- Plymouth's Barbican area contains one of the largest concentrations of cobbled streets and Tudor/Jacobean buildings in the United Kingdom.
- The city was significantly rebuilt following the 'Plymouth Blitz' during World War II, resulting in a distinct mid-20th-century urban architectural character.
- Plymouth Sound is a natural harbour that was designated as the UK's first National Marine Park in 2019.
- Smeaton’s Tower was originally built on the Eddystone Rocks in 1759 before being meticulously dismantled and moved to the Hoe in the 1880s.
- The city is home to the oldest working gin distillery in England, which has been in operation since 1793.
About Plymouth
Plymouth is a historic port city on the south coast of Devon, famously known as the departure point of the Mayflower in 1620. Its waterfront identity is anchored by the iconic Smeaton's Tower, which overlooks the expansive Hoe Park. The city serves as a hub for maritime culture, housing the vast National Marine Aquarium and the comprehensive cultural collections at The Box. Beyond the city center, the landscape transitions into the stately grounds of National Trust - Saltram, showcasing 18th-century architecture and expansive gardens.
Highlights of Plymouth
The places our editors single out — and why they're worth your time.
Places of interest
Climb the red-and-white lighthouse for panoramic views of the Sound.
Museums
Explore the city's maritime and natural history collections within this multi-disciplinary hub.
Zoos
Observe diverse marine life including sharks and rays in this massive waterfront aquarium.
Parks
Walk the expansive cliff-top green space that served as a strategic military lookout.
Places of interest
Tour the grand interiors and formal gardens of this preserved Georgian estate.
Natural attractions
Hike through woodland trails and across the historic railway viaduct.
Places of interest
Watch cross-channel ferries pass through the narrow channel from this strategic headland viewpoint.
Historical places
Reflect at this prominent memorial commemorating thousands of naval personnel lost at sea.
Top things to do in Plymouth
The 246 highest-rated places in Plymouth, ranked by travellers.
1
Parks
Plymouth Hoe is a historic public park situated on a limestone cliff overlooking Plymouth Sound. The site is anchored by...
2
Zoos
The National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is the largest public aquarium in the United Kingdom. It is operated by the Oce...
3
Places of interest
Cotehele Mill is a fully restored 19th-century water-powered corn mill located on the Cotehele estate in Cornwall. The m...
4
Zoos
Dartmoor Zoo is a 33-acre conservation centre situated on the edge of Dartmoor National Park. It is globally recognized...
5
Places of interest
Saltram is a Grade I listed Georgian mansion located in Plymouth, Devon, known for its extensive collection of original...
6
Historical places
The Plymouth Naval Memorial is a Grade II listed Portland stone obelisk designed by architect Sir Robert Lorimer to comm...
7
Parks
Central Park is the largest municipal park in Plymouth, spanning over 50 hectares of green space. It serves as a central...
8
Places of interest
Adrenalin Quarry is a former limestone quarry near Liskeard, Cornwall, repurposed into a high-adrenaline outdoor activit...
9
Parks
Lydford Gorge is the deepest river gorge in the South West of England, carved by the River Lyd through Devonian slate. T...
10
Historical places
Mount Edgcumbe House is a Tudor-style manor built in 1547, serving as the former seat of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Th...
11
Museums
The Box is Plymouth's multi-disciplinary cultural center, housed in a repurposed Edwardian museum building expanded with...
12
Places of interest
Buckland Abbey is a historic site in Devon that functioned as a Cistercian monastery before being converted into a priva...
13
Venues
Home Park Stadium is the home ground of Plymouth Argyle Football Club, located in Central Park, Plymouth. The stadium cu...
14
Natural attractions
Plymbridge Woods is a sheltered river valley located on the northern edge of Plymouth, managed by the National Trust. Th...
15
Places of interest
Smeaton's Tower is a historic 72-foot lighthouse originally constructed on the Eddystone Reef in 1759. The structure was...
16
Parks
West Hoe Park is a coastal recreational space in Plymouth featuring a dedicated children's play area, a mini-golf course...
17
Places of interest
Antony is a Grade I listed 18th-century country house located on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall, serving as the ancestra...
18
Parks
Freedom Fields Park is a historic urban green space in Plymouth, site of a pivotal 1646 Battle of Plymouth during the En...
19
Places of interest
Devil's Point is a dramatic headland located at the confluence of the River Tamar and Plymouth Sound. It offers unobstru...
20
Parks
The Meadows, often referred to as Tavistock Park, is a primary public green space situated along the banks of the River...
21
Historical places
Foggintor Quarry is a significant industrial archaeological site located within Dartmoor National Park, once a primary s...
22
Museums
Dartmoor Prison Museum is located within the grounds of HM Prison Dartmoor, a Category C jail in Princetown, Devon. The...
23
Parks
Beaumont Park is a Victorian-era urban park situated in the St Judes area of Plymouth. It retains original period featur...
24
Venues
Polhawn Fort is a Napoleonic-era coastal fortification situated on the Rame Peninsula in Cornwall, overlooking Whitsand...
25
Beaches and ponds
Jennycliff Beach is a shingle and pebble cove located on the eastern side of Plymouth Sound, notable for its direct view...
26
Parks
Radford Park is a 15-acre historical woodland and meadow site located in the Plymstock area of Plymouth, centered around...
27
Venues
The Theatre Royal Plymouth is the largest and best-attended regional producing theatre in the UK. It features three dist...
28
Beaches and ponds
29
Natural attractions
30
Parks
Mount Wise Pools is a historic, outdoor swimming facility located in the Devonport area of Plymouth, overlooking the Ham...
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Plymouth on the map
Top attractions plotted across the city.
Plan your visit to Plymouth
June to August offers the mildest weather for exploring the waterfront, though September is ideal for quieter trails in Plymbridge Woods.
3 days to balance the city-center museums with the surrounding National Trust estates and coastal parks.
The city center is walkable, while ferries provide essential transit to coastal points like Mount Edgcumbe and Devil's Point.
The Barbican area offers proximity to historic landmarks and the harbour, while the Hoe provides scenic coastal views and easy access to central attractions.
Mid-range; accommodation and dining costs are generally lower than in major metropolitan centers like London.
Frequently asked
Aventuro lists 246 curated attractions in and around Plymouth, ranked by traveller ratings.
Hoe Park is the highest-rated place to visit in Plymouth right now.
The largest category is temples, with 87 places to explore.
Travellers also explore London, North Kensington, Manchester.
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