Tourist information Plymouth

Plymouth boosts a strong history with historical figures such as Sir Francis Drake and The Pilgrim fathers. With its coastal location it also benefits from being close to Dartmoor, the South Hams and Cornwall.

You will be spoilt for choice in Plymouth, it hosts numerous attractions, beautiful places to visit, beaches within easy reach, nightlife, large hotels to smaller B and B's all easily accessible in and around Plymouth, with plenty of public transport, park and ride and also lots of parking.

Plymouth's city centre has the largest regional indoor shopping centre in Devon and Cornwall called Drake's Circus. Drake's Circus has many shops with high street names, parking and plenty of choices for food and drink. The city centre itself has a modern pedestrianised area which encourages people to shop without the need for transport. With many shops it also has a great variety of restaurants, cafe, bars and fast food outlets. Plymouth is proud to have one of the UK's BBC big screens, for open air entertainment that holds a great position in the city centre.

Located closely to the city centre is the area of Plymouth Hoe and Barbican. With the cobbled streets of the Barbican it has plenty to offer day and night, in the daytime this is a great place to visit with all the family. The Barbican has lots to offer; from here you can board the boats that can take you on river cruises, The National Marine Aquarium is located in this area, there are historic houses to visit and look around or relax in one of the many restaurants, bars and cafes. Plymouth Hoe with the distinctive landmark of Smeaton's Tower is a must for all visitors to Plymouth. Fantastic views that stretch across Plymouth Sound you may even be lucky enough to see the Brittany Ferry coming into dock. These ferries can take you to France and Spain.

In the evening the Barbican comes alive, it hosts many bars with live music and due to its close position to the City Centre makes for a good start for a night out. Plymouth has many nightclubs and entertainment venues it also has two casinos.

Plymouth Theatre Royal is centrally located and here you can see the latest shows and west end musicals on tour around the UK.

Plymouth Pavillions is also located nearby and has an indoor swimming pool with lots of action for the children with slides and flumes and an ice skating arena. Plymouth Pavillions holds concerts with the latest artists playing here at some point in their calendar. Plymouth is a university city and has become an important part of the music circuit.

Plymouth City Museum is centrally located and has permanent galleries to visit, with exhibitions that change regularly.

Plymouth has two multiplex cinemas showing the latest films, a few bingo halls and there is also a tenpin bowling alley nearby.

Plymouth has lots to offer in a central location, but it is also important to visit one of the many beaches that are a short drive from Plymouth or take a drive over the Tamar Bridge to Cornwall.

Written by Lindsay Williams 2010.