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

See our top 10 picks of free things to do:

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. (currently closed until further notice)

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.

City Centre

The city centre is beautifully green and has a hub of independant retailers and high street names perfect for some window shopping. The city centre is also host to numerous events, including Lord Mayor's Day, Flavour Fest, Fairgrounds, Christmas Market and plenty more!

Central Park

Walk through the largest park in Plymouth, Central Park. The park has open meadows, woodlands and up and down hills with fantastic views over the city towards Plymouth Sound and Cornwall. Take the children to the Seven Continents Adventure Playground containing dino swings, climbing frames, a large pyramid net, drums, sound wheel and a wheelchair roundabout.

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. The magnificent house with its original contents give a fascinating insight into rich and sophisticated country-estate life. 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.

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.

Burrator Reservoir

Undisturbed Burrator is surrounded by mixed woodland which sharply contrasts with the open moor and rugged Dartmoor tors.

The reservoir is popular with walkers, cyclists and horse riders due to its wealth of footpaths and bridleways. Many of the trails lead on to Dartmoor so it makes an ideal starting point for longer trips.