PLYMOUTH | SIGHTS, ATTRACTIONS AND THINGS TO DO

Every year James and I take a trip down to Plymouth to see my family and every year I fall in love with it a little bit more so I figured why not put together a little post about the things I recommend doing while visiting Plymouth.

National Marine Aquarium

The National Marine Aquarium is actually the largest public aquarium in the UK and with so much to see and do while you are there it is definitely a must do activity! While there you can see different types of shark, fish and other sea life too. The Aquarium is great for all ages and there is so much to learn.

Pennywell Farm

Ever dreamed of cuddling a pig? Pennywell Farm is the place for you! At Pennywell Farm you can find a wide variety of animals from Horses, Goats, Sheep and Cows. They also have a super cute pets corner where you can have friendly cuddles with rabbits, mice, ducklings and guinea pigs.

There is also a bunch of fun things for children such as tractor rides and multiple play areas so you can definitely spend a good few hours here!

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park

If you want a day packed full of animals then Paignton Zoo is a must. The park has over 2,500 animals and is spread across 80 acres of land. From baboon rock to crocodile swamp you are bound to see animals you have never even heard of!

At £19 for an adult and £14 for a child Paignton Zoo is not the cheapest but it is a guaranteed full day of fun. You can also get annual passes if you think you’ll visit a few times each year.

I would give yourself a minimum of 3 hours, even more if you have younger children with you. There is a lot of walking so be sure to pack some snacks!

Living Coasts

Living Coasts is a small Zoo and Aquarium in Torquay which is about an hour away from Plymouth. At Living Coasts you’ll find a variety of ducks, fish, penguins, otters and seals too! It is quite a small place but lovely none the less! We always like to have an explore around Torquay after visiting Living Coasts because the area is beautiful.

Living Coasts is cheaper than Paignton Zoo – which is to be expected. At £14 for adults and £10 for children it is reasonably priced. You can also get a Zooper Ticket which gives you access to both Paignton Zoo and Living Coasts. Purchasing a Zooper Ticket saves you around £7 which I think is fantastic!

Royal William Yard

Royal William Yard is an ex-naval victualling yard that was constructed back in the 1830’s and is considered one of the most important groups of historic military buildings – pretty cool huh?

Now it has been transformed into a number of restuarants and shops including popular chains such as; Wagamamas,  Las Iquanas and Prezzo. For those of you more interested in the history of Royal William Yard you can book onto a 2 hour two to learn all about it.

TenPin

Can you guess what TenPin is?? You guessed it – TenPin is a bowling alley located at the Barbican Leisure Park so it’s perfect for a date / family night going out for dinner and some bowling. There is also a bunch of arcade games and pool tables for those not so fond of bowling.

Despite being regular visitors to Plymouth TenPin is somewhere James and I had never been until this year. Abbie and Mike took us on a Tuesday night when bowling is half price but be aware that it gets very busy and you will need to book.

The Eden Project

“Dubbed the Eighth Wonder of the World by some, the Eden Project is a dramatic global garden housed in tropical biomes that nestle in a crater the size of 30 football pitches.” – Visitcornwall.com

The Eden Project has two major Biomes; Rainforest – the worlds largest greenhouse and Mediterranean – full of hemp, sunflowers and other amazing plants.

I wouldn’t recommend doing The Eden Project on a super hot day as the Biomes can reach incredible temperatures that may be uncomfortable. You can certainly spend 3+ hours here and it is incredibly educational and interesting too. There is even a zipwire across the park if you’re feeling brave!

Dartmoor National Park

Plymouth has many lovely places to go for walk abouts and Dartmoor National Park is for sure one of them. Each year we go to the Crapstone side of the Park and I would highly recommend it. You can climb up Crapstone Rock, have a ice-cream and snuggle with friendly horses and sheep – horses will chase you for your ice-cream though!

Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre

I’m a big Otter fan and would definitely visit this place again! It isn’t a huge park but big enough to spend a couple of hours there. You can see British and Asian short clawed Otters playing in their pens and being fed while learning all about them.

You will also see different breeds of deer roaming freely around the grounds and they are super comfortable and happy coming up to you for cuddles. You will also see Owls, Meerkat, Chipmunks and Wallabies!

At £9 for an adult and £5.50 for children this park gives you the best value for money!

Lands End

If you are in Plymouth then Lands End is an absolute must otherwise you are wasting your journey! Lands End is Britain’s most south-westerly point and also one of Britain’s most famous landmarks.

It is definitely worth taking a walk along the cliffs and looking out onto the sea. There is also a bunch of shops, places to eat and also an old farmstead to meet some animals.

Speaking of Lands End we have also come to the end of my top recommendations of things to do and see if you visit Plymouth! Of course this is just 10 of the many many things that there are to do around the Plymouth and Cornwall area. If you haven’t been to Plymouth before I would highly recommend it especially if you can have a car to drive around and explore.

Click here to read about a fantastic restaurant at the Plymouth Barbican.

Click here for more ideas of what to do while you’re in Plymouth.

TTFN,

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