What to do in Plymouth

Activities, attractions and tours

Plymouth showing heritage architecture and a coastal town
Whitsand Bay Beach featuring a sandy beach and flowers
Mt. Edgcumbe showing flowers and a garden
Plymouth which includes street scenes, night scenes and a coastal town
Plymouth

Plymouth Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Plymouth has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Plymouth is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Plymouth to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Plymouth Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Plymouth.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Plymouth attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

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Recommended things to do in Plymouth

Number of things to do
15
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
The Hunt, an exciting cat-and-mouse game in Plymouth: CA $17
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Plymouth

Discover the most popular places to visit in Plymouth

National Marine Aquarium featuring interior views and marine life

National Marine Aquarium

Discover the creatures that live deep in the world’s oceans and learn about the importance of conservation at the largest aquarium in the U.K.

National Marine Aquarium
Smeatons Tower showing a lighthouse

Hoe Park

After visiting Hoe Park, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Plymouth. Discover the lively bars and entertainment choices in this family-friendly area.

Hoe Park
Royal Citadel showing a castle, heritage elements and a statue or sculpture

Royal Citadel

This 17th-century stronghold was a bastion of military strength. Explore the walls and fortifications with a guided tour.

Royal Citadel
Plymouth which includes general coastal views and a pool

Tinside Lido

Between the sea and the green cliffs of Plymouth is an art deco swimming pool surrounded by fountains, deck chairs and a café.

Tinside Lido
Mayflower Steps which includes signage

Mayflower Steps

Among the fishing boats of Plymouth’s harbor is a memorial to the settlers who went on to found one of the first American colonies.

Mayflower Steps
Plymouth showing interior views and a bar

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Sip on expertly made gin in a historic distillery that has been making spirits for over two centuries in the same spot on Plymouth’s waterfront.

Plymouth Gin Distillery
Elizabethan House showing interior views and heritage elements

Elizabethan House

Step inside this wonderfully preserved house to see how a merchant or sea captain would have lived in the 1500s, a time when Plymouth was a prosperous port city.

Elizabethan House

University of Plymouth

Explore the campus of University of Plymouth during your visit to Plymouth. Stroll along the seaside in this family-friendly area, or check out its top-notch restaurants.

University of Plymouth

Derriford Hospital

Though Derriford Hospital might be what brings you to town, perhaps you'll have a chance to explore more of Plymouth while you are here.

Derriford Hospital

Explore areas of Plymouth

Smeatons Tower showing a lighthouse

Barbican

4.5/5(3 area reviews)

Travelers come to Barbican for its abundant dining options, and you can see top attractions like Bowling Green and Plymouth Naval Memorial while you're in town.

Barbican
Plymouth which includes boating and heritage architecture

Royal William Yard

Grandiose maritime buildings have been transformed into one of Plymouth’s trendiest spots, now a hub of restaurants, art galleries and family activities.

Royal William Yard
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Derriford

Though Derriford might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Home Park and Saltram House.

Derriford
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Stoke

4/5(1 area review)

Stoke is well-liked for its restaurants. You can also take some time to explore sights in the surrounding area like Home Park and Plymouth Pavilions.

Stoke
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Turnchapel

Travelers like the monuments in Turnchapel, and South Devon is a top attraction you might want to visit.

Turnchapel
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West Hoe

Though West Hoe might not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Plymouth Pavilions and Theatre Royal, Plymouth.

West Hoe

 

Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Plymouth

Kingsbridge

Kingsbridge

Saltash showing a bridge

Saltash

Photo "Cornwood" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)

Cornwood

Photo by Tony Bell

Buckland Monachorum

Photo "Ermington" by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA) / Cropped from original
Photo by Derek Harper (CC BY-SA)

Ermington

Frequently asked questions

Is Plymouth worth visiting?
Plymouth offers an interesting mix of culture, local charm and attractions. Whether you're into the outdoors, history or local culinary flavours, there's plenty to enjoy here.
How do I spend a day in Plymouth?
After you've checked off key attractions like Wembury Beach and Bovisand Bay Beach, spend some time discovering Plymouth's shopping and dining scene.
What is the top tourist attraction in Plymouth?
The top tourist attraction in Plymouth is Theatre Royal, Plymouth, so make sure to include it on your itinerary.
Is three days enough to stay in Plymouth?
Three days will be enough time to check out the leading city highlights, including Theatre Royal, Plymouth, Wembury Beach and Bovisand Bay Beach. The average stay in Plymouth is two days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Torquay isn't far away.
Is Plymouth a walkable city?
It all depends on what you want to see and do in Plymouth. Several key attractions, like Theatre Royal, Plymouth and Bovisand Bay Beach, are reachable on foot. If you're up for a stroll around some of Plymouth's neighbourhoods, Barbican is 0.48 kilometres away from downtown, while Beaumont is 0.64 kilometres away from the city centre and also within walking distance.
What are some activities to do in Plymouth with kids?
Planning what to do in Plymouth with kids has never been easier. Whether you're vacationing with toddlers or teenagers, there's no shortage of family-friendly sights and activities to keep everyone happy here.

What to do in Plymouth for adults?
There are plenty of things to do in Plymouth, with entertainment for adults of all ages. End the day with a visit to Plymouth Gin Distillery or Plymouth Dome.
Are there free things to do in Plymouth?
From checking out parks to strolling around vibrant neighbourhoods, it's simple to discover free things to do in Plymouth. If you need inspiration, get some recommendations from a local tour guide. Wembury Beach is a top spot for anyone wishing to save on their travelling adventures.