August Bank Holiday fun in Plymouth

It's been a while but we've finally got another Bank Holiday Weekend to look forward to!

Get ready to spend the extra long weekend in Plymouth this August bank holiday! Plymouth is packed with an amazing variety of things to do across the weekend, from headline events, boat trips, great food, drinks by the water and so much more to enjoy before we turn the calendar to September. Check out some of our suggestions for the top things to do in Plymouth this August Bank Holiday.  

Enjoy the West End Carnival  

If you’re looking for a day of family fun head to the West End of Plymouth City Centre for the West End Carnival. The hugely-popular event sees a day of free fun in and around the streets surrounding Plymouth Market. There is plenty to look forward to throughout the day with activities, a trail, live music, street entertainment and more to enjoy in the heart of the city.  

Step aboard the Morgenster 

Sailing in just in time for the Bank Holiday Weekend is the Dutch Tall Ship the Morgenster. The unmissable vessel will be docked on the Barbican throughout the weekend and will be operating a variety of trips out around Plymouth Sound National Marine Park. Find out how you can get a sailing trip onboard during the weekend.

Go skating at The Box 

Enjoy a Skate Jam at The Box on Friday 28 August. Coinciding with Live Music Fridays where Calvin Thomas will perform, Skate Jam will see The Box Kitchen and Bar join forces with Zephyr Burgers for an evening that brings skating, live music and great food together under one roof. Drop in for open skate sessions, and refuel with food and drinks from The Box Kitchen and Bar, Zephyr Burgers and Stringers Kitchen. 

You’ll also have the chance to meet, skate and connect with local crews including Prime, Plymouth Flow and Skate to the Max.  

Pack your safety gear, bring your friends and join us for an unforgettable evening of wheels, music, food and community spirit. 

Visit the Central Park Fun Day  

The Central Park Fun Day is back by popular demand on Sunday 30 August. Enjoy live music, great food, entertainment and more in Plymouth’s much-loved Central Park. 

Bring the whole family for an afternoon of feel-good summer fun, with market stalls, activities for all ages and plenty to keep little ones entertained. From soaking up live performances to browsing local traders or simply relaxing on the grass with something delicious to eat, it’s an easy-going way to make the most of the Bank Holiday weekend. The event runs from 11am to 4pm 

Go for a swim at Tinside Lido 

Have a swim at Tinside Lido in what will be one of its final weekends open for the summer. A visit to Plymouth’s iconic art-deco pool is a must when the sun is shining. 

Set into the Hoe with sweeping views across Plymouth Sound, the saltwater lido offers the perfect excuse to slow down: take a few lengths, cool off with a leisurely dip, then claim a spot on the terrace to dry off in the sea air. 

Climb Smeaton's Tower 

Ascend the 93 steps of Smeaton’s Tower for great views across Plymouth Hoe this Bank Holiday Weekend. 

Climb through the historic lighthouse’s circular rooms, narrow openings and ladders before stepping out at the top to take in a panoramic sweep of Plymouth Sound, the city skyline and the coastline beyond.  

Originally built on the Eddystone Reef and later reconstructed on the Hoe, the tower is one of Plymouth’s most recognisable landmarks—and a memorable way to see the city from a new perspective. Smeaton’s Tower is scheduled to open from 10am to 5pm on the Summer Bank Holiday, with last entry at 4.30pm.

For further themed Plymouth inspiration, exclusive offers and things to do in the city, sign up to our free Visit Plymouth e-newsletter.

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