Experience
Plymouth
SPRING & SUMMER '22 ...inside
Family ideas
10 great ideas for family fun
shopping
Top brand names and creative independents
what's on
Spoilt for choice!
food & drink
You've come to the right place!
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tours & sightseeing on the water heritage & culture Seven AprÉs Sea spots
Cruising - Ferries - Fishing
1 HOUR HARBOUR CRUISE
Sailing across the beautiful Devon & Cornish coasts, to where the mighty warships & nuclear submarines await! DAILY: 11:00, 12:30, 14:00 & 15:30
CREMYLL, ROYAL WILLIAM YARD & CAWSAND FERRY SERVICES Daily Ferry Services linking 3 iconic destinations on the water; Mount Edgcumbe - historic & picturesque. Royal William Yard - range of eateries, shops and bars. Cawsand - full of Cornish charm and sandy beaches.
CALSTOCK, BREAKWATER, RIVER YEALM & LYNHER CRUISES Come and join one of our daytime scenic cruises to experience the delights of our beautiful Devon and Cornwall coastlines
3.5 HOUR FISH ‘N’ TRIPS
An exciting activity for the whole family to enjoy and keep what you catch for supper.
THEMED FAMILY CRUISES & ADULT PARTIES A whole range for everyone, full details available on our website.
www.plymouthboattrips.co.uk Office: 01752 253 153
welcome to
Plymouth Britain's Ocean City
Situated in one of the most beautiful locations imaginable, Plymouth is sandwiched between the incredible South West coastline and the wild beauty of Dartmoor National Park. There’s everything you’d expect to find in a cool, cultural city, with great shopping, arts and entertainment. With the wide expanse of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park on our doorstep we’ve got plenty of opportunities to dive in, enjoy the water and learn more about the wildlife that lives beneath the waves. Whether you’re into sailing, wild swimming, paddleboarding or marine conservation, there’s plenty to dip your toe into during your visit.
There’s also hundreds of years of history to uncover, from Sir Francis Drake and the Spanish Armada to a city rebuilt following the Blitz during World War II. Make sure to take a visit to our city’s incredible museum, The Box, to find out all about our fascinating history and see the incredible exhibitions on display. Rain or shine, Britain’s Ocean City is home to breath-taking views, plenty to see and do and lots of fresh, sea air. Explore the waterfront, shop ‘til you drop or experience world-class events. There’s nowhere quite like it – let us show you around.
While every care has been taken in the accuracy of producing this guide, the publisher is not liable for any errors or omissions which may occur. All information is correct at time of going to print, April 2022. Please follow the latest guidance regarding Covid-19 restrictions.
For more information on planning your visit, head to: visitplymouth.co.uk Follow Visit Plymouth @visitplymouth on socials
10 ways
to keep the family happy this summer
Family members of all ages will love a day out together in Plymouth. Here are our ten suggestions for fun activities that will keep both young and old family members entertained, so all you need to do is head out and make some treasured memories!
1 Make a splash
Dive right into the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. You could learn to kayak or sail at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre, try out stand up paddle boarding around Royal William Yard with South West SUP or give wild swimming a go off the coast of Plymouth Hoe.
2 Meet underwater creatures You’ll find the National Marine Aquarium on our historic harbour. It’s the largest aquarium in the UK, with over 4,000 ocean animals to meet including sharks, seahorses, stingrays and Friday, a very cheeky Green Turtle.
4 Explore Plymouth Hoe
3 Take a boat trip Plymouth Boat Trips offer a variety of cruises, including tours of Plymouth Sound, as well as a great range of ferries connecting the coastline. Hop on board for the quick journey over to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park where there’s hundreds of acres to explore, you can even take a walk with the lovely alpacas with Mount Edgcumbe Alpaca Experience.
No visit to the city is complete without exploring Plymouth Hoe. It’s the perfect place for an afternoon walk or picnic, with plenty of space for children to run around, fly kites and play games. If you’re feeling energetic, climb the 93 steps of Smeaton’s Tower, a former lighthouse and one of the city’s most famous landmarks and enjoy the breath-taking views across the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park.
Tinside Lido is an open air, art deco, salt water swimming pool, which is consistently voted in the top 10 of Europe’s outdoor pools. It’s open between May and September each year - the perfect way to cool down during the summer months.
5 Go for a dip
6 Discover something new
The Box, our incredible museum, art gallery and cultural centre, tells stories of the past and present with a changing programme of exhibitions and collections of amazing objects, including over two million artefacts! With free entry to the museum, and a jam-packed calendar of exhibitions, including the British Art Show later this year, no two visits are the same.
