Devon's biggest city, and among Britain's greatest seafaring cities, Plymouth produced such sea dogs as Francis Drake and John Hawkins, both of whom played a leading role in the thrashing of the Spanish Armada in 1588. An crucial naval base, the city withstood relentless battle in World War II and fared little bit much better from insensitive restoring in the war's aftermath.
Fortunately, its historical Barbican district and adjacent harbour have made it through undamaged, together with a handful of timber-framed and jettied historical buildings. Added to these are some engaging contemporary attractions and a lively cultural scene, all of which pay back a visit to this old harbour town.
Leading 10 Features
1 Plymouth Hoe
2 National Marine Aquarium
3 Saltram
4 Mount Edgcumbe
5 City Museum and Art Gallery
6 Crownhill Fort
7 Merchant's House Homepage Museum
8 Black Friars Distillery
9 Sutton Harbour
10 Elizabethan House
Plymouth Hoe
High above the harbour keeping an eye out over Plymouth Sound, the Hoe is a grassy area studded with memorials and a transferred lighthouse - Smeaton's Tower. Flowerbeds and yards make this an perfect area in fine weather condition.
National Marine Aquarium
Plymouth's the majority of high-profile attraction features a range of marine life, such as sharks, moray eels and seahorses. Panels provide insights into life underwater. Feeding times occur through the day.
Saltram
A Georgian mansion set in its own premises outside Plymouth, Saltram is adorned with charming furnishings (above) and works of art. Numerous films, including Sense and Sensibility, have been shot here.
Mount Edgcumbe
Set on the Rame Peninsula facing Plymouth across the Sound, Mount Edgcumbe is surrounded by parkland that provides stupendous views of the city and along the coast.
Sutton Harbour
The harbour was the embarkation point for Captain Cook, and, in 1620, for the Pilgrim Fathers as marked by the Mayflower Steps and a plaque.
City Museum and Art Gallery
The extensive exhibitions here include Egyptian statuettes, asian porcelain, African beadwork and regional historical finds.
Merchant's House Museum
This 17th-century building houses a collection of interests including a ducking stool, a Victorian doll's home, a pharmacy and a reconstructed schoolroom.
Black Friars Distillery
Originally a merchant's home, this distillery has been producing Plymouth Gin considering that 1793. It is believed that the Pilgrim Fathers sought shelter here prior to journeying on the Mayflower.
Elizabethan House
This Tudor house protects its low ceilings and creaking oak floors. A restored cooking area is on the ground floor, the dining room and parlour on the first floor and bed rooms on the second.
Crownhill Fort
Plymouth's finest example of military architecture dates from 1872. It was one of the "Palmerston forts", constructed to defend the country from a French intrusion.
The Historical Port
Previously a small fishing community, Plymouth prospered in the 15th and 16th centuries as a marine base and a port for wool deliveries. The Pilgrim Fathers embarked from here in 1620 to discovered the American colony of New Plymouth. Captain Cook and Charles Darwin both sailed from here in later centuries. The city's marine presence continues to be strong.
Plymouth's the majority of high-profile attraction features a range of marine life, such as sharks, moray eels and seahorses. Formerly a little fishing community, Plymouth flourished in the 15th and 16th centuries as a naval base and a port for wool shipments. The Pilgrim Fathers embarked from here in 1620 to found the American nest of New Plymouth. Captain Cook and Charles Darwin both sailed from here in later centuries. The city's marine presence continues to be strong.