Plymouth

Plymouth, Britain’s Ocean City, is one of Europe’s most vibrant cities, located by a stunning waterfront and harbour featuring dazzling views, rich history and world class events. The Barbican and Sutton Harbour is one of Plymouth’s most popular places to visit, with quaint cobbled streets, a picturesque harbour and a wealth of independent shops, galleries, bars, cafes and restaurants along the water’s edge creates a real metropolitan feel.

It’s home to the Elizabethan House as well as the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrims set sail on their voyage to the New World in 1620 and Plymouth Hoe where Sir Francis Drake is renowned to have played his last game of bowls before his sailing voyage to engage with the Spanish Armada. You can also find the iconic Smeaton’s Tower, Tinside Lido, Royal Citadel and the city’s war memorials.

With many water links to the surrounding coast of South Devon & Cornwall means you can explore a little further afield to get the most out of your trip.

Devon & Cornwall

Devon features beautiful coastlines and stunning countryside as well as historic market towns, and a wonderful scattering of villages and hamlets, each one unique. If you love the outdoors you can spend the day cycling the dramatic coastal paths and discovering the beautiful beaches or simply take a walk and explore the area’s stunning landscape.

You can find a whole host of attractions to keep the family entertained - go wild at the zoo, cuddle pigs at Pennywell Farm, ride a rollercoaster or have a great family day out at one of South Devon's top attractions.

Our most recommended place to visit in Devon (after Plymouth of course) is the vast landscape of Dartmoor National Park. An area of moorland defined by forests, rivers, rock formations (tors) and a place you can see ponies roam freely. An area of truly outstanding natural beauty.

Located in the far South West on a peninsula tumbling into the vast Atlantic Ocean, almost completely surrounded by the sea, a magnificent coastline wraps around Cornwall for almost 300 miles.

Cornwall is loved for; the dramatic coastline with its captivating fishing harbours; the spectacular beaches and the pounding surf that provide a natural playground for a variety of water sports. Within close proximity to Plymouth and easily accessible on the Cremyl Ferry, you can explore the beaches and the villages of Kingsand and Cawsand in the Rame of Cornwall or experience some surfing at Whitsand Bay.

Visit the many towns & villages for those more quaint and charming day trips and get a taste of the traditional Cornish pasty and cream teas of course!

History & Heritage

Plymouth is rich in History and remains a popular tourist destination, attracting large numbers of visitors, particularly Americans. The origins of Plymouth can be traced back to Saxon times, more than a thousand years ago, and its history very much reflects its maritime location.

Plymouth established its reputation both as a centre for voyage and discovery, and for its military importance. Transatlantic trade originated with William Hawkins in 1528. In 1572 Sir Francis Drake became the first Englishman to sail into the Pacific, and in 1577 he embarked on the first ever circumnavigation of the globe.

Find out more about Plymouth’s History and Heritage here.

Travel Links

Travel to and from Plymouth Ferry Port - City Centre

It takes approximately 15 minutes to walk to the ferry terminal from the town centre and 20 minutes from both the train and bus stations. Download the city map here.

Taxi companies

Plymouth Taxis – 01752 606060

Taxifirst – 01752 222222

Need a cab – 01752 666222

Plymouth Citybus

Citybus are the main local bus service providers for Plymouth. You can find out which bus you need to catch, where to catch it from and what time it leaves using the journey planner on the Traveline South West website.

The Royal Parade bus stop map shows the location of all the numbered bus stops on Royal Parade in the city centre.

Waterlinks

Plymouth’s has a variety of waterlinks setting off from the Barbican connecting you with the Royal William Yard, Mount Edgcumbe, Mount Batten as well as Cawsand and Kingsand in Cornwall. To view the timetable click here

Train station

Plymouth Train Station lies on North Road, 5 minutes from the City Centre. Plymouth Citybus operates buses from the train station to the heart of Plymouth, however, there is no direct bus from the station to the ferry terminal. Local bus information can be found at http://www.plymouthbus.co.uk/

Parking at Plymouth Ferry Port

Parking is available at the port at £11.00 per 24 hours and is provided by the port owners ABP. Spaces cannot be pre-booked but there are plenty available. Caravans and motorhomes can be parked 'overnight' in the car lanes provided they do not interfere with loading for any departures prior to that which you are travelling on.

The vehicle is parked at your own risk and should not be left unattended. There is no access to toilet facilities during the night. Alternative and cheaper parking can be arranged through www.justpark.com

For more information about Plymouth Ferry Port click  here.

Itineraries

Make the most out of your visit to Plymouth with our wide range of guides and itineraries.

Cruise Ship Leaflet by the Associated British Ports (ABP)

Plymouth Visitor Guide 2017

Rainy Day Ideas

Sunny Day Ideas

Historic Plymouth

Overnight Stay