7 Have fun at The Barcode
8 Take a walk on the wild side
At Drake Circus The Barcode, in the city centre, you’ll find plenty of fun for all the family and it’s perfect for a rainy day. Paradise Island Adventure Golf is home to two 18-hole courses spanning across 16,000 square feet of indoor tropical utopia, while Cineworld boasts 12 screens, including IMAX and 4DX for an unbeatable cinema experience! Here you’ll also find a great range of family-friendly eateries, such as Las Iguanas and Five Guys. Tire the kids out at one of Plymouth’s awesome parks. West Hoe Park, right next to the sea, has a play area, miniature railway, crazy golf and trampolines. Or head to the city’s biggest park and discover the Central Park Play Space which encourages adventurous play.
Head to Dartmoor Zoological Park and come face-to-face with lions, tigers, monkeys and more at the zoo which led to the book and Hollywood movie ‘We Bought A Zoo’, or meet more cuddly creatures at Pennywell Farm, home to the famous Pennywell miniature pigs as well as a whole host of other farm animals.
10 Immerse yourself in a new experience The Market Hall in Devonport is home to a huge 15 metre immersive dome, the only one of its kind in Europe. Here you can enjoy amazing shows and events that allow you to explore immersive realities without the need for a VR headset.
visitplymouth.co.uk
Shopping
Shop ‘til you drop in Britain’s Ocean City, with an amazing mix of top brand names and creative independents to discover. In the city centre, you’ll find big name brands and great independent shops side by side, all housed within incredible post-war architecture. Drake Circus offers the ultimate shopping and leisure experience, with a great range of high street stores as well as places to eat, drink and relax. Stroll down to the West End, the city’s independent quarter and home to Plymouth Market which boasts 140 stalls and some of the best-rated eateries serving up cuisines from all around the world. Just outside of the city centre, Ebrington Street offers a quirky street of independent stores, with a social enterprise pub, the Bread and Roses, and some great coffee shops. Plymouth’s waterfront is a treasure trove of independent shops, filled with treats for you, your home, your friends – or to eat! It’s a great place to browse and find something completely unique. A wander along Southside Street on the Barbican is a treat for lovers of art and homewares. Pop into the many boutiques and galleries lining the road, selling everything from original paintings and stunning glass pieces to homemade candles and house plants. Further along the waterfront, Royal William Yard is a thriving hub for many Plymouth businesses and retailers with fashion, beauty, food and drink and local artists on site and regular markets offering a range of artisan products. visitplymouth.co.uk
What's on this summer
Plymouth is renowned for its spectacular event schedule, with everything from food festivals and spectacular fireworks to family friendly days out. Here are the key dates you won’t want to miss:
May
7-8 14 21 27-29
June
2-4 2-5 19 23 25
Plymouth Pirates Weekend 60th Anniversary of the Commando Gunners Military Parade Lord Mayor’s Festival Flavour Fest
1 Big Summer The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Britain’s Ocean City Running Festival Rehabilitation Triathlon, hosted by the Royal Marines Plymouth Armed Forces Day
July
8-10 Sunset Live in Central Park (featuring Ball & Boe, Paloma Faith and Simply Red) 23-24 National Marine Park Big Blue Splash 30-31 Great Britain Sail Grand Prix
August
13-14 Plymouth Megaride 17-18 British Firework Championships 27 West End Carnival
September
8-24 Central Park Circus 17-18 Plymouth Seafood and Harbour Festival All details correct at time of writing, please check visitplymouth.co.uk for all the latest event updates and information.
visitplymouth.co.uk
Looking for fresh local produce prepared by some of the best chefs, ready to be enjoyed in the finest locations? You’ve come to the right place. With the freshest seafood, great views, delightfully cosy cafés and friendly pubs, there's plenty of dining delights just waiting to be discovered in Plymouth. The Barbican, Plymouth Hoe and Royal William Yard also offer some of the best al fresco spots to drink and dine in our waterfront city. What better way to spend your day than finding that perfect spot in the sunshine, enjoying a platter of delicious locally caught seafood, with a chilled glass of wine or a cold local beer? You can also find a whole host of cuisines on offer in the city centre, with a melting pot of cultures meeting, so whether you're stopping for a bite to eat during a busy day of shopping or want a special evening out, there's something on the menu you'll enjoy! Plymouth is the home to several top chefs too. Local boys Chris and James Tanner run the hugely popular Barbican Kitchen restaurant, you’ll find Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse Bar & Grill in the Crowne Plaza on The Hoe or check out Mitch Tonks’ Rockfish seafood restaurant in Sutton Harbour. We’re also home to one the largest fish markets in the country and with the ocean right on our doorstep, you can look forward to tucking into some of the freshest and most delicious fish and seafood available.
