Things to do in Plymouth, Devon
Welcome to Plymouth, vibrant regional capital of Devon and Cornwall, thriving modern city, historic seafaring port and holiday centre with something for everyone.
When you want to escape the bustle and find a little peace and quiet, Plymouth is the perfect place to start.
With a unique waterfront ambience and its spirit of the sea, Plymouth encompasses great local and international cuisine, superb entertainment and all weather activities throughout the year.
There is plenty to do for all ages in and around Plymouth. A great place to start is the Plymouth Dome, a high tech interactive visitor centre on the Hoe, which is tremendous fun and takes you on a journey through Plymouth past, present and future. Explore the Victorian Crownhill Fort, with great cannons, underground tunnels, ramparts, barracks and a massive dry moat.
The state-of-the-art National Marine Aquarium, is one of the country's premier tourist attractions, it offers a really amazing experience, where you are taken on an unforgettable journey through the oceans of the world. You will encounter brilliantly coloured fish, delicate seahorses and awesome Caribbean Sharks.
Many other indoor attractions are on offer, ten pin bowling, laser games, ice skating or the Pavilions Fun Pool, with its flume rides, wave machine, jacuzzi and even an indoor beach!
Preston House is the oldest house in Plymouth, The Merchant's House is where you can learn all about the trading past and a visit to the excellent Plymouth city Museum and art gallery is a must.
The Barbican Maritime Village.
Once Upon A Time, seafarers set sail from this ancient heart of the city around the old Sutton Harbour returning with fantastic tales and fabulous goods, from all corners of the globe.Walk the ancient cobbled streets and quaysides, packed with new café bars and restaurants and soak up a distinctively cosmopolitan atmosphere. Follow in the footsteps of such famous captains as Drake and Raleigh and today your exotic booty could come from the dozens of speciality shops, galleries and craft workshops tucked away amidst the old port buildings.
Don't miss Island House on the Barbican, one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth. Look in on the Plymouth Gin Distillery, formerly a Dominican Priory, or the Dartington Glassworks in the Old Fish Market and you'll see the creation of products sought out by connoisseurs.
Visit the 1584 Elizabethan house and the fragrant flower and herb garden nearby, although the atmosphere is Tudor, the voices you hear may well be of Americans whose Pilgrim Father ancestors set sail from the nearby Mayflower steps in 1620.
Other Attractions
Explore the coast and countryside; take a trip on the Cremyll foot ferry to the gardens and parkland of Mount Edgcumbe. Visit stately homes like Saltram House with its massive Great Kitchen, Buckland Abbey, once home to Sir Francis Drake, or the 20th century Lutyens designed Castle Drogo.Take a train ride on the Tamar valley or South Devon railway, through the counties beautiful countryside, or a trip up river or across the bay. If you're game for it, then the adventure parks at Dobwalls or Woodlands both offer thrills and spills galore.
Enjoy the Waterfront Walkway, combining modern art with spectacular views. Climb the 93 steps of Smeatons tower, the old Eddystone lighthouse, on the grassy acres of Plymouth Hoe for great views of the area. There is golf at the internationally renowned St. Million golf course, and China Fleet or Elfordleigh country clubs cater for all your fitness needs.
Plymouth with its great natural harbour, is made for those who love the great outdoors; and of course for real family fun, nothing beats a sunny day on the beach, the choice of secluded coves includes Jennycliff, Bovisand and Mothercombe.
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Directions
The A38 Devon Expressway links Plymouth to the motorway network at Exeter, giving a drive time from London of around 3.5 hours. A Rapide luxury coach service from London's Victoria coach station via Heathrow takes 4.5 hours.
InterCity trains from London Paddington arrive in Plymouth in 3 to 3.5 hours Other direct services run from South Wales, the Midlands, the North of England and Scotland.
Fly direct to Plymouth from Cork, Jersey, Guernsey and London Gatwick. Connections via Bristol can be made from Aberdeen, Newcastle, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Paris.
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