflower Steps where the pilgrims are thought to have finally set sail before crossing the Atlantic. Although the actual steps don’t exist anymore, the site where the 102 passengers are thought to have boarded the Mayflower is marked with both Union Jack and Stars and Stripes either side of a portico, serving as the window to North America.
Those steps are also the starting point for the 1.2-mile (2km) Mayflower Trail on Plymouth Trails App, which will whisk you back to 1620. On a fairly flat, hour-long stroll you’ll discover what Plymouth’s Barbican area was like in the 17th century, how the pilgrims prepared for the long journey across the pond and visit buildings that are key to the Mayflower story.
A longer 2.1-mile (3.4km) trail takes in Plymouth’s Hoe, with a particular focus on the city’s naval history. Points of interest include The Royal Citadel, Naval War Memorial and Tinside Lido. While walking the trail, make sure to stop off at Smeaton’s Tower, an 18th-century lighthouse, which was regarded as a major engineering marvel of the time. Today, you can climb to the very top of the lighthouse to see how three keepers worked, lived and slept for three months at a time.
READ MORE: The incredible story of the Mayflower
2. It has the UK’s largest aquarium
With over 4,000 animals, National Marine Aquarium is the largest in the UK and is also home of the Ocean Conservation Trust, a charity dedicated to connecting people with the ocean. Although there has always been an aquarium in Plymouth since 1888, the current building was opened in 1998. Today, as it approaches its 25th birthday, it's been subject to a line-up of renovations, overhauls and innovations, including new tanks installed and new animals arriving.
When visiting the aquarium, you'll meet a wide variety of sea creatures, from inhabitants of the Plymouth Sound to the coral reefs of the tropical waters of Australia. Highlights include the Atlantic Ocean zone with the deepest tank in the UK, holding 2.5 million litres of water and five species of sharks, stingrays and green turtles among others, as well as the Great Barrier Reef zone with a slightly smaller tank housing colourful raccoon butterflyfish, two species of rays, exquisite lionfish and mesmerising humphead wrasse.
3. The food scene is thriving
Blessed with access to amazing produce from both land and sea, the South West is an excellent place for belly-busting holidays and Plymouth is no exception.
Barbican’s Boathouse is a fab option for local fish and seafood while Rockfish, across the harbour and just a few steps from the National Marine Aquarium, is a relaxed spot offering fish, seafood and burgers. And if you have a sudden yearning for crab sandwiches and lobster brioche rolls, Cracking Crab Company under the Barbican wharves is your spot.
Some of the best dining in the city, however, is tucked away in Royal William Yard. Make sure to book a dinner at the brilliant Hook and Line. Serving fish and seafood caught by their own fleet of fishing boats, the restaurant focuses on local produce treated with care. Think grilled local sardines with lemon and herb oil, Ocean City chowder, lip-smacking grilled fish platter and, of course, their take on a surf ‘n’ turf. The Rum Bar at the restaurant is also worth a mention, leading Plymouth’s rum revival with a selection of the finest rums and the best cocktails in town.
Also worth bookmarking are Hub Box and Bistrot Pierre. The menu of Hubbox is a riot of deliciousness, from meaty burgers and smoky barbecue to delicious dogs and dirty fries piled high, while the latter offers a selection of set menu specials that are incredibly good value.
Finally, when the hunger strikes at The Box, stop by its Kitchen & Bar for crispy-as-you-like fish and chips.
4. There’s an incredible museum to visit
A treasure chest of curiosities, The Box is genuinely one of the most delightful museums around. Opened in 2020, it’s a cultural destination spread across three buildings that encompasses a museum, art gallery, exhibition spaces and even a lovely café (the latter is a great stop for lunch after perusing the museum’s fascinating collections).
If you only have time to visit one, head straight for the Museum and Art Gallery building which now holds three permanent exhibitions: Port of Plymouth, which focuses on the city’s relationship with the sea; 100 Journeys, which documents historic voyages that began in Plymouth and Mammoth Gallery, with over 3,000 natural history specimens on display, including a life-size replica of a woolly mammoth.
Then there are several temporary exhibitions to take in too. We loved the Dress Code – Fashion Stories from The Box, which uncovers the history of fashion in the area, from the 1700s to present day. It’s on until 4 September and just like the permanent collections is free to visit.
The 14 meticulously restored Victorian-era figureheads are hard to miss as they’re suspended from the ceiling right by one of the entrances, however, head up to the Active Archives on Level 1 for a more intimate look at each one.
5. There's plenty to do outdoors
When there's salty sea air, jaw-droppingly beautiful coastal scenery and potential to bathe in sunshine on offer, it's hard to resist wanting to be outdoors. Thankfully, Plymouth is perfectly placed to offer plenty of options to take it all in.
It's hard to beat the beauty of Tinside Lido's setting so why resist it? Take a day off and enjoy this splendid open-air swimming pool, consistently tipped as one of the best in Europe. Built in 1935, the Grade II-listed building is an exceptional example of Art Deco style that was given its last major spruce-up in 2003. The beautiful saltwater pool overlooks the Plymouth Sound and has a sundeck perfect for catching that holiday tan.
If you prefer to be more active, South West SUP offers a variety of stand-up paddleboarding experiences and lessons or head for Mount Batten Centre for all sorts of water-based activities, from kayaking sessions to family half-day adventures on water.
Finally, the longest of England's National Trails makes its way through Plymouth so take the opportunity to join the breathtaking South West Coast Path for just over nine miles (15km), discovering the whole coast of Plymouth. Also known as the Plymouth Waterfront Walkway, this gentle section of the National Trail is great for families as it's mainly paved and takes in all areas along Plymouth's coastline.
Starting from the ferry slip at Admiral's Hard, the path weaves by a wealth of historic attractions, like Durnford Street, where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle once worked as a doctor, and Wall of Stars, commemorating famous sailings from Plymouth, as well as scenic natural spots.
READ MORE: The UK's best lidos
6. You can stay in a historic naval yard
Royal William Yard, a 19th-century dockyard that not too long ago was left neglected is now a brilliant space, boasting Europe’s largest collection of Grade I-listed buildings. Among them is the Grade II-listed Rooms by Bistrot Pierre with charming period details, original Georgian features and beautiful decor throughout. With just 14 rooms in the house, each feels private and cosy while offering enough space and incredibly comfortable beds for you to have some of the best sleep in a long time.
Also known as Residence One, it was once the home of a Royal Navy Admiral, while today it draws its visitors in thanks to the bright, light interiors and the gorgeous gold details in the en suite bathrooms.
Located across the green is Bistrot Pierre where guests can enjoy à la carte breakfast (included in the room rate) as well as lunch and dinner.
The yard itself has plenty to keep you entertained too. There’s a flurry of restaurants, award-winning Good Food Market, lots of events and a pier with a ferry service to the Barbican and Mount Edgcumbe. A section of the South West Coast Path also snakes its way around the headland – join it for a short stretch to take in gorgeous views and salty sea air.
How to get there
If travelling from London, the best, most relaxing and also the most sustainable option is to get the train, which is a smooth three-hour journey from London Paddington. The Paddington to Plymouth route also takes you right along the Dawlish coastline which offers breathtaking scenery even on the most overcast days. Single tickets start at £59 from London Paddington one way. Connections from Exeter and Bristol are also available. To purchase tickets, please head to GWR.com or download the app.
READ MORE: The UK's secret wild swimming spots you didn't know existed
For more information go to Visit Plymouth.
Lead image: Courtesy of Visit Plymouth