Plymouth Tourist Attractions and Sightseeing

(Plymouth, Devon, England, UK)

Whilst the Plymouth National Marine Aquarium stands out as a particularly notable tourist attraction, the city has plenty of further attractions, many of which are free of charge and suit for all ages.

A simple walk around the Barbican area of Plymouth is always enjoyable, whilst nearby shopping centres offer the perfect leisure activity for shopaholics and those just looking for a bargain.

Many tourists visiting the city of Plymouth head straight to the waterways and enjoy one of the many cruises available along the Sound and River Tamar, with highlights including the Naval Dockyard, the Tamar Valley and the Weir Quay.

National Marine Aquarium

Address: Rope Walk, Coxside, Plymouth, Devon, PL4 0LF, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 60 0301
Without doubt Plymouth's number one tourist attraction, the National Marine Aquarium enjoys a waterfront location, in the Barbican area of the city. A relatively new feature, having only officially opened its doors in 1998, the National Marine Aquarium is housed in a modern building with eye-catching contemporary architecture and large areas clad in natural wood. Overlooking the harbour, Plymouth's aquarium is especially important, since it concentrates on both research and conservation, and features many enormous tanks and aquariums, together with the cafe offering panoramic harbour views, a gardens complete with yellow submarine and picnic tables, and a gift shop selling aquatic souvenirs. With an underwater tunnel, large sharks and a huge tank resembling a cinema screen, expect to see many huge shoals of cod and other seawater fish, together with rock pools, a big octopus and an important group of seahorses.
Open hours: daily, November to March, 10:00 to 17:00; April to October, 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children, seniors, students and families, children under four free

Barbican

Address: Island House, Southside Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2LR, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 30 4849
One of the most popular parts of Plymouth's harbourside, the Barbican area comprises two especially historic streets. Many top tourist attractions reside in this part of the city and include the Mayflower Exhibition, numerous restaurants, local gift shops, antique stores, a number of prominent old buildings and a great atmosphere. The Barbican is a lively and vibrant area and no visit to Plymouth is complete without walking around this charming area.
Open hours: daily - 24 hours
Admission: free

Devonport Royal Dockyard

Address: Plymouth, Devon, PL1 4SG, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 60 5665
An important maritime attraction and a major employer in the Plymouth area, the Devonport Royal Dockyard is still working today and is full of history. Submarines are often refitted at this busy engineering complex and many luxury yachts are also built and repaired here. It is possible to walk around some of this area and observe the day to day goings on.
Open hours: daily
Admission: free

Plymouth Gin

Address: Blackfriars Distillery, Southside Street, Plymouth, Devon, PL1 2LA, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 665292
A particularly famous distillery, the Plymouth Gin attraction is located along Southside Street, close to the city centre. Dating back more than 400 years, this distillery offers regular guided tours and of course an extensive gift shop selling a variety of alcohol and types of gin.
Open hours: April to September, 10:30 to 16:30
Admission: charge, discounts for children, children under 10 free

Dartmoor Wildlife Park

Address: Sparkwell, Plymouth, Devon, PL7 5DG, England, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1752 837 645
On Plymouth's north-eastern outskirts and next to the Plympton area, Dartmoor Wildlife Park is the perfect family attraction. Boasting more than 1,000 animals in all shapes and sizes, the park covers approximately 30 acres / 12 hectares and also features a falconry centre with regular flying demonstrations. Other attractions include picnic facilities, a popular gift shop, a cafe serving refreshments and a playground area suitable for young children.
Open hours: daily - 10:00 to 18:00
Admission: charge, discounts for children