10 Best Things To Do In Plymouth, England

1. National Marine Aquarium

Established in 1988 the National Marine Aquarium is ideally located between the Barbican and the fish market. The iconic building has become a well known landmark within Plymouth’s cityscape. First and foremost, the National Marine Aquarium is a consideration centre and this is evident throughout your time at the centre - they take every opportunity to educate their visitors in a fun and engaging way.

No doubt you will leave the National Marine Aquarium inspired to save the seas and all who live in them. The National Marine Aquarium’s most recent venture is its ‘Sleeping with the Sharks’ project. Visitors are invited for a sleepover under the shark enclosure to learn about life in the oceans and how fragile marine environments can be. An exciting and engaging experience for all the family.

National Marine Aquarium

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth PL4 0LF, UK

Website: National Marine Aquarium

2. Plymouth Hoe

The Plymouth Hoe is the beating heart of Plymouth and incorporates the iconic Smeaton Tower, views of the Plymouth Sound and the wonderfully natural harbor, widely regarded as one of the most picturesque in the world. Towards the eastern side of the Plymouth Hoe you will find the Royal Citadel, built in the 17th-century as a fortress of defense against attacks coming in from the sea. As your eye is drawn down the line of the Hoe you will see the Art Deco Inside Lido, which is open for swimming and bathing during the summer.

The Plymouth Hoe hosts a wide variety of events throughout the year. Home of the British Fireworks Championships, time your visit right to see the night skies sparkle, glitter and pop. The Plymouth Armed Forces weekend is a great occasion for celebration with military displays and memorabilia on exhibit across the weekend.

Plymouth Hoe

Address: Plymouth Hoe, PL1 2NY, UK

Website: Plymouth Hoe

3. Plymouth Sound

Locally referred to as simply ‘The Sound’ the Plymouth Sound is a rocky bay that is 3 miles (6 km) in length, starting in the southwest corner of Penlee Point in Cornwall and ending at the south easterly point of Wembury Point in the county of Devon. The most northerly point is the Plymouth Hoe as mentioned above.

As you travel from west to east along the Plymouth Sound you will be struck by the change in geology. As you head northward the rocks become younger; in the southernmost areas such as Andurn Point the geology features mostly red and green slate. Explore the Plymouth Sound by car and stop at strategic view points for some excellent panoramic photos.

Plymouth Sound

Address: Plymouth Sound, PL1 2NY, UK

Website: Plymouth Sound

4. Saltram Manor House and Gardens

Saltram Manor House and Gardens overlook the gorgeous River Plym and are set on rolling hills and gorgeous, lush, green countryside. With an interesting and intriguing history, Saltram offers guests guided tours of the property where they are welcomed to learn and ask about the heritage of this National Trust protected building and grounds. For those interested in gardening be sure not to miss the wonderful orangery, of which the Saltram landscaping and gardening team are immensely proud of.

Saltram House is full of treasures waiting to be discovered; seasonal programs mean that at whatever time of the year you visit this stately manor, you will find something new and exiting to see. The gardens and grounds are open to dogs provided they are kept on their leads. Throughout the summer months Saltram offers garden tours and expert advice to their green-fingered visitors.

Saltram Manor House and Gardens

Address: Plympton, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 1UH, UK

Website: Saltram Manor House and Gardens

5. Crownhill Fort

Crownhill Fort was constructed during the Victorian era and to this day is one of England’s best preserved Victorian defenses. Now managed by the Landmark Trust, Crownhill Fort is open to the public on the last Friday of each month and has special event days too. During the spring they host their Firepower Day where visitors can experience historic artillery guns in action!

The Crownhill Fort is available for special private hire and can sleep up to eight people in their self-catering accommodation. Guests can opt to stay in the Officer’s Quarters and the fully furnished living areas are a great way to step back in time and immerse yourself in some of England’s best-preserved history. From as little as 13 GBP (16 USD) per person per night, you won’t find another Victorian Fort for a better price!

Crownhill Fort

Address: Crownhill Fort Rd, Plymouth PL6 5BX, UK

Website: Crownhill Fort

6. Sutton Harbour

Sutton Harbour is the buzzing centre of Plymouth. Close to the National Marine Aquarium and Plymouth Sound you’ll be hard pressed to avoid Sutton Habour during your stay…and who would want to?! With wonderful views of the water, especially at sunset, get your camera at the ready to capture some of the best sunset views in all of the UK. As the sun sets in front of the Plymouth Hoe, the tall ships and yachts become fabulously silhouetted by the burning red skies.

