Beautiful summers day at Plymouth Hoe, UK

Things to do in  Plymouth

Naval grandeur, urban grit

Wedged between the sea and the wild sweep of Dartmoor is Plymouth, a city circled by nature and steeped in history. It was bombed during WWII and rebuilt with a concrete makeover that belies its grand maritime history. But pockets of seaside prettiness and history abound—you just need to know where to look. Things to do in Plymouth include tracing Pilgrim history at the Mayflower Museum, browsing the cobblestone Barbican quarter, and hiking the scenic South West Coastal Path around Devon and Cornwall.

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Top 1 attractions in Plymouth

#1
Exeter Cathedral

Exeter Cathedral

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Exeter’s Anglican cathedral dates back to the 12th century, though the current structure was completed around 1400. The cathedral’s unique architectural features provide insight into its rich history, including 13th-century misericords, Sir Gilbert Scott choir stalls, and the world’s longest uninterrupted medieval vaulted ceiling.More

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Top activities in Plymouth

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot

Gun Range Shooting Experience in Newton Abbot

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64
From
$45.92
West Cornwall Tour with Poldark Filming Locations

West Cornwall Tour with Poldark Filming Locations

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12
From
$880.09
per group
Mayflower 400 Eddystone Lighthouse Trip

Mayflower 400 Eddystone Lighthouse Trip

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3
From
$637.75
per group
Liberty Trails - Dartmoor Horseback Adventures

Liberty Trails - Dartmoor Horseback Adventures

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7
From
$829.07
South West Coast Path Walking South Devon Coastline (9 days, 8 nights)

South West Coast Path Walking South Devon Coastline (9 days, 8 nights)

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1
From
$1,017.67
Stand Up Paddling Adventure

Stand Up Paddling Adventure

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6
From
$102.04
North Devon Tour App Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz UK

North Devon Tour App Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz UK

From
$19.13
per group
Private Group Escape Room Experience in Plymouth

Private Group Escape Room Experience in Plymouth

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18
From
$25.51
Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plymouth by Zombie Scavengers

Scavenger Hunt Adventure in Plymouth by Zombie Scavengers

From
$20.41
per group
South Devon coastal tour in luxury 7 x seat Mercedes

South Devon coastal tour in luxury 7 x seat Mercedes

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1
From
$264.67
Plymouth: Self Guided City Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt
Special Offer

Plymouth: Self Guided City Walk and Interactive Treasure Hunt

From
$29.54
per group
$36.93  $7.39 savings
Half Day Guided Canoe Trip in Totnes

Half Day Guided Canoe Trip in Totnes

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12
From
$57.40
South Devon Tour App Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz UK

South Devon Tour App Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz UK

From
$19.13
per group
Plymouth Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

Plymouth Tour App, Hidden Gems Game and Big Britain Quiz (1 Day Pass) UK

star-5
2
From
$19.13
per group
1.5-Hour Swanaford Vineyard Tour And Tasting Experience

1.5-Hour Swanaford Vineyard Tour And Tasting Experience

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1
From
$19.13
Walking Tour Experience in Plymouth

Walking Tour Experience in Plymouth

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1
From
$12.12
Off-road Electric Scooter Tour of the Plym Valley Trail

Off-road Electric Scooter Tour of the Plym Valley Trail

From
$40.82
Dartmoor Tour in Luxury Mercedes 7 x seater

Dartmoor Tour in Luxury Mercedes 7 x seater

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24
From
$264.67
Dusk Walking Tour of Fowey

Dusk Walking Tour of Fowey

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10
From
$19.13
Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Exeter, UK

Operation City Quest Scavenger Hunt - Exeter, UK

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1
From
$10.20
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All about Plymouth

Getting around

Central Plymouth is easy to explore by foot; popular haunts such as the Barbican and Plymouth Hoe are both walkable. For exploring beyond the center, there are ferries, taxi boats, and cruises. Trains link the city to West Country destinations such as Calstock on the Tamar River, plus Falmouth, St. Ives, and Newquay—all with one change. To discover the coastline or hike around Dartmoor, a car or bike rental offers greater freedom.

When to visit

It's no surprise that summer is the liveliest time of year in Plymouth. When the warm weather arrives, more flight connections to nearby cities such as Exeter, Newquay, and Bristol open up the area to tourists seeking the West Country shores. The arrival of more tourists then brings more summer fun with events like the British Fireworks Championships (August) over Plymouth Sound and the Summer Sessions live music festival (June) at Plymouth Hoe.

Traveler tips

Get into the spirit of Plymouth’s seafaring adventurers, and cruise to nearby Drake’s Island in the Plymouth Sound. What the island lacks in size, it makes up for in history with a past that’s seen centuries of service as a maritime defense. Today, it’s privately owned, but you can book a ferry from Mountbatten along with a guided tour to explore the island’s mysterious tunnels, search for seals, and discover its history.

Attractions
1
Tours
25
Reviews
174
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People Also Ask

Is Plymouth in the UK worth visiting?

Yes, Plymouth is worth visiting on a trip to England’s West Country. It’s close to Exeter Airport and there are direct trains from London. In the city, there’s maritime and WWII history, pasties, and pubs. Plus, the wilderness of Dartmoor and the beaches of Devon and Cornwall beckon nearby.

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What is Plymouth best known for?

Plymouth is best known as a coastal city and for its maritime history. The city’s links with Sir Francis Drake are well documented, and American tourists in particular will tie the city’s name to the Pilgrims and their maiden Mayflower voyage, which sailed between Plymouth and Massachusetts.

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Is there a lot to do in Plymouth?

Yes, there’s lots to do in Plymouth. Outdoor enthusiasts can hike and cycle amid the wild ponies of Dartmoor; hipsters can enjoy the quirky pubs, shops, and galleries of the Barbican or sip gin at the Plymouth Gin Distillery; and history lovers can discover wartime Plymouth at the bombed-out Charles Church.

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What can I do on a rainy day in Plymouth?

There’s plenty of indoor fun for rainy days in Plymouth: Tour the Plymouth Gin Distillery to sample its acclaimed gin; hunker down in historic pubs like the Minerva Inn or Fisherman’s Arms, where open fires and real ales await; or, visit the Mayflower Museum to discover the Pilgrims’ journey in 1620.

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Where can I take my kids in Plymouth?

On warm days, kid-friendly Plymouth activities include splashing around in the saltwater outdoor pool at Tinside Lido or paddling in the rock pools of nearby Bigbury on Sea Beach. If it’s cold, Plymouth’s huge National Marine Aquarium or The Box Museum (free admission) are both great options to keep everyone entertained.

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Does Plymouth have a beach?

There are no city beaches in Plymouth, but the varied coastline of south Devon and Cornwall are within easy reach—especially if you have a car. Easy-to-access beaches include the family favorite of Bigbury on Sea, the sandy shores of Mothecombe Beach, or Cawsand (Cornwall), which you can reach via the Cawsand Ferry.

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