Plymouth
Plymouth City Guide
Introduction
Plymouth, which stands loftily above a sheltered coastal basin – the Plymouth Sound – at the confluence of the Plym, Tavy and Tamar estuaries, has for centuries been an important naval base, sea port and shipbuilding centre. It was from Plymouth Harbour that Sir Frances Drake set sail towards his victory over the Spanish Armada in 1588. The harbour was also the departure point of the Mayflower ship, whose passengers set up the key colony that established British settlement in North America. The city is situated in the county of Devon, a beautifully rugged and rural corner of south west England.
Attractions
Plymouth Hoe
The best place to get your bearings upon arrival in the city is Plymouth Hoe, the enormous esplanade. Dotted along it are various memorials that serve as a reminder of Plymouth’s important naval past. There’s a large white naval war memorial, a monument commemorating the British victory over the Spanish Armada, and a statue of Sir Francis Drake, Devon’s most famous naval officer and navigator, who set sail on his expeditions against the Spanish from Plymouth harbour.
Smeaton’s Tower
The most striking landmark on the esplanade is Smeaton’s Tower, a lighthouse originally built in 1760 to protect mariners from the perilous Eddystone Rocks, several miles off the coast. It was moved to its current location in the late 19th century after being replaced by a newer, larger lighthouse. There are just under 100 steps to climb and it’s worth going to the top for the wonderful views of the Plymouth Sound. The adjacent Plymouth Dome, which houses an exhibition on the history of the local area including Smeaton’s Tower and other local lighthouses, is currently closed for refurbishment.
Royal Citadel
This impressive defensive fortress gives an impression of the size and importance of Plymouth as a naval port in centuries past. It was built in the mid 17th century and has been modified several times since. Visits by guided tour are available from March to September.
Naval Base visitor centre
The Royal Navy still has a significant presence in Plymouth, as evidenced by the large naval base at Devonport. There’s a visitor centre at the base, with visits by pre-arranged guided tour only. You’ll be taken by coach to see the vast number of Royal Navy vessels – Devonport is home to half the fleet – and there’s a fascinating museum with historic maps, uniforms, documents, photographs and other naval artefacts.
The Barbican and the Mayflower Centre
The Barbican, the area surrounding the old Sutton Harbour, is the historic centre of Plymouth. Here you’ll find the Mayflower Steps, which commemorate the sailing of the ‘Pilgrim Fathers’ to North America. Just around the corner is the Plymouth Mayflower Centre, an interactive exhibition outlining the history of the Mayflower voyage and examining what life was like for the 17th century colonists. Also in the Barbican area is the historic Elizabethan House, a restored sea captain’s residence with period furniture and oak-beamed ceilings.
Merchant’s House
You can also step back in time to get a feel for Plymouth of days gone by at the stunning Merchant’s House, a 17th century building which is now home to a museum with varied collections, from local artefacts and curiosities to a recreated Victorian classroom and an old pharmacy.
National Marine Aquarium
This state-of-the-art, purpose-built aquarium is one of the best in Britain and it’s educational yet great fun. It’s set over three levels and the displays recreate a wide range of marine habitats from freshwater streams to tropical reefs and the deep sea.
Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery
Housed in a beautifully grand granite building, the Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery contains a fascinating collection of fine art, ceramics and decorative art as well as interesting sections on social and natural history. Entry is free so you can come and go at your leisure.
Dartmoor
Plymouth stands on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, an area of rugged and remote beauty. The landscape is a wilderness of bracken-covered moors, babbling brooks and prehistoric stone circles. It’s great for lovers of the outdoors, with plenty of opportunities for hiking, fishing, cycling and watersports.
Eating Out
Most of Plymouth’s best restaurants are centred around the Barbican area. Fish and seafood is of course a local speciality. Piermaster’s on Southside Street has a good reputation for fresh seafood dishes, as does Chandlers Bistro at Queen Anne’s Battery. There’s no shortage of good ethnic restaurants either. Eastern Eye on Notte Street and Himalayan Spice on New Street are two local favourites for Indian cuisine, while the Crystal Dragon on Southside Street and the Fortune Court at Sutton Harbour serve up the tastiest Chinese dishes. For something a little different, try Zeus Greek restaurant on Cornwall Street, a family-friendly establishment that serves a variety of Greek stews, steaks and fish dishes.
Nightlife
There are still plenty of traditional pubs in Plymouth, many of which are popular with fishermen and naval workers. The Dolphin on Southside Street and the Brown Bear on Chapel Street are popular with locals. Meanwhile, Bar Ride on Sherwell Arcade has a cool and funky vibe, and the Latin-themed Cuba Bar, also on Sherwell Arcade, is renowned for its fantastic cocktail menu as well as the tasty traditional breakfasts it serves up during the day. The best clubs are Zanzibar and Pilgrimage, two enormous venues that play a wide mix of music to suit everyone’s tastes.
