A Guide to 36 Hours in Plymouth

10th September 2024

Plymouth has put down its roots over the course of a long maritime history and the Ocean City is making huge strides towards being a weekend stay destination of the future. Often overlooked and at times undervalued until recently, its tides are changing. With the beaches of the South Hams to the east, Cornwall just over the Tamar to the west, and the sweeping greens of Dartmoor National Park above, this gem of a city is ready to step out of the shadows and into its own light as one of the UK's best. 

Here is our guide on what to do in Plymouth. 

What to do in Plymouth 

Plymouth Gin Distillery is one of many businesses making its home on the Barbican, making and selling gin here in the same way it has since the late 18th century, earning it the title of the oldest working gin distillery in England. Though not quite as time-served, cycle shop and cafe Rockets and Rascals is another longtime Barbican resident. The team’s enthusiasm for two-wheeled steeds knows no bounds and they are perfectly placed to offer advice on Devon’s cycle routes, which are some of the best in the UK.

Finding peace amidst the hustle and bustle of city life isn’t easy, but the Elizabethan Gardens nestled in the Barbican neighbourhood promise a calming escape. Delightfully unheard of to many, they make for a scenic setting for time with your book or your thoughts.



Just a little further along Plymouth Waterfront is the Hoe. It's from here that Smeaton’s Tower casts its gaze across Plymouth Sound and the city, and where Sir Francis Drake famously finished his game of bowls before setting about defeating the Spanish Armada. Bowls games are still a regular occurrence and the green space is a gathering place with a view for all ages. It is here you will find the iconic Tinside Lido, a Grade II listed, Art Deco, salt water swimming pool that still looks much like it did when built in 1935. Widely considered one of the best outdoor pools in Europe, the lido attracts swimmers and sunbathers all year round.

A fabulous way to take in both the Hoe and the Barbican is via the South West Coast Path, which passes through each on its way to Royal William Yard. Comprising the largest collection of Grade I listed military buildings in Europe, the Yard served as the major victualling depot of the Royal Navy and an important adjunct to Devonport Dockyard. Recent years have seen it transformed into one of Plymouth’s most desirable addresses, its warehouse apartments housing the city’s professionals, and its once unloved buildings now home to a thriving coworking space, a boujie Everyman cinema, art studios and galleries, indie shops and a roster of dining options that is ever growing. South West SUP provides paddle board hire from within the Yard’s storied stone walls, while swims at nearby tidal pool, Firestone Bay, see a dedicated community of dippers gather come rain or shine. A new ferry also links Royal William Yard with the Barbican, as well as Mount Edgcumbe, home to the pretty Mount Edgcumbe House & Country Park and its National Camellia collection.



You shouldn’t save the National Marine Aquarium for a rainy day but it certainly suits the purpose. The largest marine aquarium in the UK has the UK’s deepest tank and its largest single viewing panel through which to watch some of the 4,000 animals found there. More than 40 shark species, stingrays, octopuses, jellyfish and two turtles are among them, with a whole underwater world on display. All proceeds from entry to the National Marine Aquarium go towards the Ocean Conservation Trust, so you will be doing your bit to help the real oceans when you visit too.

Where to drink in Plymouth

If a weekend calls for a slow meander out of the city, the Mussel Inn in Down Thomas will reward your 20 minute or so drive with the friendliest of welcomes. The pub has become a local hero with its beautiful location and a good sized park for the kids to burn off some energy while the grown-ups enjoy a beer post-coastal walk.

Back in town, the Lord High Admiral quenches thirsts with beers and ales from local breweries, as well as sustainable wines and a commendable cocktail list. The pub on Stonehouse Street has a quiz or live music most Thursdays. With a wood burner in winter and lively outdoor space when the sun shines, it is a year-round winner.

Another local favourite is the Gipsy Moth, named after one of the world’s most famous yachts, the Gipsy Moth IV, on which Sir Francis Chichester set sail from Plymouth in 1966 to sail single-handedly around the world. Set on Plymouth Hoe, overlooking Smeaton’s Tower, its three floors are loaded with atmosphere and nods to its nautical heritage.



The sunshine yellow Clovelly Bay Inn sits in a historic fishing village location that puts it close to Mountbatten’s watersports, South West Coast Path hikes, and a short water taxi or bus from the Barbican. Such a location, combined with a passion for real ales and local farm ciders, has made the CAMRA pub popular with families and dog walkers. Its ‘Pie and Ale’ festival attracts a faithful crowd.

Finally, swap the usual salted peanuts for more elevated bar snacks at B-Bar, where noodles, live music and comedy, and beer, combine. This quirky spot inside the Barbican Theatre, on the historic quayside, has something on almost every night of the week and is a more unique alternative to the more traditional pubs in town.

Where to eat in Plymouth 

Plymouth has become a force to be reckoned with in culinary terms, gathering momentum as a foodie centre of South Devon and whetting appetites aplenty with its menu of street food, great bakes, visionary vegan fare and Michelin-tipped fine dining. Whether you are planning to indulge or need a quick but uncompromising light bite, the city has all a rumbling tum could desire and its new openings just keep on coming.

It is impossible to mention light bites in Plymouth without a nod to The Hutong Bagel Co on Cremyll Street, just outside Royal William Yard. Founded by Plymothians Jack Harman, wife Emma and brother George, the cafe shot straight into the hearts of the city’s foodies when it launched its soft, doughy bagels piled with an imaginative and hearty portion of toppings. Specials come and go but the Hutong house menu stays deliciously consistent - think halloumi with red pepper jam and sesame mayo, or salt beef with sauerkraut and mustard mayo. They’re as good as any New York bagel you’ve ever crossed paths with.



There are few simple pleasures in life quite like a Saturday morning walk by the sea with a flat white and a pastry for company. Those purveyed behind the yellow door of the Almond Thief will cross your mind long after the final flake has left the paper bag. A second off shoot for the bakery, with a popular sibling long delighting pastry aficionados in Totnes, the Almond Thief on Looe Street delivers the undisputed best croissant in town. Unfortunately the orange and cardamom bun is exceptional too, so you’ll need to give both a go and report back.

The South West has been slow to hop upon the food hall bandwagon, but Plymouth is leading a charge. The unassuming-looking Plymouth Market on Cornwall Street has undergone a tasty regeneration into a go-to culinary destination and now boasts a global menu of Japanese sushi, Mauritian and Nepalese dishes, vegan brunch and European street food, all crafted by local vendors keen to delight the city’s flourishing appetite for new flavours.

Another equally delicious street food favourite is Supha’s on Sutton Harbour, where harbour views meet Thai, Vietnamese, Laos, Myanmar and Malay infl uences to full foodie effect. With an extensive vegetarian and vegan menu, it is an excellent option for families and groups with big appetites. Similarly fabulous for vegans (some say the best in the city…) is family-run Cosmic Kitchen on Palace Street, where sisters Gabriela and Lucia cook to an ethos of ‘good mood food’. One salad here is enough to see your Tupperware left gathering dust for all eternity.



Plymouth has flown under the fine dining radar for a long while, but a number of nods by the Michelin guide have seen the city take a seat at the table.One-starred Àclèaf at Boringdon Hall Hotel sees people book stays for the food alone, while Fletchers and the Barbican Kitchen have each deservedly seen mentions in the most recent Michelin guides. All share a penchant for ultra-local produce like Devon crab and Dartmoor lamb, plus unmatched talent in the kitchen honed over many years in the business.

Has life in Plymouth caught your attention? Check out the latest homes for sale in Plymouth with our Marchand Petit Newton Ferrers office here.