What to do and see in Plymouth, England: The Best Budget-friendly Things to do

September 4, 2021 Ying Subia

Plymouth (/ˈplɪməθ/ ( listen)) is a city on the south coast of Devon, England, about 37 miles (60 km) south-west of Exeter and 190 miles (310 km) west-south-west of London. It lies between the mouths of the rivers Plym to the east and Tamar to the west, where they join Plymouth Sound to form the boundary with Cornwall.
Restaurants in Plymouth

1. Plymouth Synagogue

Synagogue Chambers Catherine Street, Plymouth PL1 2AD England +44 7753 267616 http://www.plymouthsynagogue.com/
Excellent
96%
Good
4%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 255 reviews

Plymouth Synagogue

Reviewed By laurengN126SP

I visited the synagogue while on holiday in Cornwall and can honestly say it was the highlight of the trip. Tucked away off of St Catherine Street, you'd be forgiven for missing it altogether but it's certainly not hiding away, as explained by the wonderful Jerry who showed a group of 6 of us around. Named as the caretaker, he is far more than that. He gave us 2.5 hours of history of Plymouth, Judaism and the Jewish community in Plymouth. The hours felt like minutes and we could have gone on much longer. The building itself is stunning and you can feel the sacred presence and history there, if you are of any faith or none at all, it is well worth a visit. From the stained glass windows to the opulent artefacts, you will be mesmerised by the beauty and peace to be found inside the shul. The building is a jewel, Jerry deserves a medal for all his hard work keeping this beautiful building going and if you do visit you may well meet the gorgeous Synagogue cat Dexter. You will not be disappointed.

2. Barbican Theatre

Castle Street, Plymouth PL1 2NJ England +44 1752 267131 [email protected] http://barbicantheatre.co.uk
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
2%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 248 reviews

Barbican Theatre

At the Barbican Theatre, we use theatre and dance to fire people up and get them excited about making, creating and exploring new moves and disciplines. We are inclusive and work with anyone who wants to join us to make outstanding theatre and dance. You can get involved as a participant or as an audience member in work that inspires, challenges, entertains and educates. We believe that creativity belongs to everyone, so we ensure that our performances and workshops are affordable and accessible. We are also specialists in taking our work out to schools, into public spaces and to communities. Feel free to drop us a review on one of our latest shows or if you've come for a visit, let us know about your experience! Don't forget to take some snaps whilst you're in the building, whether it's with a caught-out cast member or of our B-Bar downstairs. We hope you enjoy your trip to our tucked away theatre - currently rated NUMBER ONE THEATRE IN PLYMOUTH - so give us a 'like' on Facebook or a 'follow' on Twitter to find out more about future events!

Reviewed By margarethQ5197XF - Plymouth, United Kingdom

We loved all of it. The theatre is small , cosy and quirky. The atmosphere was great- full of fun. The staff were friendly and very welcoming. The acting was great and very powerful with a thought provoking performance. We are seeing the show for the second time on Sunday with different friends. My humbug Christmas friends loved it. Thanks for a great evening.

Hoe Park, Plymouth PL12 England http://www.1418now.org.uk/commissions/poppies-wave-at-plymouth
Excellent
82%
Good
16%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 338 reviews

Naval Memorial

The Plymouth Naval Memorial commemorates 7,251 sailors of the First World War and 15,933 of the Second World War. The Memorial is situated centrally on The Hoe which looks directly towards Plymouth Sound. It is accessible at all times. Copies of the Memorial Register are kept at the Tourist Information Office at Island House, 9 The Barbican, Plymouth, PL1 2LS, and also in the Naval Historical Section at Plymouth Library.

Reviewed By Johnny_vegan - Glastonbury, United Kingdom

Well, it Christmas, so I had to make that joke, and this impressive naval monument is the centrepiece above Plymouth Sound and Drake's Island and honours those who have lost their lives in military action, specifically the First and Second World Wars, and over 22 thousand names are inscribed on the monument, making it a very poignant place to spend a few minutes quietly contemplating. Rumour has it that Francis Drake played bowls on the Hoe before sailing ship to have a bust-up with the Spanish Armada. There is also a monument to him nearby.

4. Royal Citadel

Royal Citadel Madeira Road, Plymouth PL1 2PD England +44 7876 402728 [email protected] http://citadel.yapsody.com
Excellent
50%
Good
40%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Royal Citadel

Built following the English Civil War, this was England's principal fortress featuring outstanding examples of 17th-century baroque architecture. Open for guided tours on Tuesdays at 2:30pm (May to September).

Reviewed By BevBristol

Knowing that we were travelling to Plymouth, I searched some things to do. This came up. You are able to book the tour of the property via English Heritage ( Yapsody website). The tour is advertised as 2 hours long, and we managed it in about 2 hrs 20 mins. The English Heritage tour guide was very knowledgeable on the local history of Plymouth as well as the Citadel and provided much more information than we were expecting. The need to book should be self explanatory to most. The Citadel is a current military base, so they need to know who is coming in and that they are escorted on site during the length of the tour - I think the maximum tour group size is 30. There are information boards outside of the property which indicate the days the tour runs and how to book. The tour commences at 14.30 hrs and you should be there 15 mins in advance. the views over Plymouth are wonderful and we were lucky to be there on a warm dry day. Please note that all but the visit to the onsite church is outside, the church also being the only place that you can sit down.

