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 Steeped in history |
Tourist Information Centre Island House, Southside Street Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LR United Kingdom |
Step back in time as you walk along the harbourside and through the two oldest streets of Plymouth. See the real Elizabethan House in New Street, and tour the 200 year old Plymouth Gin distillery. The Mayflower Steps are a must, to see where the Pilgrims embarked in 1620. You'll find them at the entrance of Sutton Harbour, which you will find filled with small craft of all kinds. Visit the Island Tourist Information Centre and discover the Barbican's history. This small harbourside area has some very fine restaurants and shops which offer a wide range of goods, from local art and antiques to crystal and crafts. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Brad Watmuff |
 Photo: Will Richards  |
 Photo: Stewart Hector |
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Entertainment and More! |
Barbican Approach Plymouth PL4 0LG United Kingdom http://www.barbican-leisure.co... |
Barbican Leisure Park has something for everyone. The whole family will enjoy their countless offerings. For the kids, be sure to check out Tenpin bowling lanes. Couples like to dine at one of the restaurants such as Old Orleans, Frankie & Benny's, or Nando's Chicken Restaurant. For outings with friends, be sure to catch the latest flick at Vue Cinemas or stop at one of Oceana's bars and nightclubs. Whether in Plymouth for business or pleasure, a stop at the Barbican should be on your itinerary. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Enjoy your fitness routine |
Barbican Leisure Park Coxside Plymouth, Devon PL4 0LG United Kingdom +44 1752 26 5355 http://www.cannonsclubs.co.uk |
Situated in the newly developed Barbican Leisure Park is this modern and well-equipped health club, which is part of the Cannons Health Club chain. The facilities include a swimming pool, gymnasium, exercises studio, sauna, steam and spa, beauty treatment rooms, crèche, as well as a bar and lounge for that after session drink. The club is only open to members, but there is a range of membership packages available, including temporary membership. The cost of full membership ranges from £36 to £78 per month and there is also a joining fee of between £75 and £150. For full details and to book a session, contact reception. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Time warp garden |
Southside Street Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LA United Kingdom +44 1752 26 4849 |
This delightful little garden is an oasis of tranquility in a sea of shoppers and tourist activity,in a street that was new in the 16th century, when wealthy merchants built their houses here. Although a popular tourist stop it is tucked away, and can be quiet and completely empty even on a hot August day. Very low box hedges contain beds of colorful flowers and fragrant herbs in the old Elizabethan manner. Underfoot are cobbled paths and areas of old slate. Stone seats are very welcome to the weary shopper, although unfortunately this is not a place for those whose mobility is limited, as there are lots of stone steps and no room for ramps. Relaxing beside the cooling fountain, it is easy to think yourself back in Elizabethan Plymouth. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Brett |
 Photo: david a steele |
 Jump back to the 16th century |
32 New Street The Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2NA United Kingdom +44 1752 30 4774 |
The Elizabethan House was built in 1580. Once the home of a merchant or sea captain, the house has been carefully restored, with everything as it would have been at the time of Queen Elizabeth I. It was constructed on three floors; a shipping company used two rooms on the ground floor, and the merchant seafarer occupied the floors above. Period features include low wooden beams, a spiral staircase, windows with tiny panes, an inglenook oven, and original floors and furniture. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Fascinating load of rubbish |
The Ride Plymouth, Devon PL97JA United Kingdom +44 1752 48 2392 http://www.tghvc.co.uk |
This is an educational exhibition, but you'd never realise that if you went by the excited clamour of children enjoying themselves. This is the UK's first leisure-based sustainable waste education exhibition and well worth seeing. But not just seeing, as this is a fully interactive establishment. There's a giant hamster wheel which you must turn fast enough to fill and empty a waste bin equivalent to a week's worth of the half a tonnes of rubbish we each produce every year. All the challenges on the ground floor are just as noisy and exhausting, but great fun. The first floor has many arcade style games which will keep the most active visitors busy for ages. There are computers, a video room and the Riverside Cafe for when your energy runs out. Don't miss this unusual museum. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jimmy Jiji |
 Mayflower photo shoot |
