Making the most of Plymouth
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
Passengers from most large ships reach the shore by tender.
Plymouth’s very modern Cruise Terminal has vehicle-marshalling areas to help traffic move smoothly, and modern berthing facilities capable of handling many cruise ships. In the main terminal are a café, bureaux de change, free car park, disabled toilets and low-level pay phones. Although the town centre is a rather long but manageable walk away, taxis wait at the terminal and will probably cost about £12 each way.
Millbay Docks at the Port of Plymouth sit within Plymouth Sound, an impressive natural harbour. Their tidal basin contains 13 ha of water; a 200-m berth and anchorage for vessels up to 300 m long allow the port to receive most ocean-going cruise liners.
A webcam for Plymouth Sound.
A printable map to take with you.
Plymouth is popular for seaside holidays, with beaches immediately outside town. Attractions include the National Aquarium, named " Aquarium of the Year" and "Devon Family Attraction of the Year" in the Good Britain Guide 2003, plus Smeatons Tower, Crownhill Fort and Mayflower Steps.
Plymouth’s historic harbour has England’s highest concentration of cobbled streets, alongside cosy cafés, lively pubs, striking shops and galleries. By the sea, enjoy fish and chips, ice cream or another seaside treat.
The Mayflower Steps commemorate the Pilgrims’ 1620 departure for America; across the road, the Mayflower Museum explains that significant journey. New Street has a striking collection of listed buildings, including the Elizabethan House and the tucked-away Elizabethan Gardens.
Plymouth Hoe provides a breath-taking panorama and unbeatable views over the spectacular natural harbour of Plymouth Sound. It is a magnificent setting for commemorating the city’s heritage, including Sir Francis Drake, who was reputedly playing bowls there before defeating the Spanish Armada. Memorials and statues to Plymouth figures, including Lady Nancy Astor, line the promenade.
Climb Smeaton’s Tower, once a working lighthouse and now standing proudly on the grass, or go to the foreshore for a swim in the beautiful art-deco Tinside Lido.
Getting around
For countryside views, catch the 93 double-decker from Plymouth bus station along the Salcombe/Dartmouth road.
Plymouth has one of Europe’s, and perhaps the world’s, best natural harbours, so a boat tour gives a different view of the city. Most boats leave from the Barbican, often at the ‘Mayflower Steps’. Trips of between 1-3 hours can include the Navy dockyard, Brunel’s Bridge and the Hoe foreshore, with various other destinations also available.
Nearby places
Outside town are the wildlife park, Buckfast Abbey and Dartmoor National Park, among the UK’s finest unspoilt landscapes. Morwellham Quay, a historic shipyard, port and copper mine, has been reconstructed to look as it did in the 1860s, with costumed staff taking visitors back 150 years.
As Devon and Cornwall’s regional capital, Plymouth combines a vibrant modern city with a historic seafaring port. The Barbican offers centuries of maritime tradition.
Try boat trips, fishing, windsurfing, scuba diving or water skiing. The Plymouth area is among Europe’s best places for walking, and its coastal footpaths have magnificent views. Horse riding is available throughout the area too.
Food and shopping
Outside Bristol, Plymouth is the South West’s largest shopping centre, with independent retailers alongside national brands and high-street names in varied shopping areas. Its extensive range of shopping districts and markets gives shoppers a little of everything and is well laid out for easy access, not just for shopping but also for enjoying the broad choice of restaurants, cafés, entertainment venues and attractions in Plymouth.
For leading brands, visit Drake Circus shopping centre. For independent, distinctive shops, head to the West End, where Plymouth Market has more than 100 individual stores and some of the city’s top-rated eateries.
Money
The pound (£) is the currency throughout the UK, and pounds may also be called quid. Scottish bank notes are frowned upon elsewhere in the UK, so exchange them before leaving Scotland.
Cash machines, or ATMs—also informally called ‘holes in the wall’—are very widespread and generally issue £10 and £20 notes.
Most shops and restaurants accept Visa, Mastercard and Maestro.
Staying connected
People speak English across the country, occasionally with a heavy accent!
Free WiFi is offered by most cafés and restaurants.
Plymouth's local emergency telephone number is 999, though the EU-wide 112 may also be used.
Opening Hours and
General shopping hours:
Small stores operate 6 or 7 days weekly, from 10am - 6pm. Larger stores generally remain open until 9PM, while hyper marts are often open 24/7.