Out & About in Plymouth

Plymouth is home to over a quarter of a million people and the city lies on the South West coast of Devon. London is about 190 miles to the East. Plymouth is built between the Tamar River to the West and the River Plym to the East and where they join is known as Plymouth Sound. Plymouth's economy is largely based on Devonport, its naval operational base, the largest in Europe. Ferries run from Plymouth to Spain and France and Plymouth also has an airport.

Plymouth suffered badly from the German bombing raids of World War 2 known as the Plymouth Blitz. The principal targets were the dockyards but most of the city centre was also completely destroyed. More than a thousand people lost their lives in the bombing. By the 1960s over twenty thousand homes had been rebuilt. Now, the city centre has been completely modernised and pedestrianised and there has been much tree planting to bring the city completely into the 21st century.

Plymouth has an extremely interesting maritime history. Sir Francis Drake was a Devon man and a monument to him stands overlooking Plymouth Hoe. Roughly, Plymouth comprises three regions. To the South of the train station is the heart of the city along Armada Way. To the South is Plymouth Hoe overlooking Plymouth Sound and here are guest houses and a lovely promenade. To the East of the Hoe is the old Barbican area with quaint pubs and shops and a wonderful atmosphere. Close your eyes for a moment and transport yourself back in time and try to imagine what the area used to be like in the days of smuggling!

Shopping

Drake Circus is Plymouth's new shopping centre. Home to more than 48 major shops plus a wide range of restaurants, the centre has all the modern facilities required of such a development including toilets, disabled access, parking and lifts. At the Western end of the city centre is The Independent Quarter. You will discover over 200 unique shops for that very special purchase and fantastic service.

Plymouth city centre really does offer the best in quality shops and range of goods in the South West region. It is easily accessible allowing all the family time and space to make the most of their leisure time and to enjoy some fine shopping experiences. Shopping is every day of the week and there are wide spaces free of traffic, landscaped areas of seating and outdoor cafes.

The old Barbican area has many small interesting shops. Plymouth Gin is located in the area. They have been manufacturing their famous gin at Blackfriars Distillery since 1793.

Food and Drink

Plymouth is a modern city and in recent years the number of eating places has increased vastly. You will not struggle to find what you are looking for be it Italian, French, Mexican or just good old English fish and chips. Right on the front at the Barbican is The Watering Hole - a great place to eat and drink with weekend barbeques (weather permitting of course). Piermasters Seafood Restaurant is the oldest seafood restaurant in Plymouth and has a reputation for the finest shellfish and fish dishes. They also serve meat, poultry and game.

Plymouth is a modern, young-at-heart city with chic cafes and restaurants at its heart. Spread your wings just a little further from the centre and you will find old pubs, some overlooking the water, where you can relax and enjoy good food and hospitality.

Arts and Entertainment

The best-attended regional theatre in Britain, and indeed the largest, is Plymouth's Theatre Royal. The theatre achieves audiences of over 360,000 annually and is particularly known for its Winter pantomime. TR2, the theatre's new creative learning and production centre, is a unique, award-winning waterfront building. Built on the banks of the River Plym, TR2 contains costume, set, rehearsal and prop-making facilities which allow the theatre to produce all levels of work and which attracts successful producers from around the country.

Hotels and Travel

The city is served with top names in the hotel world as well as smaller guesthouses and bed and breakfast establishments. Some of these have fine views over Plymouth Sound. However, if you prefer somewhere with a country view, you will not have to travel far because Plymouth lies on the edge of Devon's beautiful South Hams and is close to Dartmoor.

Plymouth is easy to get to by car via the M5 motorway. Mainline trains depart to London to the East and to various places in Cornwall to the West. Plymouth City Airport has up to six flights a day to London.