| Plymouth is a rapidly changing city. With so much to offer it is no wonder that Plymouth is becoming a favourite place for taking a break. The City caters for your every whim in one way or another, from phenomenal sailing and diving to a National park right on the doorstep. As a destination, be it for a weekend or a month, Plymouth is becoming the place to be.
The Barbican
The Barbican is one of the oldest parts of Plymouth. With its confusion of winding cobbled streets and narrow passageways, the once bustling commercial district now plays host to many bars and cafes as well as arts and crafts shops and a permanent indoor market. It was from the Barbican that the Pilgrim Fathers sailed aboard the Mayflower for the New World in 1620, and the steps where they boarded can be seen today, appropriately called the Mayflower Steps. The Hoe
 A short walk from the Barbican is the Plymouth's Promenade: The Hoe. Commanding spectacular views over the Sound, including the breakwater, Kingsand and Cawsand bay, and on a clear day the Eddystone lighthouse. Situated on the Hoe is Smeatons tower, a striking red and white lighthouse that the Victorians transported to its current position from the Eddystone, and which you can climb its 93 steps and take in the breathtaking panorama from the top. It is on the Hoe that Sir Francis Drake was playing bowls and saw the approaching Spanish Armada.
 City Centre
Plymouth City Centre is undergoing a period of major development. With is diverse range of shops, and number of bars and clubs it is a hot spot at anytime of day. The ever changing nature of the city means that there is always something new to see with every visit.
Dockyard
Devonport Dockyard is one of the largest naval dockyards in the UK and plays host to everything from small patrol boats to nuclear submarines to aircraft carriers. Frequently, ships can be seen making their way through the sound to and from this historic naval base. Devonport’s vital importance as a naval base during World War 2 ensured that Plymouth was a prime target for German bombers. As a result much of the city was destroyed. Happily the Barbican was largely unharmed and continues as a reminder of times past. Surrounding Areas
 Plymouth is a city nestled between wild countryside and stretches of waterfront. With the South Hams on one side, Cornwall on the other, and Dartmoor above, you really are spoilt for choice.
The South Hams district, with its rolling hills and river estuaries, makes for a spectacular day out. In amongst it all lay many little villages with traditional pubs or homely restaurants for an enjoyable meal.
Cornwall has much to offer, including the Eden Project, a millennium project which has proved to be very successful. Other places of interest include Rick Stein’s fish restaurant in Padstow, Lands End, or closer to home Mount Edgcumbe.
A visit to Dartmoor should not be missed. You can rock climb, ramble, or rest in this beautiful national park. Formed in 1951, it is a 368 square mile treasure trove of history and beauty. See the Plymouth Tourist Board site for more help in planning your trip to Plymouth.
www.visitplymouth.co.uk |
