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History & heritage

Feel the spirit of discovery

The Barbican area in Plymouth is one of the oldest and beautifully preserved original trading ports, dating back to the time of Sir Francis Drake and Sir Walter Raleigh. It was the original embarkation point for the Mayflower as it made its voyage to the New World of America, discover the Pilgrims story and that of other famous voyages at the Plymuth Mayflower Exhibition. Plymouth Gin distillery, located on the Barbican, offers tours of Black Friars distillery, the oldest working gin distillery in the world. The National Marine Aquarium is also located on the Barbican and features the United Kingdom largest collections of marine life in amazing deep tanks. The Barbican is now the centre for restaurants and leisure dining and entertainment.

Plymouth Hoe, where Sir Francis Drake famously finished his game of bowls before defeating the Spanish Armada, overlooks Plymouth Sound with fantastic views across to Cornwall and Devon. This was the site where the Beatles were captured in that iconic image for the 1967 film Magical Mystery Tour. The Hoe features a Victorian waterfront promenade which overlooks the recently restored art deco Tinside Lido.

Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery was established in 1910 and has recently reopened after extensive renovation to national acclaim. It now also features fun events for adults and children in this veritable treasure trove. It contains 10 permanent galleries showcasing objects and artefacts from its fine art, decorative art, human history and natural history collections. These are complemented by a series of changing exhibitions throughout the year - some of which are curated in-house and others which are touring from national galleries.

The National Trust has several properties in the area including Saltram House in Plymouth, Cotehele House in the Tamar Valley and the former home of Sir Francis Drake, Buckland Abbey, near Tavistock.

Cotehele House, an ancient and captivating National Trust property set amidst rolling Cornish countryside, was the seat of the local Edgecumbe family for over 500 years.  Set in a secluded spot in the Tamar Valley, Cotehele is a rare gem. With its historic house, beautiful gardens, quay and working watermill, there is something for the whole family to enjoy all year round.

Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park is just a short boat ride over the Tamar and is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe.  Its magnificent Grade I listed house sits majestically overlooking the beautiful gardens, and to the open sea beyond.

Smeaton's Tower, located on Plymouth Hoe is famous throughout the world as the first wave-washed lighthouse to be built of interlocking stonework by John Smeaton. When it was replaced in 1882 by the Douglas lighthouse, Smeaton’s Tower was moved stone by stone to its present site on Plymouth Hoe and is open to the public.

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