Kerry & Gavin's Guidebook
Sightseeing
Magical formal and landscaped gardens, with no admission charge. Catch the ferry from Stonehouse to Cremyll or, in summer, from the Royal William Yard or the Barbican. The cream teas at the Orangery restaurant are excellent, whilst the Edgcumbe Arms is a nice spot to have a drink with outside tables overlooking the River Tamar.
There are numerous walks, including to the pretty twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand, which have several pubs, and from the beach at Cawsand you can catch a pleasant 30-minute boat trip back to Plymouth's Barbican. Alternatively, you can do the trip in reverse: catch the boat from the Barbican to Cawsand, walk through the Country Park back to Cremyll (about three miles - either 'over the top', or following the coast), and get the ferry back to Plymouth.
144 moradores locais recomendam
Casa e Parque Country de Mount Edgcumbe
Magical formal and landscaped gardens, with no admission charge. Catch the ferry from Stonehouse to Cremyll or, in summer, from the Royal William Yard or the Barbican. The cream teas at the Orangery restaurant are excellent, whilst the Edgcumbe Arms is a nice spot to have a drink with outside tables overlooking the River Tamar.
There are numerous walks, including to the pretty twin villages of Cawsand and Kingsand, which have several pubs, and from the beach at Cawsand you can catch a pleasant 30-minute boat trip back to Plymouth's Barbican. Alternatively, you can do the trip in reverse: catch the boat from the Barbican to Cawsand, walk through the Country Park back to Cremyll (about three miles - either 'over the top', or following the coast), and get the ferry back to Plymouth.
Famous for its beautiful Art Deco hotel, from where Agatha Christie wrote two of her novels, the Island is accessed, at low tide, across the excellent beach at Bigbury-on-Sea, or, at high tide, via the unique sea tractor. The Island's charming 14th century Pilchard Inn is well worth a visit.
64 moradores locais recomendam
Burgh Island Hotel
Famous for its beautiful Art Deco hotel, from where Agatha Christie wrote two of her novels, the Island is accessed, at low tide, across the excellent beach at Bigbury-on-Sea, or, at high tide, via the unique sea tractor. The Island's charming 14th century Pilchard Inn is well worth a visit.
Visiting 'Britain's Ocean City' and not going on the water, is like visiting Paris and not going to the Eiffel Tower! Plymouth Boat Trips offer a wide selection of sailings, including ferries to Mount Edgcumbe and Cawsand, and cruises up the Yealm estuary, to see the warships at Devonport Dockyard, and to Calstock with its magnificent viaduct.
19 moradores locais recomendam
Plymouth Boat Trips
Madeira RoadVisiting 'Britain's Ocean City' and not going on the water, is like visiting Paris and not going to the Eiffel Tower! Plymouth Boat Trips offer a wide selection of sailings, including ferries to Mount Edgcumbe and Cawsand, and cruises up the Yealm estuary, to see the warships at Devonport Dockyard, and to Calstock with its magnificent viaduct.
A range of tours, starting at £15, of the UK's oldest working distillery, on Plymouth's historic Barbican - with, of course, a glass, or miniature bottle, of Plymouth Gin included in the price.
65 moradores locais recomendam
Plymouth Gin Distillery
60 Southside StA range of tours, starting at £15, of the UK's oldest working distillery, on Plymouth's historic Barbican - with, of course, a glass, or miniature bottle, of Plymouth Gin included in the price.
With stunning views across to the South Hams, Drake's Island, and Cornwall, the Hoe, complete with two iconic landmarks - the Art Deco Tinside lido, and Smeaton's Tower lighthouse - plus the Citadel army barracks, is a must-see for all visitors to Plymouth.
81 moradores locais recomendam
Parque Hoe
4 Osborne PlWith stunning views across to the South Hams, Drake's Island, and Cornwall, the Hoe, complete with two iconic landmarks - the Art Deco Tinside lido, and Smeaton's Tower lighthouse - plus the Citadel army barracks, is a must-see for all visitors to Plymouth.
The Barbican's cobbled streets are full of historic buildings, gift shops, waterside places to eat and drink, and, of course, the Mayflower Steps, from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in 1620 (the Mayflower Museum is close to the steps).
The Barbican can get very 'lively' on Friday and Saturday evenings, so probably best avoided during these periods if you prefer somewhere quiet!
