Things to do in Plymouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Plymouth which includes a coastal town and heritage architecture
Whitsand Bay Beach showing a sandy beach and flowers
Mt. Edgcumbe which includes a garden and flowers
Plymouth which includes street scenes, night scenes and a coastal town
Plymouth
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What to do in Plymouth

Popular places to visit

National Marine Aquarium which includes interior views and marine life

National Marine Aquarium

4.5/5(77 reviews)

Discover the creatures that live deep in the world’s oceans and learn about the importance of conservation at the largest aquarium in the U.K.

National Marine Aquarium
Smeatons Tower featuring a lighthouse

Hoe Park

4.5/5(114 reviews)

After visiting Hoe Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Plymouth. Discover the top-notch restaurants and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Hoe Park
Royal Citadel which includes signage, a castle and military items

Royal Citadel

This 17th-century stronghold was a bastion of military strength. Explore the walls and fortifications with a guided tour.

Royal Citadel
Elizabethan House featuring interior views and heritage elements

Elizabethan House

Step inside this wonderfully preserved house to see how a merchant or sea captain would have lived in the 1500s, a time when Plymouth was a prosperous port city.

Elizabethan House
Mayflower Steps which includes signage

Mayflower Steps

Among the fishing boats of Plymouth’s harbor is a memorial to the settlers who went on to found one of the first American colonies.

Mayflower Steps
Plymouth featuring a bar and interior views

Plymouth Gin Distillery

4.5/5(58 reviews)

Sip on expertly made gin in a historic distillery that has been making spirits for over two centuries in the same spot on Plymouth’s waterfront.

Plymouth Gin Distillery
Smeatons Tower showing a lighthouse as well as an individual male

Smeaton's Tower

4.5/5(5 reviews)

The centerpiece of Plymouth’s Hoe, this old-fashioned lighthouse is one of the most well-known landmarks in Devon.

Smeaton's Tower

University of Plymouth

4.5/5(37 reviews)

Explore the campus of University of Plymouth as part of your travels around Plymouth. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area or visit its lively bars.

University of Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

4/5(21 reviews)

If Derriford Hospital is what brings you to town, hopefully you'll have a chance to explore more of Plymouth.

Derriford Hospital

Areas of Plymouth

Smeatons Tower featuring a lighthouse

Barbican

4.5/5(105 area reviews)

Barbican is known for its ample dining options, and you can make a stop by Smeaton's Tower and Bowling Green while in the area.

Barbican
Plymouth showing heritage architecture and boating

Royal William Yard

Grandiose maritime buildings have been transformed into one of Plymouth’s trendiest spots, now a hub of restaurants, art galleries and family activities.

Royal William Yard
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Derriford

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

Derriford
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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 Drake Circus and Elizabethan House.

Beaumont
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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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West Hoe

While West Hoe isn't home to many top sights, Plymouth Pavilions and Theatre Royal, Plymouth are some notable places to visit nearby.

West Hoe
Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge

Photo "Devonport" by Tony Atkin (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Tony Atkin (CC BY-SA)

Devonport

Photo by Tony Bell

Milton Combe

Photo "Elburton" by Gwyn Jones (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Gwyn Jones (CC BY-SA)

Elburton

Photo by Kathy Appleby

Plymstock

Frequently asked questions

Is Plymouth worth visiting?
Plymouth offers an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Plymouth?
After you've checked off key attractions like Wembury Beach and Bovisand Bay Beach, spend some time discovering Plymouth's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Plymouth?
The top tourist attraction in Plymouth is Theatre Royal, Plymouth, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Plymouth?
Three days will be enough time to check out the leading city highlights, including Theatre Royal, Plymouth, Wembury Beach and Bovisand Bay Beach. The average stay in Plymouth is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Torquay isn't far away.
Is Plymouth a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Plymouth. Several key attractions, like Theatre Royal, Plymouth and Bovisand Bay Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Plymouth's neighbourhoods, Barbican is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Beaumont is 0.64 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Plymouth with kids?
Planning what to do in Plymouth with kids has never been easier. Whether you're holidaying with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Plymouth for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Plymouth, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Plymouth Gin Distillery or Plymouth Dome.
Are there free things to do in Plymouth?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Plymouth. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Wembury Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.

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