Devon's largest urban sprawl, and one of 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 sustained relentless battle in World War II and fared little bit much better from insensitive rebuilding in the war's after-effects.
Its historical Barbican district and surrounding harbour have survived undamaged, along with a handful of timber-framed and jettied historic structures. Contributed to these are some compelling contemporary attractions and a vibrant 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 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 moved lighthouse - Smeaton's Tower. Lawns and flowerbeds make this an ideal area in fine weather.
National Marine Aquarium
Plymouth's the majority of high-profile attraction includes a variety of marine life, such as sharks, moray eels and seahorses. Panels offer insights into life underwater. Feeding times take place through the day.
Saltram
A Georgian estate set in its own grounds outside Plymouth, Saltram is decorated with splendid home furnishings (above) and works of art. A number of movies, including Sense and Sensibility, have actually been shot here.
Mount Edgcumbe
Set on the Rame Peninsula dealing with Plymouth throughout the Sound, Mount Edgcumbe is surrounded by parkland that offers 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 More helpful hints extensive exhibitions here consist of Egyptian statuettes, asian porcelain, African beadwork and local archaeological finds.
Merchant's House Museum
This 17th-century structure homes a collection of curiosities consisting of a ducking stool, a Victorian doll's house, a pharmacy and a reconstructed schoolroom.
Black Friars Distillery
Initially a merchant's home, this distillery has actually been producing Plymouth Gin since 1793. It is thought that the Pilgrim Fathers looked for shelter here prior to travelling on the Mayflower.
Elizabethan House
This Tudor home preserves its low ceilings and creaking oak floorings. A restored kitchen is on the ground floor, the dining room and parlour on the very first flooring and bed rooms on the second.
Crownhill Fort
Plymouth's finest example of military architecture dates from 1872. It was among the "Palmerston forts", developed to defend the country from a French invasion.
The Historical Port
Previously a little fishing neighborhood, Plymouth prospered in the 16th and 15th centuries as a naval base and a port for wool shipments. The Pilgrim Fathers embarked from here in 1620 to discovered 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.
Plymouth's the majority of prominent attraction includes a range of marine life, such as sharks, moray eels and seahorses. Formerly a little fishing community, Plymouth prospered in the 15th and 16th centuries as a naval base and a port for wool deliveries. The Pilgrim Fathers embarked from here in 1620 to found the American nest of New Plymouth. Captain Cook and Charles Darwin both cruised from here in later centuries. The city's naval presence continues to be strong.