Days out in and around Plymouth

Whilst in Plymouth...

Plymouth is an exciting city, overflowing with intriguing, traditional and enjoyable things to do and see and has seen so many exciting developments of the last few years. Plymouth has that perfect mix of old meets new...

Drake Circus Shopping Mall

Drake Circus is an impressive shopping mall offering the regions best selection of top name stores including:

Marks &, Spencer, Next, Primark, Boots, H&M, HMV, Mothercare, Office, Schuh, Quicksilver, Coast, La Senza, New Look, O2, Monsoon, Topshop/Topman, Lush, Zara, Waterstones

With over 60 shops, you can browse for the latest fashions or discover great gifts for friends and family. There are several places to stop and eat too including Starbucks, Burger King and Spudulike. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium was the first aquarium in the United Kingdom to be set up solely for the purpose of education, conservation and research. It remains one of Britain's foremost aquariums with stunning exhibits and a reputation for excellence in education.

The Aquarium experience comprises a total of 50 live exhibits including three massive tanks, the largest of which - Britain's deepest tank - holds 2.5 million litres of water. Over 4000 animals from 400 species are displayed in realistic habitats from local shorelines to coral reefs. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Plymouth Argyle Football Stadium, Home Park

Plymouth is very proud of its 'Green Army' and its impressive stadium is situated just outside of the City Centre. First's excellent Park & Ride PR1 service operates via Home Park (Milehouse). On match days we offer an excellent value £1 return fare between the George Junction and Milehouse. Please visit the website for details of the 2009 home season matches.

Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park

Mount Edgcumbe House is the former home of the Earls of Mount Edgcumbe. Set in Grade I Cornish Gardens within 865 acres Country Park on the Rame Peninsula, South East Cornwall. The house was first built in the 1500s and was restored after World War Two and is one of the regions most popular historic tourist destinations. Famous since the 18th Century for its landscape and gardens, scattered throughout the Park are buildings including Thomson's Seat, Milton's Template, the Folly and the Arch. A stop at the Edgcumbe Arms pub is perfect for a drink after a leisurely walk around the park. Please visit the website for opening hours and more details.

Plymouth Pavilions

Plymouth Pavilions is the South West's leading entertainment, concert, leisure and conference venue. Leisure facilities include a Fun Pool, which contains a shipwrecked galleon complete with water canons, a wave machine, waterfalls, jacuzzi and flumes, as well as a fantastic Ice Rink. The Pavilions is also host to numerous top name live music and entertainment acts throughout the year from rock bands, to orchestras and comedians to children's entertainers. Please visit the website for full details of the 2011 programme.

Theatre Royal, Plymouth

The Theatre Royal Plymouth is one of the Southwests largest and best attended theatres. It is home to two main performance spaces: The Theatre Royal and the Drum theatre. The range of work presented and produced on the Theatre Royal stage is incredibly extensive and includes major touring drama and musical productions as well as welcoming leading opera and dance companies to the South West. The Drum Theatre has built a national reputation for the quality of its programme and its innovative, cutting-edge work in the fields of new writing and physical theatre and in 2007 the Drum Theatre won the Peter Brook Empty Space Award. Please visit the website for full details of the 2011 programme.

Plymouth Hoe

Plymouth Hoe is adjacent to and above the low limestone cliffs that form the seafront and it commands magnificent views of Plymouth Sound, Drake's Island, and across the Hamoaze to Mount Edgcumbe. A prominent landmark on the Hoe is Smeaton's Tower lighthouse which is open to the public all year round and offers amazing views of Plymouth Sound. If the weather is good why not take a dip in the Tinside Lido pool – beautifully restored to its original 1930s art deco splendor. Please visit the websites for opening hours and more details.

The Barbican

The Barbican is home to Plymouth's heritage and there is so much to see and do in the oldest and most charming part of Plymouth. If it's history you're after a visit to the Mayflower Steps where the Pilgrim Father's set sail in the Mayflower to settle in the New World in September 1620.

A trip to the Plymouth Gin Distillery is also a must. Since 1793, they have been crafting their world renowned smooth gin at Blackfriars Distillery situated on Southside Street. Explore the site and discover some of the secrets behind the legendary smooth taste of Plymouth Gin. The Refectory bar situated above the distillery is the ideal place to sample some Plymouth Gin in comfortable surroundings.

The Barbican's cobbled streets are also home to many quaint little shops selling an array of local produce and galleries showing the work of local artists. There is also a great range of pubs to suit all tastes.

For those who fancy a bite while looking out over the harbour can do no better than a visit to Cap'n Jaspers. Legendary across Plymouth Cap'n Jasper's was established more than 30 years ago and is still run by the original Cap'n's daughter. Those with a big appetite are advised to try the half a yard hot dog!

Tavistock

Straddling the fast flowing river Tavy below the Western edge of Dartmoor, Tavistock stands in the heart of an area of tremendous natural beauty. It is a classic West Country Market Town and a shoppers delight. Whatever your fancy - old books, the art scene or a new outfit - there is enormous variety and choice. A visit to Crebers with it's local produce and fine foods and wines from around the world and delicatessen is a must. Why not take the kids to Meadowlands swimming pool which boasts indoor heated pools and a leisure flume. Or for those less inclined to get wet the delightful poolside cafe and sun terrace make Meadowlands a fun and relaxing leisure environment for all the family.

Mount Batten

The Mount Batten Centre is one of the South West's premier waterside venues so if sailing, water sports and outdoors activities are your thing head out to Mount Batten.

Or if you prefer something less energetic the Mount Batten Hotel has a lovely family friendly restaurant and pub serving food and hot and cold drinks. There is also the Mount Batten Centre's Isobar and Waterside café with 180 degree views of the water through floor to ceiling windows.

Mount Batten also offers stunning views of Plymouth Sound, The Hoe and Drake's Island.

And if you fancy a stroll there are even more spectacular views of Plymouth Sound from Jennycliff a 15-20 minute walk up from Mount Batten.