Tourist information

Plymouth is situated at the border between Devonshire and Cornwall, surrender by water, the rivers Plym and Tamar, a few miles away from Dartmoor National Park.  Historically a navy town, it hosts one of the largest universities in the UK (around 30,000 students). It has a pleasant pedestrian center build after the war, but the most interesting areas are the barbican, the hoe and the Royal William Yard. Plymouth is also surrounded by many beautiful areas such as Mount Edgcumbe and Dartmoor.

 

Visit Plymouth,  Britain’s Ocean City

Want to see what Plymouth has to offer? Have a walk to the Hoe, feel like Sir Francis  Drake before sailing around the world. Walk by the royal Citadel, enjoy food and drinks at the Barbican, or visit the Aquarium. Don’t miss the Royal William Yard, its market, bars and restaurants. If you feel like shopping, you will surely find what you need at the Drake Circus.

If you seek Culture:

  • The City Museum and Art Gallery. 
  • A rare example of its time, the Elizabethan House is a historic property laid out in the style of a merchant or sea captain’s home from the 1600s.
  • A fine example of a 16th/17th century house, the historic Merchant’s House building is full of objects and information that provide a snapshot of Plymouth’s past including the Victorian era and the Blitz.

See a list of museums here

Drinks and Food.

Hercule Poirot said: “The English, they do not have a cuisine, my friend, they have only the food. Like the meat, overcooked, the vegetables too soft, the cheese inedible.” Let us prove him wrong:

  • Terraces at Barbican. Pubs that usually serve food, on Quay Road: the Ship, Seafood pasta & bar, Rakuda. Just off: The Dolphin Hotel, The Navy Inn, Platters, Catch 22, RockFish.
    All the above are in the Barbican area, around Southside Street (PL12).
  • The Gin Distillery and The Barbican Kitchen Brasserie (more pricey, but very good reputation)
    60 Southside Street (PL12LQ)
  • Lanterns, Greek restaurant.
    88 Cornwall Street (PL11LR)
  • Positano, Italian restaurant.
    36-38 Mayflower Street (PL11QX)

A bit further far from the center of Plymouth is the Royal William Yard, an ex military quartier recently renewed, hosts many good restaurants and interesting pubs.
To name a few:
RiverCottage (good food), Wagamama, Le Bistro Pierre, Las Iguanas, Prezzo, Seco Lounge, Le Vignoble (best wine in Plymouth, no food).
Royal William Yard (PL13RP)

More traditional pubs:

  • The Bread and Roses:  Art, Food and Drink
    62 Ebrington Street (PL4 9AF)
  • The Queen Arms: Music, Food, Good Ales
    55 Southside Street The Barbican (PL1 2LA)
  • The Fortescue: Original choice of beers, Terrace, no food
    37 Mutley Plain (PL4 6JQ)
  • The Hyde Park: Microbrewry, Familial Pub, good food, outdoor area
    88 Mutley Plain (PL4 6JG)
  • The Minerva Inn: Plymouth’s oldest pub. Very authentic. Enter at your own risk
    31 Looe St (PL4 0EA)
  • The Nowehere’s Inn: Not really a quiet place. No Food, good pub.

Visit the area

  • Take the short ferry to Cremyll (Cornwall) and visit the Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park, beautiful green areas and garden on the coastline. You will enjoy a beautiful view on Plymouth and the Royal William Yard. You can also take the Cawsand Ferry and enjoy a small cruise on the sound.
  • Dartmoor National Park: Around a 1000 square kilometers, rich in antiquities and archeology. Ideal place for a break. Hiking, cycling, familial area, zoo, museums, …
  • Boat tours: there are several companies offering tours from Plymouth, ferry, cruise, tour of the area. See here or here.