Top places to visit in Plymouth

Begin your first day in Plymouth with a visit to a true Janner institution, Cap’n Jaspers. Since opening its shutters in 1978, the quirky made-to-order restaurant has become legendary with locals for its affordable cups of tea and coffee (and accompanying mug deposit scheme), the ‘Jasperizer’ (a bacon burger stacked on top of a cheeseburger), and ‘Half a Yard of Hot Dog’ (yep, you read that right). If you’re not up to the challenge of stomaching 18 inches of sausage for breakfast, then a ‘Big J’ (otherwise known as the Fisherman’s Breakfast) is a stellar choice for your first meal of the day – sausage, egg, and bacon in a bap or a stick for under £6!  

The cobbled streets and independent shops of the Barbican make it one of the most charming districts of the city. A stroll through Southside Street will see you pass sweet shops, Jacka Bakery (the oldest commercial bakery in Great Britain), and the Plymouth Gin Distillery. If you’re feeling peckish and haven’t been put off by your recent visit to the aquarium, there’s plenty of award-winning fish and chip shops about too. You can’t go wrong with simply grabbing a drink from one of the waterfront bars and soaking up the Barbican’s unique atmosphere.

Don’t miss the Mayflower Steps – the spot where the Pilgrim Fathers set sail from in 1620 before eventually landing and settling in modern day USA.

Just a short walk from the Barbican, the Hoe is the ideal place to soak up the spectacular sights that the Ocean City has to offer. Take a trip up Smeaton’s Tower, a former lighthouse that has become Plymouth’s most recognisable landmark. After climbing the 93 steps inside, take the time to admire the gorgeous views over Plymouth Sound. See if you can spot the place where Sir Francis Drake famously finished his game of bowls after being informed of the oncoming Spanish Armada. In the warmer weather, you may fancy a dip in Tinside Lido, an Art Deco outdoor swimming pool, to cool off.  

Fun fact - Fans of the Beatles can follow in the footsteps of the Fab Four, as a copper mould marks the exact spot where the band sat whilst visiting the city in the late 1960s. 

Your home for the evening is the luxurious Boringdon Hall, a five-star manor house complete with relaxing spa facilities and Michelin Star dining. Drop off your bags and indulge in a treatment at the exclusive Gaia Spa, before making your way to Àclèaf for your dinner reservation. It’s only right you treat yourself after a day of adventure. 

Start your day right by immersing yourself in nature at Saltram House, a National Trust property overlooking the River Plym. It’s surrounded by gardens, greenery and woodland walks, making it an ideal place to get some fresh air and morning steps in. There is a fee to visit the house and gardens, however there are a number paths and trails nearby that can be explored free of charge. Make sure to grab a bite to eat and a cup of coffee for breakfast at the Park Café to fuel up for the day ahead.  

Since opening its doors in 2020, The Box has rapidly become one of Plymouth’s must-visit attractions. The award-winning museum, art gallery, and archive innovatively displays an array of interesting topics such as natural history, moving image, and social and maritime history. You can have a go at presenting the local news in the Media Lab’s mock TV studio or travel back in time and come face-to-face with a life-size Woolly Mammoth!

Hop on the Cremyll Ferry from the Royal William Yard (more on that later) to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park for an unforgettable afternoon. Whether you fancy strolling around the gardens, trekking with alpacas, or a game of frisbee golf – there’s something for everyone. With spectacular views over Plymouth, a picnic by the folly ruins is an absolute must.   

Dinner is served at Plymouth’s trendiest district, the Royal William Yard. In recent history, the former Royal Navy victualling yard has been transformed into a vibrant destination for food, drinks, and culture. Admire one of the best views in the city, as the sun sets over the water, and take your pick from one of the Yard’s many eateries. Bistrot Pierre, a great value French restaurant, is popular with locals. Soak up the evening atmosphere with a glass of red (or two) from Le Vignoble, a neighbouring independent wine bar.