Island House The Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LS United Kingdom +44 1752 30 4849 |
This Tourist Information Centre can be found right by the harbour on the Barbican. The building that houses it dates from about 1590. Tradition says that some of the Pilgrim Fathers lodged here the night before they boarded their ship at what is now known as the Mayflower Steps, just across the road on the harbour side. Outside on the wall is a plaque that lists the names of everyone who sailed on the Mayflower, so it makes a popular visitor stop and photo shoot. Inside you can pick up information on the attractions of Plymouth and the surrounding area, restaurants and accommodation. You can also book tickets here for many attractions, which will save you queuing. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Cornwall's grandest house |
Lanhydrock Plymouth, Cornwall PL30 5AD United Kingdom +44 1208 7 3320 |
The grandest house in Cornwall, Lanhydrock dates back to 1620 when a square plan house was built. Of this house only the magnificent granite gatehouse survives as it was. Today it is mainly the fine 19th century house that visitors see, with 49 rooms on show, giving an extraordinary glimpse into the life of a Victorian country house, including the state rooms, the children's nursery wing and the fascinating warren of kitchens, larders and sculleries "below stairs". The house can be seen in the movies The Three Muskateers and Twelth Night. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Spectacular Cornish gardens |
Lanhydrock Plymouth, Cornwall PL30 5AD United Kingdom +44 1208 7 3320 |
Lanhydrock is set in 450 acres of woods and parkland running down to the River Fowey, and is lovely in all seasons. Formal Victorian gardens surround the house, and climbing the hillside are 30 acres of wooded higher gardens with a superb collection of magnolias, rhododendrons and camellias, making a glorious spring display, plus other rare trees and shrubs. There is a unique circular herbaceous garden and a famous avenue of ancient beech and sycamore trees runs down towards the Fowey. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Peter White (dohger) |
 Photo: Liz Walker |
 Photo: Stuart Craig Madden |
 Photo: Balliolman |
 Photo: Andrew Eberlin |
 Photo: Duncan Walker |
 Photo: Lance |
 Photo: Carmen Seaby |
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Pilgrims' portal |
The Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 United Kingdom +44 1752 26 4849 |
For many years Plymouth had nothing to commemorate the place where the Pilgrim Fathers took their leave of the Plymouth shore to set out for a new life of religious freedom in America. In 1934, the Mayor of Plymouth added a stone gateway over the Mayflower Stone and called it "The White Gateway to the Ocean". Visitors, especially Americans, have always flocked to this site on the historic Barbican, and to the plaque on which the names of the Pilgrim Fathers, their wives and servants are recorded. This is found very close by, on the side of the Island Tourist Information Office. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard and Gill Long |
 Photo: Markus Schroeder |
 Photo: lyndl nanos |
 Photo: Dave Snook |
 Photo: Rob Ditcher |
 Photo: popepenelope |
 Photo: Tom Smith |
 Photo: Ashley Warner |
 Photo: dave garland |
 Photo: David Brummel |
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Encapsulating Plymouth's history |
33 St. Andrews Street Plymouth, Devon PL1 2AX United Kingdom +44 1752 30 4381 / +44 1752 30 4774 |
Close to the historic Barbican is a four-storey Jacobean town house, now an enchanting museum which encapsulates the history of Plymouth. The Merchant's House was built in 1608 for one William Parker, a privateer, friend of Sir Francis Drake, and Lord Mayor of Plymouth. Each floor of the house tells a different story. Discover how the Great Western Railway and Isambard Kingdom Brunel's railway bridge were constructed. See a Victorian schoolroom, or learn about the growth of trade in the Tailor Room. Social inequalities are vividly portrayed in the Rich Man's Room, and you can share the experiences of local people during the Blitz, and the rebuilding of their devastated city. The top floor is given over to Park Pharmacy Trust, a fascinating time capsule of pharmaceutical history. Here you can see carboys in amber, yellow, red and blue (the apothecary's elements), herbal remedies, shampoos, preparations and perfumes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Richard and Gill Long |
 Photo: Rob Taylor |
 Close encounters of the shark kind |
Rope Walk Coxside Plymouth, Devon PL4 0LF United Kingdom +44 1752 60 0301 http://www.national-aquarium.c... |
This is Britain's most up-to-date aquarium, with many spectacular underwater displays. A visit to this ultra-modern centre alongside Sutton Harbour on the historic Barbican will be an unforgettable adventure, with wide screen viewing windows giving you an amazing close-up view of the fish. The most spectacular displays have to be the sharks at feeding time, but there are many fascinating exhibits, including Europe's largest collection of seahorse species. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert |
 Photo: Ken |
 Photo: Andrew Julian |
 Photo: Richard Kendall |
 Photo: Chris Brightman |
 Photo: Richard Bradshaw |
 Photo: Bill Bennett |
 Photo: Daniel Jarvis |
 Photo: Dean Woodyatt |
 Photo: Marc Scott-West |
 Photo: gareth.doutch |
 Photo: Tony Edgecombe |
 Photo: Hannah Welbourn |
 Photo: simplydevonandcornwall |
 Photo: Ch3rriee |
 Ecumenical extravaganza |
Plymouth Hoe Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom |
This is a truly ecumenical festival, with Christians of many denominations gathering on Plymouth Hoe to celebrate the birthday of the Church. There is always a great party atmosphere, with everyone bringing a picnic. There are children's activities, with games, arts and crafts, face painting and entertainment for the youngest members and team games for the older children and teenagers. A procession of thousands of believers begins after lunch. They march through the city centre, round the Barbican and back to the Hoe, singing joyfully as they go. The service comes next. Live modern music helps everyone to worship with enthusiasm, although there are always 'golden oldies' sung as well. Usually drama and dance are included and much enjoyed, as is every aspect of this happy festival. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Sensory history of Plymouth |
The Hoe Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom +44 1752 60 0608 |
This is the quickest and most interesting way to learn about the two most important periods of Plymouth's history: the Elizabethan era and the Second World War. Step back in time with the aid of high-tech gizmos, to the sights, sounds and even smells of history. You can travel with Drake, Cook and the Pilgrim Fathers on their voyages; see the troops gather to protect Plymouth in the Civil War siege and witness the destruction the Luftwaffe wrought upon the city. In the observation gallery you can use TV cameras and zoom in on ships in the Sound, or use the computers to compile naval data. The gift shop is a great lure to children and there is also a small café. All in all, a fascinating experience. Admission: adult £4, OAP £3.40, child £2.60, family £12.30 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jason Evans |
 Photo: Four- Eyes |
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Home of mothers' ruin |
Southside Street (Blackfriars Distillery) Plymouth, Devon PL1 2LA United Kingdom +44 1752 665292 |
Although it is now known as Blackfriars Distilleries, none of the black cloaked monks ever had an establishment in Plymouth, not even in the 15th century when the distillery was started. So the origin of its name remains a mystery. The building was once used as a debtor's prison, a guildhall and it was the last place the Pilgrim Fathers met before starting their voyage to America. Today it is owned by Coats Distillery, which was founded in 1793, and is now home to the famous Plymouth Gin. There are tours of the distillery every day and the shop sells a full range of products guaranteed to cheer the most wintry day and remind you of the warmth of Plymouth. Why not try Sloe or Damson Gin or take home the famous Navy Strength Gin? Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: lissaweier |
 Photo: leigh wolf |
 Photo: Kris Chapman |
 Photo: Benjamin Upchurch |
 Photo: Leanne Dunse |
 Photo: Ian Corrigan |
 Photo: Tom Turton |
 Photo: Matt Pallatt |
 Photo: A Dunbar |
 Photo: valiant_126 |
 Photo: Luc Hermans |
 Photo: Greta Schmidt |
 Photo: Daniel Hatadi |
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Anyone for bowls? |
Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom +44 1752 30 4849 |
This green plateau is an excellent place to watch the ships in Plymouth Sound. There are many interesting landmarks on the Hoe, including three war memorials and a large statue of Francis Drake, whose game of bowls there is legendary. Also re-erected here is the spectacular Smeaton's Tower, Plymouth's famous lighthouse. On the east side of the Hoe is the vast Citadel, built by King Charles II to defend the port. A later edition, Plymouth Dome, is a high tech time capsule of Plymouth through the ages. There is no sand below Plymouth Hoe, just a pebbly beach at the very far end. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Jo Thyssen |
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 Photo: Chris Jakeway |
 Photo: Furlow Roth |
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 Photo: Christian Allinger |
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 Photo: Chris Parker |
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Yachts, ferries and fishing boats |
The Sound Plymouth, Devon PL1 United Kingdom +44 1752 26 4849 http://www.plymouth.gov.uk/hom... |
