Last modified on Thursday 12th January, 2012.
Walks and Attractions In Plymouth
These are some of the many attractions in easy reach of Plymouth city centre. Many places offer reduced rates for parties and out of season visits. It is advisable to check current opening times and admission charges before setting out, either with the attraction or using the Website links provided. See also Plymouth Local Nature Reserves and Outside the City Centre.
The walk4life website has thousands of walks all over the country, including many in the Plymouth area. The website uses OS maps which can be printed at home, free of charge. Just put your postcode in to find walks in your neighbourhood.
Plymouth Hoe
Large grass area with superb views across Plymouth Sound, with its constantly changing panorama of ships and small boats. West Hoe Fun Park offers crazy golf, trampolines, and mini-marina with radio-controlled boats, miniature railway and giant airbed. There is a sensory garden on Plymouth Hoe, designed with the visually impaired in mind.
Smeaton’s Tower is a very well known Plymouth landmark. It was a functional lighthouse – originally built on the Eddystone Rock in 1759 and rebuilt on Plymouth Hoe in 1884. For full information visit the website by following the link above.
Plymouth Barbican
Visit the Barbican Waterfront website for full details of the area and events.
This is the historic heart of the city, where the Mayflower memorial commemorates the departure of the Pilgrim Fathers for the New World. It is a mix of cobbled streets, fishing boats, art galleries, and old buildings which escaped the ravages of the war.
Clay Art
The Barbican, Plymouth
“Paint Your Own Pottery” Cafe. Adults, teens and children of all ages are welcome to drop in at any time the studio is open. Customers select a piece of pottery, choose a design and paint. Staff then glaze and fire the piece and it is ready for collection in a few days. Open Tuesday to Sunday. Group bookings and birthday parties by arrangement.
Elizabethan House
The Barbican, Plymouth
Built in the late 16th century, it was the home of a real Tudor Sea Captain. The house is furnished with period furniture and has a courtyard garden. Open from April to early October. School visits by prior arrangement.
Tel: (01752) 304774.
Merchants House
Situated on the west side of St. Andrew’s Street, immediately south of the Magistrate’s Court. This 16th Century Jacobean town house is packed with Plymouth’s social history, including a huge variety of curiosities plus an 1870′s dolls house, a Victorian School Room, and entire pre-war local chemist’s shop and a room exploring life in the Blitz, a fascinating visit for all the family. For full information visit the website by following the link above.
Mount Batten Peninsula
Just a 5 minute boat ride away from the Barbican via the Mount Batten Ferry. Formerly belonging to the Ministry of Defence, and now redeveloped, there is access to the coastal footpath; also waterside events, breakwater promenade, pub and waterfront tower.
National Marine Aquarium
The Barbican, Plymouth
Contains one of the finest collections of marine animals in Europe, including a 2.5 million litre shark tank and a feature on the world of seahorses. Europe’s deepest aquarium tank can be viewed near the surface, mid-water and from the sea bed. There is a new walk through demi tunnel; also underwater shipwreck . . and more. School and pre-schools groups should telephone the Bookings Line on (01752) 600593 for more details. Explorocean – includes exhibits showcasing sustainable ocean-based energy sources.
There are daily talks right through the year.
Parties admitted at special rates. Open all year except Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Year’s Day. Entrance tickets can be purchased online at a discount). Family membership is available. Wheelchair access to all displays.
Plymouth Mayflower
3 – 5 The Barbican, Plymouth
Tel (01752) 306330.
A visitor centre for all the family, also incorporating the Tourist Information Centre. This interactive visitor attraction chronicles the rich history of Sutton Harbour and the Pilgrim Fathers through a series of special hands-on exhibits and displays of artefacts. Wheelchair access and disabled toilet.
Plymouth City Centre
City Centre Wildlife Trail
Nature spot while you shop with the City Centre Wildlife Trail. Use the self-guided wildlife trial to check out the flora and fauna as well as the shops. The two-mile circular walk goes around the waterfront from the city centre. Use the guide to learn more about what’s under the waves as well as roosting above the roof tops and test your knowledge in the wildlife quiz.
You can download a copy of the trail by following the weblink. Alternatively you can find a free larger copy at the Tourist Information Centre on the Barbican. Contact the Stepping Stones Team on steppingstones@plymouth.gov.uk or phone (01752) 307849
Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery
Drake Circus, Plymouth
Why not explore the museum with our family-friendly trails? Designed by our community arts management apprentice, they are available from our Welcome Desk in three different age ranges: under 5s, 6 to 10 year olds and 11 years+.
With pictures, questions and images they’re a fun and educational activity for children and their parents to do together. Translated trails will also be available soon. There’s even a reward for all those who take part.
Investigate nature in the fun natural history gallery Explore Nature. See nature ‘Inside Out’, explore different ways of ‘Using Nature’; find out more about the variety of ‘Pattern and Colour’ in the natural world, and discover why museums have a history of ‘Collecting Nature’. With feathers to feel, bugs to boggle at and pickled animals to peek at, this gallery is an interactive space for visitors to experience and enjoy.
The City Museum and Art Gallery frequently host exciting activities for families – check out the What’s On section for details.
Plymouth Pavilions
Millbay Road, Plymouth
Has something for everyone with a skating rink, swimming pool, cafes and bars and many varied shows in the large concert arena.
Plymouth Piazza
Armada Way, Plymouth
A large area in the city centre, which often hosts interesting events and is also the home of the Big Screen which brings films and other entertainment to the city centre.
Accessible by the Cremyll Ferry from Plymouth City Centre:
Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park
Cremyll, Torpoint, Cornwall
The house is a restored Tudor mansion standing in magnificent parkland with superb views of Plymouth Sound. Open for the summer season Sunday to Thursday. For more information visit the website or tel: (01752) 822236.
Information on tourist attractions, accommodation, places to eat, etc can be found at the Tourist Information Centre.
See also What’s On
