Plymouth Things to Do Tips by Maeniel Top 5 Page for this destination

The National Marine Aquarium

If you like the ocean and everything associated, first of all, well done, for choosing Plymouth!! Secondly, give this place a look. It is not over expensive costing £8.75 for adults and you get the free reign of the place.

There are plenty of activities on all day long and the entire aquarium has a lot of interactive features, so even the little ones stay entertained when they cannot see the small, hidden fish.

Just recently, the NMA was part of a scheme to create Britains first man-made reef, sinking the HMS Scylla, a Leander class Frigate in Whitsand Bay, just off Cornwalls coast. There is a wealth of information following the developments of this inside the aquarium.

I didn't (couldn't!) count how many species of marine life there is there, but they cover all the favourites (Sharks, Sea-Horses, You name it!) from many different habitats, including the Atlantic Reefs & Mediterranean Sea.

It now leads the way with marine scientific research and does a great deal of exciting work for the good of the oceans.

Please do not take flash photographs though, as it can damage the wildlife.

I cannot recommend this place enough...

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside / The Barbican

Directions: From the Barbican Water-front, cross over the pedestrian bridge in Sutton Harbour. Or ask directions. Everybody knows it.

It is also well signposted from when you first enter Plymouth, so just follow those, though parking can be difficult.

Phone: +44 (0) 1752 600 301

Website: http://www.national-aquarium.co.uk/

Plymouth Citadel

This huge fortification is what a lot of the locals think of as being the dividing point between the Hoe and the barbican regions of the waterfront. it is a massive structure that cannot be missed so long as you are on the sea-front..

It is possible to enter the Citadel, but only on guided tours as a part of National Heritage. This runs on Tuesdays, May to September from 2.30pm (Costs £3). At other times it is not possible to enter it as it is still in use by the Military (The 29 Commando Royal Artillery Regiment), but it is still worth a visit. There are numerous monuments surrounding it, attesting to the valour of the armed forces of Great Britain in WWII and other conflicts. By walking past it you go past some of the best spots for seeing the view over the Ocean as well.

I recommend a vist to the Main Gate on Hoe Road, as this is a piece of stunning piece of architechture. Just remember that it is still in use though...

A very historical building, the details of which are outlined in the website below.

Address: East End of the Hoe. West end of the Barbican

Directions: Get to the sea and look for it. You will not miss it.

Website: http://www.plymouthdata.info/Royal%20Citadel.htm

The Barbican

The Barbican is an area that has been preserved as best as possible in the old ways. The buildings and streets are all authentic, but they are put to use in the modern aspect of the city. Mostly, this area is good for eating, drinking, meeting your friends and for soaking up the atmosphere.

It caters for all tastes, having traditional public houses, 'chain' pubs, such as Wetherspoons, and as it is all based on the waterfront, you get a great atmosphere as well. If you like the Naval aspect of Plymouth, you do not want to miss this place.

It is practically all pedestrianised, with only one street allowing traffic through the area, so it is a very popular area with the evening crowd. Also, it is fun watching people negotiate cobblestone roads in high heels after a few drinks...

Nightlife aside though, there is a great deal to see here, and it is always good to get here during the day if you wish to sample this.

See my travelogue on the Waterfront for
more information.

Address: By The Sea!

Directions: A short walk from the City Centre, just head south. You will hit either the Barbican or Hoe areas, and they are right next to one another on the seafront. Ask anyone, or, they are well sign-posted.

An Historical Mining Village

This place is best thought of as an outdoor museum. The entire copper mining village has been kept as close as possible to the way it would have looked at the time.

You are given the free reign to walk around the buildings and places of the village, such as the quay where the goods would have been transported down-river via barge or the Assayers office where he would have tested the minerals. You can also visit the kilns and waterwheels, some of which still work today.

Activities that they put on for visitors include a trip down the mine shaft in a train (it gets cold down there so wrap up), A trip by horse drawn carriage along the road that would have been a major throughfare of its time and on some days there are chances to dress-up in the costumes of the ages.

If nothing else, it is a very scenic area of Dartmoor and makes for a great day out. Make sure the weather is good though, as a lot of it is outdoors.

Address: Morwellham Quay, Nr Tavistock.

Directions: Head North out of Plymouth on the A386 from the Roborough Area of Plymouth and it is well signposted from there.

Phone: +44 ( 0) 1822 833808

Website: http://www.morwellham-quay.co.uk/

Derry's Clock

Hidden behind the Theatre Royal on Royal Parade are two things worthy of note. The first is 'The Bank' Public House for liquid refreshment. To refresh historo-cultural senses is Derry's Clock.

One of the oldest clock towers still standing in Devon today, it was donated to the city by one of Plymouths former mayors, William Derry in 1862. Imagine the cost back then!

It's four faces has seen a lot in its time, having survived the bombing of World War II, when all else around it has been damaged or destroyed.

Note the four fountains at the base, near the inscription. Well, there is no water connected, as this was not it's intended spot, and because of this, it was referred to as 'The Four Faced Deciever' in the 19th Century.

Address: Royal Parade

Directions: Go to the Theatre Royal and walk around to the rear.

Charles Cross Church

This shell of a church is all that is left after the bombing raids of the second world war. The entire city centre was heavily damaged and this is a reminder of the spirit of endurance and overcoming the obstacles caused by such things as wars.

Address: Charles Cross Roundabout in the City Centre

Directions: Just above the Brettonside Bus Station