141 moradores locais recomendam
Barbican
The Barbican's cobbled streets are full of historic buildings, gift shops, waterside places to eat and drink, and, of course, the Mayflower Steps, from which the Pilgrim Fathers set sail in 1620 (the Mayflower Museum is close to the steps).
The Barbican can get very 'lively' on Friday and Saturday evenings, so probably best avoided during these periods if you prefer somewhere quiet!
With its grand Grade 1-listed architecture, waterside location, Royal Naval history, and collection of bars and restaurants, the Royal William Yard (don't listen to Airbnb's description - it's not a clothes' shop!) is a great place to spend a civilised few hours.
150 moradores locais recomendam
Royal William Yard
With its grand Grade 1-listed architecture, waterside location, Royal Naval history, and collection of bars and restaurants, the Royal William Yard (don't listen to Airbnb's description - it's not a clothes' shop!) is a great place to spend a civilised few hours.
Tavistock is a small but vibrant market town north of Plymouth. It has a bustling pannier market (Tuesdays to Saturdays), impressive architecture, riverside walks, and is a great place from which to explore Dartmoor.
157 moradores locais recomendam
Tavistock
Tavistock is a small but vibrant market town north of Plymouth. It has a bustling pannier market (Tuesdays to Saturdays), impressive architecture, riverside walks, and is a great place from which to explore Dartmoor.
Very popular with the locals, Bovisand is probably the best beach close to Plymouth, with a narrow but deep stretch of sand at low tide. There's a couple of cafés, one either side of the bay, but, beware, the company in charge of the car parks is renowned for being very strict, so don't try to steal any free parking!
25 moradores locais recomendam
Bovisand Beach
Very popular with the locals, Bovisand is probably the best beach close to Plymouth, with a narrow but deep stretch of sand at low tide. There's a couple of cafés, one either side of the bay, but, beware, the company in charge of the car parks is renowned for being very strict, so don't try to steal any free parking!
National Trust-owned Georgian house and landscaped, riverside gardens in Plympton, on the edge of Plymouth. Haven't yet visited, but it's rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor!
62 moradores locais recomendam
National Trust - Saltram
National Trust-owned Georgian house and landscaped, riverside gardens in Plympton, on the edge of Plymouth. Haven't yet visited, but it's rated 4.5 on TripAdvisor!
Plymouth has a lot of parks, and Central Park, at 168 acres, is comfortably the largest. The edge of the park is just half-a-mile from the flat, and once there you will find numerous facilities including two cafés, tennis, bowls, and pitch and putt. It's also home to the Life Centre, which has a swimming pool, climbing wall, and gym.
The smaller, but still very nice, Mutley Park and Thorn Park are even closer to the flat.
14 moradores locais recomendam
Central Park, Plymouth
Plymouth has a lot of parks, and Central Park, at 168 acres, is comfortably the largest. The edge of the park is just half-a-mile from the flat, and once there you will find numerous facilities including two cafés, tennis, bowls, and pitch and putt. It's also home to the Life Centre, which has a swimming pool, climbing wall, and gym.
The smaller, but still very nice, Mutley Park and Thorn Park are even closer to the flat.
Located on the Barbican waterfront, and as its name suggests, the National Marine Aquarium is the largest Aquarium in the UK, and home
to over 4000 animals. They also run a series of events, including snorkel safaris.
208 moradores locais recomendam
Aquário Marinho Nacional
Located on the Barbican waterfront, and as its name suggests, the National Marine Aquarium is the largest Aquarium in the UK, and home
to over 4000 animals. They also run a series of events, including snorkel safaris.
An award-winning fusion of classical and contemporary, The Box opened in 2020 after a £46 million investment to transform the former Museum & Art Gallery. A great way to learn about the history of Plymouth, especially on a wet day!
56 moradores locais recomendam
Plymouth City Museum & Art Gallery
Tavistock PlaceAn award-winning fusion of classical and contemporary, The Box opened in 2020 after a £46 million investment to transform the former Museum & Art Gallery. A great way to learn about the history of Plymouth, especially on a wet day!
Catch the electric ferry from the Barbican to Mount Batten, a former RAF base, with great views back across to the Hoe and Barbican, either from the historic Tower on the hillside, or the stone pier that stretches over 900ft into Plymouth Sound.