Where to eat? If you’re visiting Britain’s Ocean City, why not try somewhere unique that you can’t enjoy elsewhere? There’s something for everyone, whether you’re looking to indulge in locally caught fish, scrumptious vegan dishes or a fine dining experience. Here’s just a taster of some of our favourite independent eateries... The Hook & Line Tucked away in the historic surrounding of Royal William Yard, The Hook & Line serves up fish caught by its very own fishing boats. Unsurprisingly, the menu is packed full of incredible fish dishes such as chowder, fish tacos, seafood burgers and cuttlefish calamari, it’s also home to Plymouth’s first speciality rum bar. Check out their sister restaurant, The Boathouse, also serving up their freshly caught seafood. Kuku Set in a Grade II listed building just moments away from the bustle of Plymouth’s city centre, Kuku serves up contemporary Japanese cuisine and is a great place to enjoy fresh seafood in a different way. Grab a seat at the sushi-bar and watch the chefs craft elegant and refined foodie masterpieces before your eyes. Share a platter of sushi or indulge in a fish dish from the robata grill. Cosmic Kitchen A family-run, vegan bistro, Cosmic Kitchen is all about serving up nutritious, affordable and colourful superfood with delicious dishes inspired by the family’s Cypriot heritage. There’s everything from light bites, wraps and salads to sweet treats, and the hugely popular Sunday roast club with out-of-thisworld nutroasts on offer. Platters Seafood Restaurant One of of the city’s oldest seafood restaurants, Platters has been serving up delicious fish dishes for over 30 years. Head inside the cosy Barbican restaurant and enjoy great tasting plates of food, with the menu featuring a great range of produce all sourced from the fish market just 200 yards away.
The Bottling Plant A hidden gem on the Barbican’s Southside Street, The Bottling Plant really lets its historic setting shine with beautiful period features on display. Once a warehouse, later a bottling plant for Plymouth Gin (hence the name) and then a studio for artist Robert Lenkiewicz, the venue now offers all-day dining making it the perfect stop for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Àclèaf Located in the five star Boringdon Hall Hotel on the outskirts of Plymouth, Àclèaf showcases inventive British dishes in an intimate and sophisticated atmosphere and features in the Michelin Guide 2022. Indulge in a luxurious dining experience with the four-course menu and paired wine flights that are perfectly matched to each dish. Bonne Santé A modern restaurant and cocktail bar found in a historic building in the heart of the Barbican, the menu features fresh, nutritious and wholesome dishes. There’s lots of gluten-free and vegan dishes to choose from too. Kick off the weekend with a bottomless brunch here or finish the evening with a top quality cocktail. AtKitchen For a casual lunchtime experience, you can’t beat the eateries tucked inside Plymouth Market in the city centre. On the mezzanine level you’ll find AtKitchen serving up an incredible range of Vietnamese, Thai and Japanese dishes. Pull up a stool and tuck into mouth-watering curries or steaming bowls of noodle soup. Toot Authentic Persian cuisine is on offer in this vibrant city centre restaurant. Start your meal with hummus, tabbouleh or stuffed vine leaves before diving into delicious kebabs or stews.
visitplymouth.co.uk
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Situated in Plymouth’s historic Royal William Yard and hosting the city’s finest specialist Rum Bar, enjoy fresh fish, locally caught by our own boats.
www.thehookandlineplymouth.co.uk The Slaughterhouse, Royal William Yard, Plymouth, PL1 3GE T: 01752 265374
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Let us show you around Plymouth has many incredible stories to tell and there are so many ways to experience them first-hand.
Take a scenic boat tour to explore our local history and heritage from the stunning surrounds of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, learn all about a working military base or stretch your legs and set off on a walking tour. If you prefer to venture out on your own, there are plenty of places to visit with detailed maps and guides which will aid your adventure. Plymouth's awardwinning Tourist Information Centre, found on the Barbican, has all the information you’ll need.
