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Plymouth

Quick Facts

Language: English

Currency: British Pound

Area Codes: 01752

Other Cities in this Region

Plymouth is without a doubt one of the most exciting cities in England. Located on the border between Devon and Cornwall, it is a cultural haven of arts, history, recreation, and entertainment. It is a city that can be enjoyed all year round, but the tourist seasons are spring and summer. Today, the town lays claim to being the birthplace of many great historians and explorers who brought England's charm to the Americas. Much of New England was founded by Plymouth's own, and the city pays tribute to them by preserving their homes and birthplaces, and recalling their history in the form of landmarks that allow visitors the chance to appreciate their deeds.

The pastoral feel of the city mixes quite brilliantly with the bustle of its urban backdrop, creating an interesting and appealing mélange of city and countryside. Visitors know Plymouth as a fairytale-like place. This is the stuff of paintings and fiction, brought to life by this fishing town, where you can walk through beautiful and quaint villages where thatched roof houses sit beside lush greenery.

Yet Plymouth has all of the amenities of modern day Europe. You may choose to spend your day hopping buses around the city; partaking in its many attractions. Or, you could opt to spend your time peacefully soaking up nature in one of Plymouth's protected and magnificent parks. Still, you may want to window shop for antiques and trinkets and pass your time sampling cuisine at the cafés sprinkled throughout the shopping district. Whatever your taste, Plymouth has a wide array of activities and events that will engage you and leave you in admiration of its charm and class.

Docking & Local Transportation

Cruise ships arriving in Plymouth dock at the Port of Plymouth on the southwest coast of Devon. This is a port known worldwide for its accessibility to the heart of Plymouth and its accommodation of tourists.

Buses, taxis, and rental cars are all possibilities in Plymouth. The public transportation has a wonderful reputation for affordability and efficiency. Taxis and buses can be easily accessed from the Port of Plymouth.

Local Interests

Depending on your interests, pace and style, Plymouth can offer you countless wonderful possibilities for experiencing the city. Nature lovers will be awe struck by Dartmoor Wildlife Park (Sparkwell, 01752/837645), a national preserve where animals roam in their natural habitats and visitors are invited to spend the day absorbing the quiet beauty around them.

If you are looking to ingest some history, visit the Royal William Yard, which was erected for the Royal Navy in 1825. Then head on over to the City of Plymouth Museum and Arts Gallery (Drake Circus, 01752/304774, www.plymouthmuseum.gov.uk) where you can learn all about the city's colorful past. The National Marine Aquarium (Rope Walk, 01752/600301, www.national-aquarium.co.uk) is a family favorite, and a must see. The Aquarium recreates the underwater experience with a wall of ocean that stands around twenty-five feet high and seventy-five feet long. You will come face to face, literally, with the marine life and coral reefs that replicate the ocean.

Tourists enjoy waking around Crownhill Fort, (Crownhill Rd., 01752/793754, www.crownhill.co.uk) which is a land fortress that was used in World War I to guard troops. Today it remains in perfect condition, built low into the ground and surrounded by camouflaging greenery. The Elizabethan House (32 New St., 01752/304774) in the Barbican area of town is a gorgeous 17th-century home restored to its original grandeur, and which is today a museum open to the public. It is filled with 16th- and 17th-century furnishings and offers an enchanting glimpse into the antique world it duplicates.

Activities

Beaches and Sporting

The Whitsand Beach is one of Plymouth's loveliest, and a nice place for a boat ride or sunbathing outing. And as any Plymouth native would tell you, no trip here is complete if you do not visit The Hoe to take in the panoramic views of Plymouth Sound.

Riverside Caravan Park (Longbridge Rd., 01752/344122) offers group lessons and scuba diving excursions to nearby beaches. You can contact the park and find out if a group trip is scheduled when you are in Plymouth, and if not, private lessons are available as well. Golf is well liked in Plymouth, and many beautiful courses are yours to choose from. The Central Park Golf Club (Central Park Ave., 01752/509391) is a gorgeous pick.

Shopping

The Barbican section of town is a shopper's paradise. Here you can stroll up and down the streets, which are teeming with gift shops, boutiques, and retail stores. You might want to take a look at Deep Impressions (32 Netton Close, 01752/408129, www.deepimpressions.co.uk), which specializes in paintings of the water and deep-sea life. This store is unmatched in Plymouth for its original art. You will be amazed at the colorful paintings of marine life and sea images found here. Carnegie Paintings and Clocks (01752/881170, www.paintingsandclocks.com) is a family run store that sells antique clocks and artwork. Quality and innovation merge to form a fascinating shopping experience at Carnegie, a favorite of Plymouth residents.

Dining and Nightlife

The Lemon Tree (9 Elliot St., 01752/260411) is a restaurant that offers the season's best catch, whatever that may be. It promises the freshest fish and seafood served in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. Ocean Palace (30A Western Approach, 01752/660170) is an upscale Chinese eatery that boasts of a popular lunch menu and a modern interior design. Albemarle Bar (Budshead Rd., 01752/782289) is the place to go for drinks before or after dinner. With a nice wine selection and plenty of mixed drinks, there's something for every taste here.

Nightlife in Plymouth is a thriving industry. The Candy Store (99 Union St., 01752/601616, www.candystore.co.uk) is an ultra-chic club that stays open late into the night on weekends, playing popular music and offering an extensive drink menu. For those looking to work off the fish and chips, Dance Academy (121-123 Union St., 01752/220055, www.danceacademy.co.uk) is a dance club that plays techno and hip hop seven nights a week.