Explore the South-West Coast Path easterly to Jennycliff (1 mile), or Bovisand (approximately 2.5 miles), or westerly back towards Plymouth, through the delightful village of Turnchapel with its brightly coloured cottages, and, a little further on, Hooe and Radford Lakes which are said to contain 17 shipwrecks, many of which are still visible.
15 moradores locais recomendam
Mount Batten
Catch the electric ferry from the Barbican to Mount Batten, a former RAF base, with great views back across to the Hoe and Barbican, either from the historic Tower on the hillside, or the stone pier that stretches over 900ft into Plymouth Sound.
Explore the South-West Coast Path easterly to Jennycliff (1 mile), or Bovisand (approximately 2.5 miles), or westerly back towards Plymouth, through the delightful village of Turnchapel with its brightly coloured cottages, and, a little further on, Hooe and Radford Lakes which are said to contain 17 shipwrecks, many of which are still visible.
One of Plymouth's better-kept secrets, you will find Mount Wise quieter than the likes of Mount Edgcumbe and Mount Batten, but still with great views across the water to the Royal William Yard and to Cornwall.
Like Mount Batten, it was formerly a military site, and is home to the towering Grade II-listed statue commemorating the explorer Captain Scott, whilst the promenade area has a mini-seaside feel, with swimming pools (seasonal), café and children's play area.
There's an outdoor gym at the neighbouring Mutton Cove, which itself is next door to the original part of Devonport Dockyard, including the landmark King Billy statue - a replica of the original figurehead from HMS Royal William, a 120-gun ship launched in 1833.
The 124-feet high Devonport Column and the Egyptian-style Odd Fellows Hall are both a short walk away.
Mount Wise Observation Tower
One of Plymouth's better-kept secrets, you will find Mount Wise quieter than the likes of Mount Edgcumbe and Mount Batten, but still with great views across the water to the Royal William Yard and to Cornwall.
Like Mount Batten, it was formerly a military site, and is home to the towering Grade II-listed statue commemorating the explorer Captain Scott, whilst the promenade area has a mini-seaside feel, with swimming pools (seasonal), café and children's play area.
There's an outdoor gym at the neighbouring Mutton Cove, which itself is next door to the original part of Devonport Dockyard, including the landmark King Billy statue - a replica of the original figurehead from HMS Royal William, a 120-gun ship launched in 1833.
The 124-feet high Devonport Column and the Egyptian-style Odd Fellows Hall are both a short walk away.
Just six miles from Plymouth, Dartmoor Zoo, whose story was made famous in the book ‘We Bought a Zoo’, and which became a hit movie starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including lions, tigers, otters, meerkats, zebras, and snakes.
83 moradores locais recomendam
Zoológico de Dartmoor
Just six miles from Plymouth, Dartmoor Zoo, whose story was made famous in the book ‘We Bought a Zoo’, and which became a hit movie starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson, is home to a wide variety of mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, including lions, tigers, otters, meerkats, zebras, and snakes.
Small, picturesque seaside town, divided in two by its river, Looe is a popular destination, with a sandy beach, stone banjo-shaped pier, and a good selection of independent shops. East Looe is the busier half, but a walk through West Looe, back onto the coast, affords excellent views of Looe Island.
Trains run from Plymouth, changing at Liskeard, from which the train sweeps down a horseshoe-shaped curve, before following the river into Looe.
Less than five miles away, the pretty fishing village of Polperro is also well worth a visit.
Looe Bay, Reino Unido
Small, picturesque seaside town, divided in two by its river, Looe is a popular destination, with a sandy beach, stone banjo-shaped pier, and a good selection of independent shops. East Looe is the busier half, but a walk through West Looe, back onto the coast, affords excellent views of Looe Island.
Trains run from Plymouth, changing at Liskeard, from which the train sweeps down a horseshoe-shaped curve, before following the river into Looe.
Less than five miles away, the pretty fishing village of Polperro is also well worth a visit.
Food Scene
From its location in the middle of a busy road junction, to walls and ceilings covered with vintage signage and beer mats, the Hyde Park is one of Plymouth's quirkiest pubs, and the closest one to the apartment. There's a varied menu of 'pub grub', and a good selection of drinks - they even have their own micro-brewery.