Here are five of our favourite ways to sightsee: Historic Plymouth Walking Tour, Select South West Tours On this tour you’ll discover the historic port of Plymouth from the narrow streets and harbourside of the Barbican and Sutton Harbour to Smeaton’s Tower, one of the world’s most important lighthouses! The Royal Citadel tour, Armada Tours Join a guide on this walking tour of the Royal Citadel and learn about the more than 350 years of stories that the fortress has to offer. Commanding a prominent position on Plymouth Hoe, looking out over the Sound and into the Channel and Western Approaches, it has seen the unfolding of so many events in the nation's history and remains a working military base. Scenic and Naval Harbour Cruise, Plymouth Boat Trips Hop on board this popular one-hour naval and harbour cruise from the Barbican Landing Stage for an informative and enjoyable tour which passes Plymouth Hoe, the famous Drake’s Island and the river Tamar. Plymouth Trails App There's a great range of free walking trails to follow on the app, where you can find out more about Plymouth’s fascinating past and present. There are trails exploring the Mayflower story, the post-war city centre and even the stories of Plymouth’s most powerful women throughout history. Download it on iOS or Android for free. Comedy Walking Tour, Plymouth Comedy Tours For an entirely unique experience, book onto a hilarious guided tour of Plymouth city centre with an award-winning comedian. Expect laughs and maybe even a few facts on this innovative and always entertaining tour, which lasts around two hours. visitplymouth.co.uk
On the water TREASURING PLYMOUTH’S BLUE AND GREEN SPACES
Known as Britain’s Ocean City thanks to its spectacular waterfront setting, Plymouth is now home to the UK’s first National Marine Park. The aim of the Plymouth Sound National Marine Park is to make it easier for everyone to get on, in and under the water to enjoy the significant wellbeing benefits that the sea offers, as well as to protect the environment and our maritime heritage for future generations.
Sustainability is now top of the agenda and businesses across the city are working to become more environmentally friendly thanks to the internationally recognised Green Tourism scheme, taking care of the city’s beautiful blue and green spaces. And if you’re visiting the city then there’s plenty of ways to experience all that Plymouth Sound has to offer.
Here are 10 ways to dive into our ‘Park in the Sea’: 1 GET PADDLING If the idea of exploring by kayak or learning to stand-up paddle board appeals, book a beginner’s session and learn from the experts at South West SUP in Royal William Yard or Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre. 2 THE BOX Want to learn all about our maritime heritage but would rather stay dry? The Box’s ‘Port of Plymouth’ exhibition explores the city’s long links with the sea, while the impressive display of 14 Royal Naval figureheads, suspended from the ceiling, is an unmissable sight. 3 SAIL AWAY Charter a yacht for an extra special experience or get hands-on and learn to sail with an RYA accredited course from the Mount Batten Centre, Plymouth Sailing School or Start Point Sailing. 4 WILD SWIMMING Fancy a refreshing dip? There are two designated safe swimming areas in the Sound - Tinside beach and Firestone Bay at Devil’s Point but remember to check safety advice and tide times before you dive in! 5 SNORKEL SAFARI Join the Ocean Discovery Rangers from the National Marine Aquarium for a snorkel safari, learning more about life under the ocean and experiencing it first-hand. There are beginner sessions from Mount Batten beach, as well as sessions for more experienced snorkellers.
6 VISIT DRAKE’S ISLAND In the centre of Plymouth Sound lies the mysterious six-acre Drake’s Island. Take a guided tour to learn all about its colourful history and keep an eye out for local wildlife. 7 MOUNT EDGCUMBE The beautiful peninsula of Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is technically in Cornwall, but it’s just a short hop by ferry from Plymouth and boasts beautiful beaches and walks with great views of the Sound. 8 SOUTH WEST COAST PATH Walk along Plymouth’s Waterfront Walkway, a key section of the South West Coast Path which links the stunning vista of Jennycliff with the historic Royal William Yard – whether you walk just some or all of the path, beautiful views are guaranteed! 9 EXPLORE ROCK POOLS Head to Mount Batten beach with The Rock Pool Project team for a ‘rock pool safari’, where you can learn all about the creatures that live on our shores with the help of their knowledgeable guides. 10 GO FISHING Catch your very own lunch with the help of Plymouth Boat Trips. Their ‘Fish ‘n Trips’ sessions offer a great way to get out on the water, and there’s an option for them to cook your catch afterwards at The Boathouse Café, so you can sit back and enjoy a deliciously fresh fish dish. visitplymouth.co.uk
Creativity and collaboration on the coast Located by the sea in the stunning Royal William Yard, Ocean Studios is Real Ideas’ hub of creative energy. Join us for creative workshops, events and exhibitions suitable for all ages!
Ocean Studios, The Factory Cooperage, Royal William Yard, Plymouth PL1 3RP.
Visit the awe-inspiring 15m immersive dome! Open to everyone, and with a wide range of events and experiences for all the family, the dome invites you to explore immersive realities without the need for a VR headset.
