Welcome to Plymouth, the vibrant regional capital of Devon and Cornwall. A thriving modern city, Plymouth offers a rich combination of maritime heritage and natural beauty. The magnificent harbour is a world centre for sailing and speedboat racing with Plymouth Hoe looking out across the English Channel with panoramic views over the two counties.
This maritime city is well known throughout the world with a history dating from the 10th century, including many voyages of discovery and exploration. Visit the Barbican where in 1620 The Pilgrim Fathers set sail from the Mayflower Steps to found the New World in America. Here you will also find Island House, one of the oldest buildings in Plymouth, where the Puritans slept on their last night before departing on their epic voyage to America. Only a step away you will see The Elizabethan House, the furnished home of an Elizabethan merchant, dating back to 1584 with its restored kitchen and fragrant flower and herb garden.
The Barbican is also the place to find speciality shops, cafés, bars, galleries and craft workshops tucked away amidst the old port buildings. Another visit not to be missed is Plymouth Gin Distillery, formerly a Dominican Priory, where you can see how gin is made, sample it and even take some home as a souvenir.
Cross the footbridge over the old harbour to the National Marine Aquarium, the largest in the UK, offering a memorable experience with over 4000 animals from 400 species displayed in realistic habitats from local shorelines to coral reefs. Here you will discover the oceans’ strangest creatures with delicate seahorses, brilliantly coloured fish and amazing Caribbean Sharks.
Plymouth also boasts a modern pedestrianised city centre with a newly designed shopping precinct and a wide variety of restaurants and waterside cafes featuring food from around the world. The city nightlife doesn’t disappoint either, with many traditional pubs, trendy bars and exciting music venues.
On a more cultural note Plymouth is home to one of the best theatres in the country previewing many of London’s West End productions.