Top 20 Things to do and see in Plymouth
There are so many things to do and see in and around Plymouth that compiling a list of just 20 while be sure to upset some one because we have missed them out. We were recently hosted on a press trip in which we were shown what to do and what to see for a series of features we will be writing for magazines around the world. So here and in no particular order are our own humble suggestions of what to do and see in Plymouth
1 Royal William Yard– Explore the former Royal Navy victualing yard now a trendy place to work, live and play. It is home to the largest collection of Grade 1 listed Naval buildings in the UK.
2 Mount Batten Tower– Visit the restored tower built circa 1650 to guard the southern approach to Plymouth’s harbour. With funding from Historic England and the Coastal Revival Fund, the Tower has undergone sympathetic improvements since 2016 and was handed over to the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre in September 2017
3 Walk to Devils Point,Inside the Royal William yard swim in the tidal pool or watch the stand up paddle boarders at Firestone Arch, explore art at Ocean Studios & coffee at Column House Bakery
4 Plymouth’s Breakwater, If you are very lucky there may be an opening on one of the very infrequent and mostly oversubscribed walking tours along this remarkable structure often described as ‘the Channel Tunnel of its era’
5 Art Deco LidoOne of the finest examples of a 1930’s which overlooks Plymouth Sound (the oldest, continually studied, marine area on earth); the highest concentration of cobbled streets in England; and lots of ‘green space’ (40 percent of the city), with over 100 hectares of wildflower meadows
6 Devonport Naval Heritage Centreformerly known as the Plymouth Naval Base Museum is now a maritime museum.
7 Smeaton’s Tower Visit the memorial celebrating civil engineer John Smeaton, designer of the third and most notable Eddystone Lighthouse
8 MayflowerMuseumExploring seafaring history & the Mayflower’s 1620 voyage, including a model ship.
9 Sail to CalstockWhen the tide is right take a boat trip up the Tamar with Plymouth Boat Trips whose ferries ply their trade on numerous routes that criss-cross the harbour
10 National Marine Aquariumbeside the fish harbour has the deepest tank in the UK, purifying 75,000 litres of seawater a day. It is a wonderful day out for the whole family. Time it right and you can get to see the action at feeding time.
11 Plymouth GinWhat could be better than to take a tour of wonderfully old Plymouth Gin, distillery. The Master Distillers takes four hours during which time you get toured tastings and exclusive look behind the scenes and the chance to distil and take home with you your very own bottle of gin
12 Afternoon Teaat Hotel Endsleigh where Pastry Chef Alan Holloway, formerly of Claridge’s, and Royal Academy of Culinary Arts AAE Winner in 2017 will be baking scones and cakes to die for. Each afternoon the table in the library at Hotel Endsleigh is set with an array of cakes, scones and sandwiches. Help yourself to as much or as little as you like. The waiting staff will serve you with coffee or a tea and a selection of finger sandwiches everyday between 3.30pm and 5pm.
13 Historic BarbicanHome to the Mayflower steps from where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail for America 400 years ago. Find time to visit antique stores in back always the likes of Parade Antiques. Part shop part museum they always make visitors welcome.
14 Noss Mayo & Newton FerresThe nearby River Yealm snakes its way up through Newton Creek to the Ship Inn, a delightful, traditional waterside pub where you can enjoy local beers and fresh, homemade food. Getting there by boat is best but go by car if you have to just make sure you do go.
15 Mount EdgcumbeExplore a pristine and unspoilt Grade I listed landscape The Tudor style mansion built nearly 100 years before the Mayflower set sail in 1620, stands at the top of an equally ancient double avenue of trees. It was the earliest landscaped park in Cornwall and covers over 865 acres made up of open parkland, Grade I listed gardens and 55 Grade II and II* listed structures.
16 ‘Catch & Cook’Hook up with Yannick Loue at Le Vignoble wine bar inside the Royal William Yard and ask about his fishing expeditions where you do the catching and he does the cooking washing it down with a glass of wine
17 Harbour Boat TripCruise the harbour with Plymouth Boat Trips and explore the beautiful Devon and Cornish coasts, with live commentary, on board café and licensed bar. Boats depart regularly from the Barbican Landing Stage, adjacent to the Mayflower Steps, Enjoy seeing Royal Navy warships alongside the Devonport Royal Dockyard with its Naval History The Brunel Bridge
18 Royal Corinthian Yacht Clubsituated on the water’s edge between The Barbican and Plymouth Hoethe Royal Plymouth Corinthian Yacht Clubhas stunning views across the sound is. The Corinthian Restaurant has an enviable reputation for producing a selection of first-class lunches, dinners, snacks and cream teas, and the club bar and restaurant are open to all members of the public.
19 Cocktailsin the Crowne Plaza Skyline Lounge As the lights go down the vibe notches up. The top floor is the perfect place to watch the sun go down and taste exquisite cocktails. Party into the night every Friday and Saturday from 9pm till late with a live DJ. No other bar in Plymouth can offer you all this; a sensational sky line, live music and great drinks.
20 Chill in the Gaia spaat the Bordingdon Hall Hotel & Spa. The Gaia Spa is a luxury spa set within the grounds of Boringdon Hall, on the edge of Dartmoor. Drawing inspiration from Gaia – also known as Mother Nature – the spa’s interior and exterior encompass natural materials including wood, stone and glass for natural light in order to bring the outdoors in.