5. Elizabethan Gardens

Southside Street Barbican, Plymouth PL1 2LA England +44 1752 306330
Excellent
51%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
6%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 78 reviews

Elizabethan Gardens

6. Saltram (National Trust)

Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1UH England +44 1752 333500 [email protected] http://nationaltrust.org.uk
Excellent
56%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
3%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 959 reviews

Saltram (National Trust)

Saltram House is a George II era mansion located in Plympton, Plymouth, England. The house that can be seen today is the work of Robert Adam, who altered the original Tudor house on two occasions. Wikipedia Saltram park offers a great place for walking, jogging, cycling and picnics. The park is open from dawn to dusk. Car park fees payable to non-National Trust members. Enjoy the Park Cafe, Shop and visit the House, Garden with Orangery, Castle Folly and Chapel Tea Room. There is a display of Arts and Crafts by local artists in the Gallery. Become a member and support the National Trust in the conservation work carried out to preserve our heritage for future generations and enjoy these facilities free all year. See our web pages for special events and opening time

Reviewed By woolywombat - Sedona, United States

Simply a magnificent property. The National Trust is lucky to have this estate which was turned over to the government with furnishings almost intact in lieu of death duties. There are numerous paintings by Sir Joshua Reynolds, a library of over 3,000 books, remarkable Chinese wallpaper, a spectacular collection of Wedgewood, and much, much more. Room docents were outstanding. The gardens are beautiful and there is both a tea room and a delightful cafe where we enjoyed a late lunch - the carrot and coriander soup was delicious. There is a gift shop as well as second hand bookshop. Don't miss this treasure!

7. Saltram Gardens (National Trust)

Plympton, Plymouth PL7 1UH England +44 1752 336546 http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/saltram/
Excellent
57%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 297 reviews

Saltram Gardens (National Trust)

Reviewed By 652k_r_aty - Plymouth, United Kingdom

Love Saltram and visit here regularly with family. The little tea room is lovely too to have tea and cake

8. Plymouth Gin Distillery

60 Southside Street Black Friars Distillery, Plymouth PL1 2LQ England +44 1752 665292 [email protected] http://plymouthgin.com/
Excellent
72%
Good
20%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 928 reviews

Plymouth Gin Distillery

Gin Distillery that offers a variety of three different tours, shop and cocktail lounge Booking advisable for tours

Reviewed By C2026VVcarolinef

A great tour of the distillery, we took a 12 & 15 yr old they got in free, even they enjoyed the tour and smelling and tasting the gin botanicals. The adults got to sample the gin, sloe gin & fruit cup, all delicious. £10 per adult with then a free gin & tonic in the Barbican bar or a miniature to take away, very relaxing. It’s important to book your tour to avoid disappointment. I then bought a bottle of each for home ????

9. Smeaton's Tower

Plymouth Dome Hoe Road Hoe Park, Plymouth PL1 2NZ England +44 1752 304774 [email protected] http://plymhearts.org/smeatons-tower/
Excellent
58%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 598 reviews

Smeaton's Tower

Smeaton's Tower is closed over the winter of 2019 for repainting. It will re-open in spring 2020. A centrepiece on Plymouth's Hoe, Smeaton's Tower is one of the city's most recognisable and well-loved landmarks. The lighthouse was originally built out on the notorious Eddystone Reef in 1759. It was taken down in the early 1880s and approximately two thirds of its structure moved stone by stone to its current resting place. Now standing at 72 feet high, it offers brilliant views of Plymouth Sound and beyond.

Reviewed By FionaN950 - Villach, Austria

Visited with my sister and brother-in-law on their most recent visit to Plymouth. It’s very interesting and the view across the Hoe is awesome. Incredible to think this is the third of four lighthouses to be built on the Eddystone rocks, with the current lighthouse visible on the horizon on a clear day. Originally built from Cornish granite in 1759, it was taken down in the early 1880s when it was discovered that it was being undermined by the sea. The base of Smeaton's Tower still in position next to the current Eddystone Lighthouse. You can find out about all four lighthouses on your visit. It is possible to go to the very top and to go outside onto the balcony area around the light, on the way up to the lantern room, which is particularly cool!

10. Plymbridge Woods

Plymbridge Lodge Plymbridge Road, Plymouth PL7 4SR England [email protected] http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/plymbridge-woods
Excellent
70%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 354 reviews

Plymbridge Woods

Reviewed By Deejayne - Plymouth, United Kingdom

A lovely wooded area to spend the day or even just for a walk ( with or with the kids or dogs) It has a river so ideal on a hot summers day for a dip. An old railway line for a walk and change of sceanery adds to the atraction.

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