Give the gift of an unforgettable experience in Plymouth for Christmas this year. With amazing days out both on land and on the water whether it be a paddleboarding adventure, a trip to the National Marine Aquarium or a gift voucher for a tour at the world famous Plymouth Gin Distillery, there are plenty of unique experiences you can purchase to make Christmas dreams come true.

Head to: On the water | Animal experiences | Drinking out | For the foodies | Relaxing experiences | Culture kicks

            

On the water

Treat that someone special to one of the popular boat trip experiences around the city with Plymouth Boat Trips. Journeys begin from the Barbican Landing Stage and head across Plymouth Sound National Marine Park offering stunning views up to Plymouth Hoe. Trips further afield are available with dockyard tours as well as other stunning locations including voyages along the scenic River Tamar to Cotehele, Calstock or the river Yealm. 

You can even try your hand and catch your own dinner with Plymouth Boat Trips! Fishing experiences take around two and a half hours and all equipment and lessons are included as you fish in the stunning waters of Plymouth Sound. After you've caught your bite, head to the Hook and Line or The Boathouse and relax while your catch of the day is cooked by the seafood specialists. 

Book your experience by visiting the cruising/fishing section of the Plymouth Boat Trips website.

Do you know someone who has always wanted to SUP but has never got round to it? What better way to treat them, then a SUP masterclass courtesy of South West Stand Up Paddleboarding. Get on the water and learn to paddle in the beautiful surroundings of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Other SUP experiences are also available including the Drake’s Island SUP Adventure as well as the sunset paddle and night time safari!

Head to the South West Stand Up Paddleboarding website for further information on experience booking.

                  

Animal experiences

Get up close and personal with wildlife with one of the many fascinating experiences in Plymouth

Explore the stunning grounds of Mount Edgcumbe with a furry friend by your side thanks to the Mount Edgcumbe Alpaca trekking experience. The family-friendly experience encompasses meeting the alpaca and getting to know about their routines with a little housekeeping if you’re up for the challenge! Then prepare the alpaca for their walk before heading off for your adventure. 

Treat someone special with a visit to the National Marine Aquarium, home to 5,000 species of underwater wildlife. A gift ticket is the perfect gift for ocean animal lovers and means they can revisit the Aquarium whenever they like for a year! Get even closer to the action with bookable experiences with the Sealife at the aquarium, including an opportunity to meet and feed Friday the Turtle, or get the best view of the underwater world with the snorkel at the Aquarium experience and immerse yourself amongst animals like stingrays, sharks and much more. Find out further information and bookings at the National Marine Aquarium website.

If who you’re buying for prefers animals on land, fear not as local zoos Dartmoor and Paignton are bursting with wildlife waiting to be explored! Meet the tiger, feed the otters and be a cat keeper for a day are just a few of the experiences available at Dartmoor Zoo, or get up close with Rhinos and Giraffes at Paignton Zoo! 

Treat someone special to a gift pass at the Pennywell Farm, the biggest activity farm in the south west and home to over 150 animals from heavy horses to the teeny-tiny mice, and everything in between! Explore the farm and meet the highland cattle, lambs and goat kids, Pennywell miniature pigs, alpacas, tortoises, and the list goes on! 

                      

Drinking out

Learn about the world-famous Plymouth Gin and book a a distillery tour and tasting experience at the country's oldest distillery located in the heart of The Barbican. Embark on the tour and have the opportunity to select your very own botanicals then distil a bottle of your very own gin to take home!  

Are you buying for a rum lover this Christmas? If so a rum tasting masterclass at the Hook and Line is the perfect gift voucher! The rum tasting experiences includes sampling six rums and finding out about how it is made and its local connections. The session is followed by your chance to get behind the bar and show off your cocktail making skills.  

Is wine your tipple of choice? A tasting experience and masterclass at Royal William Yard’s Le Vignoble could be just the experience for you this Christmas. Learn and taste wines from all over the world. Experiences differ depending on booking size and availability. Visit the tastings section of the Le Vignoble Plymouth website for further information. 

               

For the foodies

Pressies don’t get much better than a voucher to spend at one of Plymouth’s many fabulous restaurants. There is a flavour for every tastebud here by the seaside.

Gift a voucher to spend at Bistrot Pierre at the Royal William Yard, whether it be for afternoon tea for two, six course Soirée Gastronomique events or just a cash voucher, it is a perfect gift for those looking to try their French delights. Head to the gift vouchers part of the Bistrot Pierre website for further information.

Treat someone special to two hours of fun Latin American Bottomless Brunch or a digital gift card with an amount of your choice at Las Iguanas, Plymouth this Christmas. With a wide selection of delicious dishes plus a sensational cocktail menu, an afternoon here is a great gift to give! Make your booking at the Las Iguanas Plymouth website.

Find out further restaurant inspiration at food and drink in Plymouth

              

Relaxing experiences

Give the ultimate luxury treat this Christmas with a relaxing experience at Boringdon Hall's Gaia Spa. Kick back and indulge in one of the many treatments on offer at the adult-only spa including day treatments, and overnight stays. 

For a different kind of experience, check out Plymouth Golf Centre, where you can go up against your friends and family with their Trackman Range, or try out their virtual range where you can play on real golf courses from around the world. Don't forget about the Footgolf, if you're not feeling up to par with a golf club!

                         

Culture kicks

Give the gift of live music this Christmas with a ticket Summer Sessions on Plymouth Hoe. The all-new festival will bring mega-headliners to the waterfront in summer 2024, with big names including Tom Jones, Madness, Sting, Blondie, Madness and more set to appear for the festival's Plymouth debut.  

Treat that some special with a gift card to use at the Theatre Royal Plymouth.

Indulge in one of the many fascinating shows taking place at the theatre, including this year's pantomime, Goldilocks and The Three Bears which runs until Saturday 13 January.

Further upcoming performances that are bound to impress include Aladdin, the Drifters Girl, Sleeping Beauty and more. 

  

For further inspiration, content and news visit our dedicated Christmas in Plymouth page or sign-up to our newsletter.

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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner