Days Out in Plymouth
Choose Your Day Out in Plymouth
Mount Edgcumbe
Things to do in Portsmouth
Discover Great Days Out in Plymouth
Devon is full of brilliant places to visit, so it would be easy to overlook Plymouth, here at Great Days Out we think that’s a mistake. Spend a day here and you’ll soon realise there’s something quite special about a city where history, beaches and family attractions all sit alongside one another. One minute you’re wandering around the historic Barbican, the next you’re watching boats drift across Plymouth Sound or exploring the UK’s largest aquarium. It’s the sort of place that gets under your skin without trying too hard.
Whether you’re planning a family day out, a weekend by the coast or simply somewhere different to explore, Plymouth is well worth adding to your Great Days Out list.
Looking for the best things to do in Plymouth? Don’t miss the National Marine Aquarium, The Barbican, Plymouth Hoe, Smeaton’s Tower, Tinside Lido and Royal William Yard. Add easy access to Dartmoor National Park and you’ve got one of the South West’s best coastal city breaks.
Sea More Than You Expect…
One of the things we love most about Plymouth is that the sea is never far away. One minute you’re wandering through centuries of history on The Barbican, the next you’re watching boats sail across the breath-taking Plymouth Sound or standing at the top of Smeaton’s Tower taking in some of the best coastal views in Devon. It somehow manages to feel like a historic city and a magical seaside destination all at the same time.
Things to do in Plymouth
If it’s your first visit to Plymouth, don’t be surprised if you’re greeted with an “Alright, me lover?” It’s the traditional welcome from proud locals, known as Janners, and you’ll soon discover it’s a city that likes to make visitors feel at home.
Once you’ve settled in, we’d start at the National Marine Aquarium. Home to the UK’s deepest aquarium tank and more than 5,000 sea creatures, it’s one of those attractions where you can easily lose half a day. Whether you’re watching sharks glide overhead, meeting colourful tropical fish, feeding turtles or even trying one of the aquarium’s unforgettable experiences, there’s something for every age.
Once you’ve finished there, take a walk around The Barbican. With its cobbled streets, independent shops, cafés and waterfront views, it’s one of Plymouth’s most recognisable areas and somewhere that’s perfect for slowing the pace down for a while and people watching the day away. Don’t forget to stop by the Mayflower Steps, where the Pilgrims famously set sail for America in 1620.
If you’re starting to feel peckish, it’s also worth making the short trip over to Royal William Yard. Once a Royal Navy victualling yard, it’s now one of Plymouth’s most popular waterfront destinations, packed with independent restaurants, cafés and bars. It’s the sort of place where lunch can easily turn into a couple of hours watching the boats come and go.
If you’ve still got some energy left, make your way over to Plymouth Hoe. Whether you’re climbing Smeaton’s Tower Lighthouse, relaxing on the grass or simply watching the boats come and go, it’s one of those places where you can happily while away an afternoon without really noticing the time passing.
Looking for a Little More Adventure?
If you’re travelling with children or young people who like to stay active, Plymouth has plenty to keep everyone entertained. Tinside Lido is one of the UK’s most iconic outdoor swimming pools and, on a sunny day, you’d be forgiven for thinking you’d found yourself somewhere on the Mediterranean rather than the South West of England. Built in 1935, Tinside Lido is a striking example of the popular Art Deco style of the time and is Grade II listed. It feels like stepping back in time, while still being one of Plymouth’s best places to cool off on a sunny day.
If the weather isn’t playing ball, don’t worry. Plymouth Life Centre is one of the country’s leading leisure centres, with swimming pools, flumes, climbing walls and activities that make it a brilliant rainy-day option for families.
Fancy getting out on the water? Boat trips around Plymouth Sound offer a completely different perspective of the city and, if you’re lucky, you might even spot seals or dolphins along the way. There are a range of providers who offer trips whether you’re looking for a harbour cruise, a ferry across the Sound or a sunset sailing trip, there is something for everyone.
The Best Bit? There’s Even More to Explore
One of the biggest advantages of visiting Plymouth is what’s waiting just beyond the city. Within half an hour you could be exploring the rugged beauty of Dartmoor National Park. With wide open moorland, winding rivers, ancient stone circles, wild ponies and some of the best walking routes in the South West make it one of those places that’s difficult not to fall in love with. If you’d rather take things at a slower pace, the Tamar Valley National Landscape offers beautiful riverside villages, scenic walks and boat trips, while Dartmoor Zoo is always a hit with younger families.
The hardest part about visiting Plymouth is knowing when to head home.
Fish & Chips… and Seafood Worth Shouting About
Being by the sea, you’d expect Plymouth to serve fantastic seafood, and it certainly delivers. Whether you’re enjoying traditional fish and chips overlooking the harbour, fresh seafood on The Barbican or relaxing in one of the city’s many independent cafés, there’s plenty of choice whatever your budget.
If seafood isn’t your thing, don’t worry. Plymouth has developed a fantastic food scene over the last few years, with everything from family-friendly restaurants and cosy pubs to international cuisine and waterfront dining. Want to know more about where to eat click here. One of the things we really like is that you never feel far from the water, so wherever you choose to eat, there’s a good chance you’ll have a harbour or sea view to go with it.
If you’re visiting without the children, or fancy learning a little more about the city’s history, the Plymouth Gin Distillery is well worth a visit too. Producing gin on the same site since 1793, it’s one of the oldest working gin distilleries in England and offers fascinating guided tours and tastings.
We’ve pulled together the attractions we’d recommend to our own friends and family, along with a few places that are easy to miss if you don’t know the area. Hopefully you’ll discover somewhere new while you’re here.
Know Somewhere We Should Feature?
At Great Days Out, we’re always looking to help families discover even more amazing places to visit across the UK. If you know a hidden gem, a fantastic family attraction or an experience you think should be featured, we’d love to hear about it.
Send an email to: info@great-days-out.co.uk and include:
- Name of attraction
- Website URL
- Type of experience
Own or manage an attraction in Plymouth? Get in touch to find out how your business can be featured on Great Days Out and reach families searching for their next adventure.
Is Plymouth worth visiting?
Aye, me lover! Plymouth combines everything you’d want from a South West day out: fascinating maritime history, family-friendly attractions, beautiful waterfront views and easy access to some of Devon’s best countryside. Whether you’re exploring the historic Barbican, visiting the National Marine Aquarium or heading into Dartmoor, it’s a city that offers far more than many people expect. It’s one of those places that quietly gets under your skin—and that’s why so many people find themselves coming back.
Map of Plymouth
More Days Out in Devon
If you are looking for more Days Out in Devon , there is something for everyone across the region.
