If you're on a budget and looking for some free things to do whilst visiting Plymouth, we have selected some of our favourite attractions and activities that won't cost you a penny.

Check out our top 10 free things to do below and for further inspiration check out more things to do in Plymouth

The Box

The Box is Plymouth's major museum, art gallery and archive – located just a short walk from the main city centre.

Come and see a series of galleries that showcase the city’s incredible collections with thousands of natural history specimens, a full-size replica woolly mammoth, wonderful works of art, amazing archive film and photography, and fascinating documents, maps and plans.

Entry to The Box is free and there is no need to book!

Elizabethan Gardens

Take a leisurely stroll through the heart of city's heritage, The Barbican & Sutton Harbour. A vibrant place full of cobbled streets, over 200 listed buildings and even has its own Elizabethan Garden, free for you to sit in and enjoy the abundance of beautiful plants & flowers. 

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The Hoe

The Hoe is the natural heart of Plymouth, with stunning views across Plymouth Sound and home to the iconic Smeaton's Tower, which makes a great spot for a picnic or just to relax. Take the children to the West Hoe Park, located a short distance away from The Hoe. This large childrens play area features a miniature railway and putting green, crazy golf, trampolines, merry-go-round and bouncy castle.

Explore Plymouth with a walking trail

Plymouth has so many sights to be explored on foot, and several trails are available to take on which offer an insight into the deep history of this famous city.

The free Plymouth Trails app is a great way to explore the city with lots of easy-to-follow trails. The app is also packed with information and cool features, including selfie frames and the ability to overlay video and images onto the landscape in front of you for a real ‘then and now’ snapshot of the city.

Further routes include the Drake's Trail on the outskirts of Plymouth. The easy-to-complete routes will see walkers stroll through wooded river valleys and across open moorland – getting close to wildlife including Dartmoor ponies. 

Walk by the seaside on the South West Coast Path in Plymouth. This route takes you along the water's edge in Britain's Ocean City. Starting at the Cremyll Ferry advance along the trail through the stunning Royal William Yard, along Plymouth Hoe and the Barbican before ending up at the Mount Batten Peninsula.

Head for a swim in Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Experience Plymouth from a unique perspective by exploring the waters of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park, the first of its kind in the UK. Popular swim spots like Tinside Cove, Firestone Bay, and West Hoe are always bustling with swimmers. During the summer, you can swim out to the two pontoons located just east of Tinside Lido, which are positioned to accommodate swimmers of varying abilities. After your swim, why not wrap up warm and enjoy a cosy drink at one of the many waterside cafes?

Dartmoor National Park

Dartmoor is not just about the landscape; there's a lot more to it than that. It's not just about the ponies, or the tors, the history or the heritage; but that's a good start. It's about getting out there, experiencing new things.

This living, breathing, working landscape holds the secret to a past that stretches back over the centuries, and a future that is both sustainable and green.

Saltram

Explore Saltram, one of the National Trust's hidden treasures. Take in stunning views of the 500 acres of grounds and its range of different habitats, including farmland, beaches, saltmarshes, meadows, woodland and an estuary. You can also enjoy the Saltram boundary walk, a circular route following the perimeter, with views of the estuary and Blaxton saltmarsh.

Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park

Discover Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park set within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall and one of the regions most popular historic tourist destinations. The free area of the park includes the National Camellia Collection and the majority of the formal gardens.

The Arts Institute

The Arts Institute (formerly Peninsula Arts) is the wide-ranging public arts programme of the University of Plymouth which plays a pivotal role in building culture and art in the city and South West region, supporting established, new and emerging artists from around the world. 

The programme includes exhibitions, dance, films, music, performance and talks.

Wembury Beach

Owned by the National Trust with its own Marine Conservation Centre and guided rock pool rambles, Wembury, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), is not short of ways to keep you entertained.

Safe, clean bathing from gently shelving sand and shale, with beautiful cliff walks to Bovisand in the west and Newton Ferrers/Noss Mayo to the east.

Explore more beaches near Plymouth