From Sutton Harbour you can join Plymouth’s Stand Up Paddle crew. Find your balance and explore the harbor waters with the help of a paddle and a board. Great fun and a great workout, Stand Up Paddle Boarding is fast becoming Sutton Harbour’s most popular activity.

Sutton Harbour

Address: Harbour Car Park, Lockyers Quay, Sutton Harbour, Plymouth, PL4 ODX, UK

Website: Sutton Harbour

7. Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

The Devonport Naval Heritage Centre holds records of the vital role Plymouth has played in supporting the Royal Navy though major military conflicts since 1300, including both World Wars. The Devonport Naval Heritage Centre has the decommissioned naval submarine ‘Courageous’ on display and is a great chance to see a real life submarine up close. Featuring some wonderfully painted figure heads of historical characters, the Devonport Naval Heritage Centre is a must-visit for anyone with a keen interest in maritime history.

Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

Address: Devonport Naval Heritage Centre, Plymouth, UK

Website: Devonport Naval Heritage Centre

8. Burrator Reservoir

The Burrator Reservoir is a charming example of peaceful British countryside and lies just outside of Plymouth city centre to the south side of Dartmoor National Park. Providing a stark contrast to the barren Dartmoor moors, the Burrator Reservoir has a variety of woodland and is home to a great deal of wildlife, including badgers, foxes and deer. Burrator Reservoir has official footpaths, cycle paths and bridleways and as such is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike.

Admission to the Burrator Reservoir is free and visitors are encouraged to respect the countryside code; leave no litter and be responsible dog walkers. During the autumn, walks around the Burrator Reservoir are particularly beautiful as the orange and red leaves fall to the soft, muddy woodland floor. Burrator Reservoir has an easy to follow circular walking route that takes most people under two hours to complete.

Burrator Reservoir

Address: Burrator Reservoir, Yelverton, Devon, PL20 6PE, UK

Website: Burrator Reservoir

9. Plymouth Gin Distillery

Plymouth Gin Distillery has produced one of the world’s most iconic gins from their factory in central Plymouth since 1793. As one of the world’s first formal gin distillers, Plymouth Gin Distillery proudly open their doors to visitors and invite them to join a 40 minute tour of their impressive facility. At the end of the tour guests are given the choice of a complimentary miniature bottle of Plymouth’s famous gin or a G&T in the Refectory Bar.

For gin enthusiasts, perhaps the Master’s Tour for 40 GBP (51 USD) would be more appropriate. The two and a half hour tour takes you comprehensively through the distilling process in this distilling masterclass. Booking ahead is highly recommend as this tour can sell out three weeks in advance!

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Address: Black Friars Distillery, 60 Southside Street, The Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LQ, UK

Website: Plymouth Gin Distillery

10. The Theatre Royal

Plymouth’s Theatre Royal is the most popular theatre in Devon and along with the Bristol Hippodrome is amongst the first to host shows and musicals when they leave the West End in London to start their country wide tours. Hosting big name shows like Sister Act with superstars like Alexandra Burke, audiences come from far and wide to see shows at the Theatre Royal. Located at the very centre of Plymouth the Theatre Royal is within walking distance of all the most sought after hotels and guesthouses.

The Theatre Royal has recently started running Backstage Tours of the theatre. Visitors are given exclusive access to the dressing rooms, costume design studios and lighting and sound desks to gain an understanding as to what life in the theatre is really like. Tours are very reasonably priced at 7 GBP (8.5 USD) or to include a cream tea at the on site cafe, add an extra 3 GBP per person (3.4 USD).

The Theatre Royal

Address: Theatre Royal Plymouth, Royal Parade, Plymouth PL1 2TR, UK

Website: The Theatre Royal

Only the best things to do in Plymouth

From a cheeky tipple of gin to a gentle stroll around the reservoir, from the bright lights of the Theatre Royal to the ever intriguing National Marine Aquarium, Plymouth always has something up its sleeve to keep you entertained and keep you snapping away with your camera.