Plymouth Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Plymouth showing a coastal town and heritage architecture
Whitsand Bay Beach featuring flowers and a beach
Mt. Edgcumbe featuring flowers and a park
Plymouth which includes night scenes, a coastal town and street scenes
Plymouth

Appreciate the cultural transformation this waterfront city has undergone, with the World War II-damaged center now home to fashionable restaurants and maritime attractions.

Stroll along the cobbled quayside and see deep water fish tanks in Plymouth’s aquarium. Tour a gin distillery and sample the wares. Swim in a Jazz Age open-air swimming pool and take a boat trip out into the bay.

Plymouth is home to the most extensive naval base in Western Europe and an important location in British maritime history. The Pilgrim Fathers who settled New England set sail from here, as did Robert Falcon Scott of the Antarctic, Captain James Cook, Charles Darwin and Francis Drake. Since the 17th century the Royal Navy has maintained a base here, which drew extensive fire from the Germans in World War II. Plymouth was the target of a series of 59 Luftwaffe raids known as the Plymouth Blitz, which destroyed much of the city as well as the dockyards.

Walk the partially cobbled streets of the Barbican to see Tudor and Jacobean buildings and other attractions. Tour the Elizabethan HouseOpens in a new window, a well-preserved property that gives insight into how a sea captain would have lived in the late 1500s. Stop at the Mayflower StepsOpens in a new window, which mark the site where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail to found America in 1620. Walk through glass tunnels at the National Marine AquariumOpens in a new window and watch sharks swim all around you. The aquarium also has moral eels, fish and even a loggerhead turtle called Snorkel. Have a drink at the Plymouth Gin Distillery, which has been producing gin since 1793.

See the statue of Francis Drake and read the numerous war memorials at the Plymouth Hoe, a green-lawned expanse that looks out over Plymouth’s natural harbour. Take a tour of the Royal CitadelOpens in a new window, a 17th-century fortress still used by the British military today. Bring the family to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country ParkOpens in a new window where you can ride Segways, play disc golf and visit artist studios as well as learn about the earls that once lived here.

Plymouth is a major U.K. city and has great transportation links. Though Plymouth Airport closed in 2011, Exeter Airport is just 1 hour away by car. Ferry services are also available. Eat at a range of pubs and restaurants or use one of the many take-out venues.

Where to stay in Plymouth

Smeatons Tower showing a lighthouse

Barbican

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

Barbican is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Bowling Green and Plymouth Naval Memorial while in the area.

Barbican
Plymouth showing boating and heritage architecture

Royal William Yard

Check out the restaurants, seaside views and historical sites while spending some time in Royal William Yard. Though there might not be many attractions in the neighbourhood, you won't need to go far to find top spots like Plymouth Pavilions or Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park.

Royal William Yard
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Derriford

When in Derriford, you can plan a visit to Home Park and Theatre Royal, Plymouth, some noteworthy sights in the nearby area.

Derriford
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Turnchapel

Travellers like the monuments in Turnchapel, and South Devon is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Turnchapel
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Stoke

5/5(3 area reviews)

Stoke is noteworthy for its restaurants, and you can plan an outing to Home Park and Plymouth Pavilions while you're in town.

Stoke
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Beaumont

4/5(43 area reviews)

While Beaumont may not have many sights to explore, venturing just a little farther will lead you to top things to see and do like Plymouth Mayflower and National Marine Aquarium.

Beaumont
Leonardo Hotel Plymouth

Leonardo Hotel Plymouth

4 out of 5
50 Exeter Street, Plymouth, England
The price is ₹6,046 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹6,046
₹7,255 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (1,007 reviews)
2nd stay
"2nd stay here. Can't fault this hotel. Location, service, rooms - everything was great."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Leonardo Hotel Plymouth
Future Inn Plymouth

Future Inn Plymouth

3 out of 5
1 William Prance Rd, Plymouth, England
The price is ₹7,233 per night from 7 Aug to 8 Aug
₹7,233
₹8,680 total
7 Aug - 8 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff and the ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,009 reviews)
"Nice property, bit cheap compared to other properties in the area. Had a really pleasant stay."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Future Inn Plymouth
Moxy Plymouth

Moxy Plymouth

3.5 out of 5
14 MILLBAY ROAD, Plymouth, England
The price is ₹5,939 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹5,939
₹7,126 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star eco-certified hotel in Plymouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and a fitness centre. Our guests praise the helpful staff and ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (530 reviews)
Excellent Stay!
"I loved the Hotel and the staff were amazing. They went out of their way to help us with a luggage problem. We couldn’t have asked for more! They were wonderful and very accommodating."

Reviewed on 21 Jul 2025

Moxy Plymouth
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Plymouth by Charles Hope

Plymouth by Charles Hope

3.5 out of 5
Ford Park Rd, 7, Plymouth, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Plymouth. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and laundry facilities. Popular attractions The Box and Drake Circus are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (35 reviews)
"I have been looking for an alternative to Hotels. I really enjoyed my stay. The unit had everything I needed. It was really comfortable and clean."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Plymouth by Charles Hope
Fox House, Studio Apartments

Fox House, Studio Apartments

3 out of 5
8-10 Whimple Street, Plymouth, England
Stay at this 3-star property in Plymouth. Enjoy parking (surcharge), daily housekeeping and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Merchant's House and Cineworld ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (203 reviews)
"The studio apartment was spotless, the staff friendly and welcoming. It was great place to stay, right in the city centre and right on the edge of the historic part of the city - ideal for a short break."

Reviewed on 20 Jun 2025

Fox House, Studio Apartments
Royal William Yard Apartments

Royal William Yard Apartments

3.5 out of 5
Royal William Yard, Plymouth, England
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Plymouth. Enjoy parking (surcharge) and housekeeping. Popular attractions South West Coast Path Section 36 Trailhead and Mount ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (77 reviews)
Royal William Yard
"Beautiful setting, stunning apartment, amazing views."

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Royal William Yard Apartments
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Cities near Plymouth