Plymouth Sound is one of the world's great natural harbours, made even safer when the Breakwater was built by French prisoners-of-war in the 1800s. This structure, made out of 4 million tons of limestone and granite, is 1600 metres long and 80 feet deep. Just off Mount Edgcumbe Country Park is Drake's Island. Rising to 100 feet above the water, it covers an area of about six acres. It was originally a religious settlement named St Nicholas Island, after the patron saint of sailors. It has also been a state prison, a military arsenal and an adventure centre. There is always something to see on the Sound, with hordes of yachts and pleasure boats, naval and merchant ships, Brittany Ferries and local fishing boats crossing the stretch of water. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caz Harrison |
 Photo: Brad Watmuff |
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Oldest Ahkenazi synagogue |
Plymouth Hebrew Congregation Synagogue Chambers, Catherine Street, Plymouth, Devon PL1 2AD United Kingdom +44 718 2261 7430 |
This is the oldest Ahkenazi Synagogue in the English speaking world, built on the site of a spring used for ritual washing. It was dedicated in 1762 and is in regular use to this day. The interior is striking, with beautiful windows, a gallery and lighting from a huge Victorian brass chandelier. Against the eastern wall is the only full-blooded Baroque Ark surviving in this country, complete with shadow painting of the Hebrew characters. There is now only a small but dedicated congregation worshipping at this orthodox synagogue, but regular tours are open to the general public. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Second oldest house |
Finewell Street Plymouth, Devon PL1 2AD United Kingdom +44 17 5266 1414 |
The second oldest house in Plymouth, it was built by Thomas Yogge in 1498. It is a fine limestone building with granite door and window frames, and a galleried courtyard. In the past it has been a dwelling house, a warehouse, a wine store and a bacon factory. But it has now belonged to St Andrew's Church since the 1920s. It is used with the adjoining Abbey Hall to accommodate their youth groups, and is let out to community groups. The church lets out the bottom floor to Tanners, one of Plymouth's highest quality restarants. The building also houses the famous 28 foot Plymouth Tapestry, with its 2,250,000 stitches, some of which were added by royalty. It took four and a half years to complete, and is well worth a visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Lucy Turnbull |
 Photo: martinhunt |
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Dramatic 17th century fort |
Plymouth Hoe Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom http://www.britevents.com/even... |
King Charles II commissioned the building of the Citadel, a dramatic fort with a fine baroque gateway, on Plymouth Hoe in 1665. Originally designed as a conventional star-shaped fortress, it was later extended to take in Drake's Fort, including some of the Tudor gateways, and mounted 152 guns. It is still in use today. Tickets can be bought from at Plymouth Dome below Smeaton's Tower on the Hoe. Admission: adult £3, child £2, senior £2.50 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Dodd |
 Photo: Vera Milosavich |
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Two hundred and fifty year old lighthouse |
The Hoe Plymouth, Devon PL1 2PA United Kingdom +44 1752 60 0608 |
If you are wondering about the bright blue, giant edifice that currently dominates Plymouth Hoe, don't worry. The red and white candy stripes of Smeaton's Tower are still there beneath it. In 1759 the interlocking stones of Smeaton's Lighthouse were first transported out from Millbay Harbour to the Eddystone Rocks, where the lighthouse stood for more than 120 years. In 1882 a fault was discovered in the rocks below. So they dismantled the lighthouse, took it back to Plymouth and re-erected it on the Hoe. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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![Smeaton's Tower photo by [Benny]](pictures/215826_24.jpg) Photo: [Benny] |
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Promoting environmental awareness through entertainment |
Throughout the city Plymouth, Devon United Kingdom |
The Tamar Coastal Festival is a 2005 event that is to become an annual one. It seeks to promote environmental awareness through a variety of activities and entertainment that includes guided boat trips, picnics, beach sculpture, wildlife walks, exhibitions, and more. All the regions along the Tamar River participate in this event, including the city of Plymouth - venues here include the Dome, Plymouth City Museum and Art Gallery, and the Tamar Estuaries. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Europe's largest painting in progress |
27 New Street Barbican Plymouth, Devon PL1 2NB United Kingdom +44 1752 30 1022 |
This fascinating museum, in one of the oldest and largest buildings on the Barbican, shows the history of fishing from the ancient port of Plymouth. It has pictures of the craft in days gone by, as well as videos and educational aids. There are lots of model fishing boats, two touch tanks and examples of all the equipment old fashioned fishing boats carried. If sharks are your thing you will love getting close up to the life-size models, especially that of Billy, who was the largest basking shark in the world at more than 13 metres long. Review © 2007, Wcities |