Short breaks in Plymouth, Devon

Smeatons Tower, Plymouth

Plymouth is Devon's largest and most famous maritime city and it's an ideal base for a day out. It's best to arrive early as the city has many sites to see and will keep you occupied all day! To see the city's maritime past you should take a trip to Plymouth Hoe where you'll see a statue of Sir Francis Drake - the Hoe is reckoned to be the spot where Drake played bowls before seeing off the Spanish Armada. For some of the best views over Plymouth Sound and the city you should climb the steps of Smeatons Tower. Once erected as a lighthouse on Eddystone Rock, the tower was moved to the Hoe in the 1882.

The Mayflower

The Sutton Harbour area of the city is heavily used by fishermen on a daily basis. Historically Sir Francis Drake, Captain Cook and other adventurers including the Pilgrim Fathers all set sail from here. The Mayflower Steps indicate where the Pilgrim Fathers finally left English soil for America in 1620. The Mayflower visitor centre, located at the Barbican, has interactive exhibits to teach you about the history of Sutton Harbour and the Mayflower. On the opposite side of the harbour is the National Marine Aquarium, Britain's largest aquarium, which was opened to educate us about the threat upon our oceans.

Gin lovers should tour the Black Friars Distillery which has been producing the world famous Plymouth Gin since 1793 and is therefore the oldest gin distillery in the world. Originally a monastery (home of the Black Frairs) it became a debtors prison and was where the Pilgrim Fathers spent their last night in England before heading to America. Visitors can enjoy guided tours throughout the buildings, learning about the history of the area, the gin making process and finishing off with sampling the finished product.

If you fancy a bit of retail therapy the city has large department stores, souvenir shops and a great indoor Pannier market. The city is well served for restaurants and watering holes, although you may have to book tables in advance during peak summer months.

Three miles outside of Plymouth is Saltram House, Devon's largest country house. This 18th century mansion and gardens was used in 1995 to film Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility. The building was originally Tudor and the home to the Parker family, however they commissioned Robert Adams who altered the design to Georgian. The main drawing room is reckoned to be some of Adams' finest work. Exquisite furniture, china and fine art are on display as well as works by Angelica Kauffman. Saltram House became a property of the National Trust in 1957, the house and gardens are open to the public, opening times and prices can be found on their website.

Eight miles north of Plymouth, close to the river Tavy, Buckland Abbey - once home of Sir Francis Drake. Founded 700 years ago by Cistercian monks before being converted into a house and owned by Richard Grenville. Property of the National Trust since 1948 the displays and exhibitions tell the tale of the building and it's occupants. The abbey now celebrates a new Elizabethan garden which was created to mark the 50th anniversary of it's opening to the public. Buses to Buckland Abbey are available from Plymouth bus station.

See also: Map of Plymouth