Market Hall, Duke St, Devonport, Plymouth PL1 4PS
realideas.org/whats-on
Visitor and Learning Centre
Open daily 10am-4pm FREE entry | Picnic area Guided tours | Exhibitions
www.bridgingthetamar.org.uk Tamar Bridge, Pemros Road, St Budeaux, Plymouth PL5 1LP
Heritage and culture
Rich in heritage and culture, there’s a lot to delve into in Plymouth Immerse yourself in a wondrous world of exploration as you walk in the footsteps of adventurers and explorers and discover hundreds of years of history, or be inspired by the city’s lively cultural scene and Look II by see stunning art or an unforgettable theatre show. A
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The Mayflower Steps and Mayflower Museum Just over 400 years ago, the Mayflower Pilgrims set off from Plymouth on their famous journey across the Atlantic in search of a new life. Visit the monument marking their departure on the Barbican, then head across the road to the museum to learn more about the journey – including the reasons they left, the challenges they faced and the impact it had.
The Box Plymouth’s new cultural destination, boasts nine permanent galleries filled with objects from the city’s human history, natural history, art, media, photographic and archive collections. Its treasured collections include more than 15,000 works of art, including prominent artists such as Sir Joshua Reynolds. In the museum you’ll see incredible objects, from thousands of pickled marine creatures to a gigantic woolly mammoth!
Royal William Yard A former Royal Navy victualling yard, this stunning collection of Grade II listed buildings has been transformed into one of Plymouth’s coolest spots, with a real contemporary vibe. Soak up the vibrant café culture, tuck into lunch at one of the great restaurants or take a stroll by the sea, climbing the staircase that links the Yard to the South West Coast Path.
Elizabethan House Built just before 1600 and recently restored, the house offers an amazing insight into the history of Plymouth’s Barbican area and the people that lived there throughout the years. Enjoy a multi-sensory audio-visual tour or look around at your leisure with a self-guided visit. Theatres Plymouth is home to two brilliant theatres that host a wide range of productions: Theatre Royal Plymouth is one of the UK's largest regional producing theatres, and the Barbican Theatre being a regional centre of excellence for young and emerging creatives. Plymouth Gin The home of Plymouth’s most famous export, Black Friars Distillery is the oldest working gin distillery in England. Make sure you pop in for a tour, where you can even make your own gin and stop by the shop to pick up a souvenir. visitplymouth.co.uk
Seven spots
for après sea enjoyment
After spending a sunny day enjoying the stunning Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, you’ll be ready to kick back and relax with a refreshing drink or bite to eat. ROYAL WILLIAM YARD Surround yourself with beautiful historic buildings and grab a seat by the marina, or on the Yard’s sun-drenched lawn. There’s plenty of bars and restaurants to visit here, why not try wine tasting at Le Vignoble followed by a delicious meal at Bistrot Pierre. THE TERRACE With incredible views across Plymouth Sound, The Terrace is the perfect place to stop for dinner or drinks after a day enjoying the ocean and they even host regular events with top DJs performing. PIER ONE Another bar and restaurant with an unbeatable setting, Pier One is set into the cliffs of Plymouth Hoe on the same site where Plymouth’s historic pier, sadly destroyed during World War II, once stood. With floor to ceiling glass windows, it offers amazing views whatever the weather.
HISTORIC BARBICAN PUBS As the thriving historic heart of Plymouth, the Barbican is home to plenty of brilliant traditional pubs many of which offer outdoor seating and views of the harbour. THE BRIDGE AT MOUNT BATTEN Next door to the busy Yacht Haven Marina, The Bridge is no distance from the waterfront. Enjoy the views and soak up the sun on the terrace or grab a seat in the conservatory on cooler days. They serve up delicious food all day long and boast a carefully curated wine list. OCEAN VIEW BAR & DINING Step inside Ocean View and enjoy the sumptuous Art Deco interiors with all the opulence of a 1930s ocean liner. In an enviable position on Plymouth Hoe, there’s panoramic views over the water and the menu makes the most of fresh, regional produce – plus there’s an impressive drinks menu. CITY CENTRE Fancy a cocktail? Head to the buzzing city centre, just a few minutes' walk from the waterfront and home to a great range of popular bars and restaurants including Las Iguanas, Cosy Club, Turtle Bay and The Treasury to name but a few. visitplymouth.co.uk
All kinds of amazing This summer make sure you visit The Box, Plymouth’s brand new museum, archive and gallery. There’s so much to see and do, from giant figureheads and a mammoth, to fascinating film footage and voyages that changed the world. While in Plymouth, why not discover 400 years of history at Elizabethan House and take in the incredible views from Smeaton’s Tower? Three visitor attractions – one amazing day out.
Plan your visit now theboxplymouth.com
DISCOVER PLYMOUTH WITH GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY
Book your train to Plymouth at GWR.com, on our App, or at a station.