8 moradores locais recomendam
The Hyde Park
88 Mutley PlainFrom its location in the middle of a busy road junction, to walls and ceilings covered with vintage signage and beer mats, the Hyde Park is one of Plymouth's quirkiest pubs, and the closest one to the apartment. There's a varied menu of 'pub grub', and a good selection of drinks - they even have their own micro-brewery.
One of the nearest cafés located to the flat, The Early Bird, with an in-house bakery, opened in 2019, and has gone from strength to strength - earning a score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, adding an outdoor seating area, opening a second outlet in the city centre, and winning the title of best café in Devon in the Muddy Stilettos' awards in 2021.
The Early Bird
51 Mutley PlainOne of the nearest cafés located to the flat, The Early Bird, with an in-house bakery, opened in 2019, and has gone from strength to strength - earning a score of 4.5 on TripAdvisor, adding an outdoor seating area, opening a second outlet in the city centre, and winning the title of best café in Devon in the Muddy Stilettos' awards in 2021.
Just around the corner from the flat, Roam has a seven-beer taproom (other drinks are available), home-made sourdough pizza, and a bakery where cinnamon buns are the speciality.
Opening hours: Thursday and Friday: 4pm - 9pm / Saturday: 12pm - 9pm / Sunday: 4pm - 8pm.
Roam Brewing Company
Weston Park RoadJust around the corner from the flat, Roam has a seven-beer taproom (other drinks are available), home-made sourdough pizza, and a bakery where cinnamon buns are the speciality.
Opening hours: Thursday and Friday: 4pm - 9pm / Saturday: 12pm - 9pm / Sunday: 4pm - 8pm.
Ignore Airbnb's heading, this listing is for the Barbican Kitchen, not the Maritime Inn!
Located in the historic Plymouth Gin distillery and run by local celebrity chefs the Tanner brothers, the Michelin guide says:
An informal eatery in the Plymouth Gin Distillery (where gin was once distilled for the Navy). Brasserie menus offer a good choice of simply cooked dishes, with classic comfort food to the fore; vegetarians are well catered for.
106 moradores locais recomendam
The Barbican
The BarbicanIgnore Airbnb's heading, this listing is for the Barbican Kitchen, not the Maritime Inn!
Located in the historic Plymouth Gin distillery and run by local celebrity chefs the Tanner brothers, the Michelin guide says:
An informal eatery in the Plymouth Gin Distillery (where gin was once distilled for the Navy). Brasserie menus offer a good choice of simply cooked dishes, with classic comfort food to the fore; vegetarians are well catered for.
In a world of identikit chain eateries, the very authentic and naturally cool Cap'n Jasper's is a Plymouth institution. A fishermen's tea shack on the Barbican, overlooking the water, portions are large, queues can be long, and prices are low - just don't expect gourmet food!
11 moradores locais recomendam
Cap'n Jaspers
18 The BarbicanIn a world of identikit chain eateries, the very authentic and naturally cool Cap'n Jasper's is a Plymouth institution. A fishermen's tea shack on the Barbican, overlooking the water, portions are large, queues can be long, and prices are low - just don't expect gourmet food!
Activities
There’s a wide range of activities on offer at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre, including sailing, and two-hour taster sessions in stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. They also run kayak tours - a different way to explore Plymouth's coastal landmarks.
Mountbatten Water Sports Centre station
There’s a wide range of activities on offer at the Mount Batten Watersports and Activities Centre, including sailing, and two-hour taster sessions in stand-up paddleboarding, and kayaking. They also run kayak tours - a different way to explore Plymouth's coastal landmarks.
Hire bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, children's bikes - even tandems! Free parking is available at Plymouth Bike Hire's base in Plympton, from where you can cycle, amongst other routes, the former GWR railway line towards Tavistock.
Plymouth Bike Hire
Coypool RoadHire bikes, hybrid bikes, electric bikes, children's bikes - even tandems! Free parking is available at Plymouth Bike Hire's base in Plympton, from where you can cycle, amongst other routes, the former GWR railway line towards Tavistock.
The Plymouth Snowsports Centre is a dry slope, home to skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and tubing (using sno-tubes - large inflatable rings), with private and group lessons from age four upwards.
JNL Plymouth
The Plymouth Snowsports Centre is a dry slope, home to skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and tubing (using sno-tubes - large inflatable rings), with private and group lessons from age four upwards.