Category: Things to do, Attractions

Discover what’s on in Plymouth this January 2026, from the landmark Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy exhibition at The Box to theatre, family days out and winter experiences across Britain’s Ocean City. 

                

Arts & Culture 

Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy at The Box  

A major highlight for 2026 is Beryl Cook: Pride and Joy, opening at The Box on 24 January and running until 31 May 2026. Marking 100 years since her birth, this landmark exhibition brings together more than 80 works, from her best-known paintings to rarely seen pieces from private collections and the Cook family archives.  

Cook’s bold, humorous depictions of everyday life – from nights out and seaside scenes to bingo halls and drag shows – capture the character and spirit of ordinary people with warmth and wit. The exhibition is free but ticketed and forms the centrepiece of a wider programme including talks, tours and trails that connect her work back out into the city. 

Plymouth Arts Cinema 

Plymouth Arts Cinema’s January programme offers a mix of independent film, documentaries and cult favourites, perfect for a cosy evening in the city. There are films such as Peter Hujar’s Day, Dom Dobry, Labryinth, Bowie: The Final Act, Marty Supreme and more showing throughout January.  

        

Theatre, comedy & live shows 

Theatre Royal Plymouth  

Theatre Royal Plymouth has a big start to 2026, with Matilda the Musical running from 13 January to 7 February 2026, bringing the Royal Shakespeare Company’s multi‑award‑winning production to the city. There are also productions in the drum theatre such as It’s A Wonderful Life, 1984, and Sweeney Todd.  

Comedy@Milbrook Village Hall on 23 January 

Expect an evening of laughter with sets from the brilliantly funny David Arnold along with the hilarious Suzy Bennett. The host for the evening will be the charismatic Will Skillington! It’s pay what you can, with tiered options at £10, £12.50, or £15.  

Bridget Christie – Jacket Potato Pizza on 24 January 

Award‑winning comedian Bridget Christie brings her latest show Jacket Potato Pizza to Plymouth’s Quad Theatre for a one‑night‑only January date. Expect sharp, playful stand‑up from a comic known for smart, personal material.  

            
Music, gigs & nights out 

The Best Of Smashing Pumpkins & Paint Me Elvis on 17 January 
Fans of live rock can catch The Best Of Smashing Pumpkins with support from Paint Me Elvis at The Junction. This tribute double‑bill promises a night of grunge‑era riffs and classic Elvis‑inspired energy in one of Plymouth’s best‑known grassroots music venues on Mutley Plain. 

New Purple Celebration – Music of Prince on 18 January 
New Purple Celebration brings the music of Prince to the Quad Theatre with a full live band celebrating hits spanning his entire career. Expect crowd‑pleasing favourites, slick musicianship and plenty of chances to sing along.

Friday Night Hold’em on 23 January 
Friday Night Hold’em at The Depo offers an alternative evening out, combining the buzz of live events with the tension of tournament play. This wrestling event is 18+.  

Quiz Night at China Fleet on 30 January 
Just over the Tamar at China Fleet Country Club, regular quiz nights give teams the chance to test their general knowledge in a friendly setting. It is a good option if you want a sociable evening that also included a Chinese-style buffet!  

Kavus Torabi on 31 January 
Composer and multi‑instrumentalist Kavus Torabi will play at the Barbican Theatre, bringing an atmospheric, psychedelic‑leaning live show to Plymouth. With doors usually opening around 19:30, this gig is ideal for music fans keen to discover something more experimental in an intimate setting.  

                    

Family‑friendly events 

The Gruffalo’s Child trail at Saltram until 1 February 
Families can follow in the footsteps of a much‑loved storybook character on The Gruffalo’s Child trail in the gardens at Saltram, running through the winter. Fun sculptures, storytelling points and activity boards bring the book to life, and there is plenty of space for little ones to run off some energy. 

Tumbles Toddlers on 12 January 
Tumbles Toddlers sessions at Dartmoor Zoo provide a safe, playful environment for pre‑schoolers to explore and socialise. Together they will create their own nature books, getting up close with some amazing artefacts, and visiting some of the Zoo’s wonderful residents. 

Home Park Stadium Tour on 21 January 
Behind‑the‑scenes tours at Home Park give football fans the chance to see Plymouth Argyle’s ground from a different angle. Expect changing rooms, the tunnel and pitch‑side views, with plenty of photo opportunities and insights into the club’s history along the way. 

There are also plenty of other attractions in Plymouth which are guaranteed to keep you entertained! 
          

       

Other January highlights 

Early Careers Fair on 17 January  

The Early Careers Fair brings together Building Plymouth, Plymouth Manufacturers’ Group and top local employers for a one‑day event at Plymouth Guildhall. Visitors can try taster activities, see sample products and chat with apprentices and graduates to explore routes into construction, manufacturing and related industries. 

Wedding Fayre at Future Inn Plymouth on 25 January 
Future Inn Plymouth’s Wedding Fayre gives couples the chance to meet local suppliers, view the hotel’s suites dressed for ceremonies and receptions, and gather ideas for their big day. 

For the latest inspiration, Plymouth-themed content and inspiration sign up to our newsletter.

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

0 Comments

Comments

Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?

Leave a Reply