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Spring is the perfect time to explore Plymouth. With the weather slowly getting nicer, it’s the ideal time for a getaway to Britain’s Ocean City. To help you make the most of your visit, we have put together a guide to the best places to stay, eat, drink and explore across the city.
Where to stay in Plymouth
Boringdon Hall Hotel
On the edge of Dartmoor National Park, Boringdon Hall Hotel is a five-star country house packed with history, luxurious rooms and the award-winning Gaia Spa, ideal if you want a relaxing spring escape within easy driving distance of Plymouth. It’s a great choice if you plan to blend coastal time with moorland walks and fine dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant, Àclèaf.
Moxy Plymouth
Moxy Plymouth sits in the heart of the city, less than a mile from Plymouth railway station and a short walk from key landmarks, shops and restaurants. This design-led hotel is ideal for a fun, modern city stay, giving you easy access to the Barbican, Royal William Yard and the Hoe without needing a car.
Bovisand Lodge Heritage Apartments
Bovisand Lodge Heritage Apartments are tucked into a peaceful cove just outside the city, with direct access to Bovisand Beach and the South West Coast Path. This coastal spot is perfect if you want sea views, spring walks and wildlife on your doorstep while still being a short drive from Plymouth’s attractions.
Churchwood Valley
Churchwood Valley offers self-catering wooden lodges set in tranquil woodland close to Wembury and the South West Coast Path, giving a real back-to-nature feel in spring. The coastal location means you can combine mornings on the path with afternoons exploring Plymouth’s historic waterfront.
Where to eat and drink
Àclèaf at Boringdon Hall
Àclèaf is Boringdon Hall’s intimate Michelin-starred restaurant, known for its refined seasonal tasting menus, fine wines and romantic setting overlooking the Great Hall. It’s an excellent choice for a special spring dinner, particularly if you’re staying at Boringdon Hall.
The Boathouse
Overlooking the water near Plymouth’s historic harbour, The Boathouse is a popular spot for fresh seafood and relaxed waterside dining. It works well for a leisurely spring lunch after exploring the Barbican or before an afternoon coastal stroll.
Plymouth Gin Distillery
The Plymouth Gin Distillery on the Barbican is England’s oldest working gin distillery, offering tours, tastings and the chance to learn about gin-making in atmospheric surroundings. It’s a must-do stop for gin lovers and a great way to warm up on a breezy spring afternoon.
Noras
Noras adds to the city’s independent dining scene, giving you another characterful option for casual evening food and drinks in the city centre. The food is a range of British comfort dishes with a modern American approach; we highly recommend the ricotta gnocchi.
Smashland
Smashland is the place to head if you’re in the mood for indulgent burgers and comfort food, ideal after a long walk on the coast path or a day exploring the city. Its informal vibe suits groups and relaxed Friday or Saturday nights.
Mint Café
Mint Café is a great choice for brunch, it’s handy when you’re spending the day around the Barbican. Explore the cobbled streets and its views over the harbour before heading here for a delicious meal, or even a sharing platter. Our favourite is the seafood one!
Fig and Thyme
Fig & Thyme, based on Southside Street in the Barbican, is known as a welcoming independent restaurant with quality food in a historic setting. They are famous for their breakfast, offering brunch sharing platters filled with delicacies such as pancake stacks, poached eggs, and much more.
Things to do
Walk the South West Coast Path
The South West Coast Path skirts the edges of Plymouth and the nearby coastline, offering clifftop views, beaches and wildlife just a short distance from the city. Sections around Bovisand, Wembury and Mount Edgcumbe make fantastic half-day spring walks, with blue skies and wildflowers when the weather cooperates.
Explore the Barbican and Sutton Harbour
The South West Coast Path skirts the edges of Plymouth and the nearby coastline, offering clifftop views, beaches and wildlife just a short distance from the city. Sections around Bovisand, Wembury and Mount Edgcumbe make fantastic half-day spring walks, with blue skies and wildflowers when the weather cooperates.
Take a boat trip to Mount Edgcumbe
From the Barbican or Royal William Yard, you can hop on a boat or the Cremyll Ferry across Plymouth Sound to Mount Edgcumbe House and Country Park in Cornwall. Once there, explore formal gardens full of camellias and spring flowers, woodland and coastal paths, and views back towards Plymouth’s skyline.
Discover Royal William Yard
Royal William Yard is a beautifully restored former naval victualling yard on the waterfront, now home to restaurants, bars, apartments and creative spaces. It’s a lovely place for a spring stroll along the harbour wall, browsing independent shops, and stopping for waterside food and drinks. Make sure to try Le Vignoble, the Yard’s wine bar, it’s fantastic!
Explore the Box
If the weather is not the nicest, make sure to go to The Box. It is the free award-winning art gallery, museum and archive. At the moment it is home to the Beryl Cook: Pride & Joy exhibition and Journeys with Mai. Both are fantastic and well worth a visit!
Spring weekend itinerary in Plymouth
Here are a few ideas for how you could spend your spring weekend in Plymouth, exploring the city and its surrounding areas.
Friday: arrival and waterside evening
Check in to your chosen base for the weekend, with plenty of accommodation options available to suit your stay. Then head into the Barbican for a relaxed early evening wander around Sutton Harbour, where you can browse independent shops and soak up the atmosphere. Round off the evening with a drink at the Custom House Cellar Bar before heading to The Boathouse for a delicious seafood meal.
Saturday: coastal paths and great food
Start the day with breakfast or brunch at Fig and Thyme before lacing up your walking shoes and catching the ferry over to Mount Batten. From there, follow the South West Coast Path, taking a shorter walk to Jennycliff or continuing all the way to Wembury Beach.
Afterwards, take the ferry back and head up to the Hoe to enjoy some fish and chips with a view. Return to the Barbican for a tour of the Plymouth Gin Distillery, where you can learn about its history and sample a classic gin and tonic. In the evening, keep things relaxed with dinner at Bonne Sante for a fresh, flavourful meal or head to Smashland for indulgent burgers. If you’re staying at Boringdon Hall, you could also book ahead for a special tasting menu at Àclèaf to round off the day in style.
Sunday: Royal William Yard and Mount Edgcumbe
After breakfast, make your way to Royal William Yard for a late-morning stroll among the historic stone buildings, harbour walls and creative spaces. From there, catch the Cremyll Ferry across to Mount Edgcumbe, where you can explore gardens, parkland and coastal walks, all especially beautiful in spring.
Return to Royal William Yard for a relaxed lunch, with plenty of options to choose from including Wagamama, Bistrot Pierre and Seco Lounge. In the afternoon, head into the city to explore the shopping scene at Drake Circus, home to some of the UK’s biggest brands including Oliver Bonas, Rituals and M&S. Before heading home, take one last look across Plymouth Sound from the waterfront.
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In partnership with GWR, Destination Plymouth’s lead travel partner.
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